Bats have long been misunderstood creatures of the night, often unfairly portrayed as scary or dangerous. Many Mississauga homeowners wonder, “Do bats carry rabies?” when they spot these mammals near their homes. While it’s true that these animals can carry rabies, the reality is that fewer than 0.5% of them actually have the virus. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we’ve spent over 30 years helping homeowners understand and safely coexist with local wildlife, including the beneficial bat populations that call our community home.

From the neighbourhoods near Port Credit to residential areas throughout Mississauga, bats provide incredible ecological benefits that most people never notice. Yet, fear and misinformation continue to make these creatures among the most misunderstood in our region. By separating fact from fiction, we can explore why these remarkable animals deserve our protection rather than our fear.

Myths and Facts: What You Need to Know

When it comes to these animals, misconceptions abound. Let’s address some of the most common myths with facts that might surprise you:

Myth: All bats carry rabies

The truth is that less than half of one percent of bats carry rabies. This disease occurs far less commonly in their populations than most people believe. While any mammal can contract rabies, healthy bats actually avoid contact with humans and other animals, making transmission extremely rare.

Myth: They will fly into your hair

These animals have sophisticated echolocation systems that allow them to detect objects as thin as a human hair in complete darkness. They’re expert flyers that navigate with precision—they’re not interested in your hairstyle!

Myth: They are flying rodents

Bats are not rodents at all. They belong to the order Chiroptera (meaning “hand-wing”) and are more closely related to primates than to mice or rats. Their unique evolutionary path has made them the only mammals capable of true flight.

Myth: They are blind

The saying “blind as a bat” couldn’t be more inaccurate. These animals have perfectly functional vision that complements their echolocation abilities. Many species can see better than humans in low-light conditions.

These common misconceptions contribute to unnecessary fear of these beneficial creatures. By understanding the facts about bats, we can appreciate their important role in our ecosystem and learn to coexist with them safely.

Why Bats Are Harmless: Nature’s Pest Controllers

Contrary to popular belief, these animals are among the most beneficial animals in our local ecosystem. Here’s why they should be appreciated rather than feared:

Incredible Insect Control

Bats are nature’s pest management experts:

1. A single bat can consume up to 1,000 mosquitoes in just one hour.
2. Colonies can eat several tons of insects annually, naturally controlling pest populations.
3. They target many agricultural pests, saving farmers billions in crop damage and reducing the need for pesticides.

For Mississauga homeowners dealing with mosquitoes during summer evenings, our local bat populations are working hard to make your backyard more comfortable—entirely free of charge!

Environmental Benefits Beyond Pest Control

These creatures contribute to ecosystems in ways that extend far beyond insect control:

• Pollination services: While our Canadian bats aren’t major pollinators like their tropical cousins, they do contribute to the reproduction of certain plants.
• Seed dispersal: Some species help distribute seeds, supporting forest regeneration.
• Biodiversity indicators: The health of bat populations often reflects overall ecosystem health.

Economic Value

The services they provide translate into real economic benefits:

• Agricultural support: Their pest-eating habits save the agricultural industry billions in crop damage and reduce pesticide needs.
• Cost-effective pest control: Bats naturally manage insects that would otherwise require expensive chemical controls.
• Research benefits: Bat biology has inspired advances in sonar technology, medicine, and engineering.

When we understand the true value of bats, it becomes clear that these creatures deserve our protection rather than our fear. Their continued presence in our ecosystem benefits both the environment and our communities.

The Truth About Bats and Rabies

Let’s address the primary concern many people have: do bats carry rabies? While they can carry the rabies virus, the reality is that the vast majority do not. According to wildlife health experts, less than 0.5% of bats carry the virus, making the odds of encountering one with rabies extremely low.

Understanding the Real Risks

When it comes to rabies, here’s what you need to know:

• Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites.
• Bats with rabies tend to become sick and die quickly, unlike the horror movie portrayal of aggressive rabid animals.
• Healthy bats avoid contact with humans and will not attack people.
• Most human exposures to rabies from bats occur when individuals handle sick or injured bats.

Good to know: If you find a bat that allows you to approach it, especially during daylight hours, this is abnormal behaviour. Never handle a bat with bare hands, as this is when most exposures occur.

When to Be Cautious

While the risk is low, there are situations that warrant medical attention:

1. If you are bitten or scratched by a bat.
2. If you find a bat in a room with a sleeping person or child.
3. If you find a bat in a room with someone who is mentally impaired.
4. If you find a bat in a room with an intoxicated person.

In these cases, safely capture the animal if possible (without direct contact) and contact public health authorities to determine if rabies testing is needed.

Recognizing Bat Activity in Your Home

While they provide tremendous benefits outdoors, having them take up residence inside your home can create challenges. Here’s how to recognize if bats have moved into your attic or walls:

Common Signs of Bat Colonies

• Bat guano (droppings): Small, dark pellets that appear similar to mouse droppings but crumble when touched.
• Staining: Dark, oily marks around potential entry points caused by the natural oils in bat fur.
• Chirping or scratching: High-pitched sounds, especially at dusk or dawn when bats are active.
• Visual sightings: Bats entering or exiting your home, particularly at sunset.
• Bat in living space: Finding a bat inside your home is often the first indication of a colony in your walls or attic.

Important to note: If you discover a bat inside your living space, this typically indicates that a colony has established somewhere in your home. Contrary to popular belief, bats rarely fly in through open windows or doors—they usually emerge from within the building structure.

Legal Protection and Bat Conservation

Before taking any action regarding bats on your property, it’s critical to understand the legal protections these animals have:

• Many species are protected under provincial and federal wildlife laws.
• It’s illegal to harm, kill, or disturb bats, especially during their maternity season.
• Removal must follow strict humane guidelines and timing considerations.
• Professional wildlife management companies must adhere to these regulations.

In Ontario, bat populations have been severely affected by white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease. This has made their protection even more important for maintaining ecological balance.

Professional Wildlife Management: When and Why to Call Experts

When dealing with bats in your home, professional help ensures both your safety and the welfare of these protected animals. Here’s when and why you should call in the experts:

Timing Considerations for Bat Removal

Proper bat management must account for their natural life cycle:

• June to August: Maternity season when females are raising pups. Removal during this time is not permitted as it would orphan dependent young.
• August to September: Ideal window for removal when pups can fly and before hibernation begins.
• September to April: Hibernation period when bats are inactive and removal should be avoided.

Understanding the necessary timing and legal management of bats allows for the protection and conservation of these fascinating animals. As stewards of our environment, we have an obligation to coexist with bats respectfully and safely.

If you’re dealing with bats on your property or are unsure about how to handle the situation, contact Skedaddle. Our experienced professionals ensure humane and effective solutions tailored to your specific needs. Let’s work together to protect these vital creatures and maintain our shared ecosystem’s health and balance.