Not all bats carry rabies. In fact, less than one percent of them actually have the virus. However, because they are a common source of rabies in humans, any creature found in an unusual place or acting strangely should be considered high-risk. You should never touch them with your bare hands. You need to keep your family safe by calling our professionals to handle the situation. We are Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Pittsburgh, and we are here to help.
You might wonder what to do if you find one inside your house. You should immediately isolate the creature in one room and contact us. We have the training and tools to safely remove the animal without putting anyone at risk.
You do not want to risk a scratch or bite. In this blog, we will explain the facts about rabies, how these creatures enter your house, and how our professional wildlife team keeps your family secure.
How do bats get into a home?
They get into a home by squeezing through tiny gaps, cracks, or holes in the exterior of your house. These creatures can fit through spaces as small as a dime. You will often find these entry points near the roofline, chimney, vents, or loose siding. You might not even notice these tiny holes from the ground. They actively seek out warm, safe places to rest, making your attic an ideal spot.
You might hear scratching noises in your walls or attic during the night. You may also notice brown stains or droppings near small openings on the outside of your house. These are clear signs that you have a bat living inside. You should not try to seal these holes yourself while the creatures are still inside.
We know exactly where to look to find these hidden entry points. Our team inspects your entire house from top to bottom. We check every vent, shingle, and gap to ensure we find how they are getting inside. You can rely on our expertise to handle the problem safely.
Key Facts About Rabies and Safety
Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can spread from bats to humans. Understanding the risks and key safety measures is essential when dealing with wildlife in or around your home. Below are some important facts about rabies and precautions to keep in mind:
- Low Infection Rates: You will be glad to know that the vast majority of these flying populations are healthy. Very few of them actually carry the disease. However, you must still treat every encounter with caution to be safe. You should never assume a bat is completely healthy.
- Signs of Infection: You might see a sick animal active during the day or unable to fly. You could also find it resting on the ground instead of hanging high up. You should avoid any creature acting this way and call us immediately. You do not want to approach a sick bat.
- Handling Dangers: You must never touch a bat with your bare hands. Even a tiny scratch or bite can transmit the virus to you. You should let our trained professionals handle the removal safely. You can trust us to do the job right.
- Treatment is Essential: If you think you have been bitten or scratched, wash the area right away with soap and water. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to start rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). Early treatment can prevent the virus from spreading and keep you safe. Do not wait or ignore the injury—your health depends on quick action.
Professional Inspection and Assessment
You need a thorough inspection to completely solve the problem. You cannot fix what you cannot see. We provide a complete assessment of your property. Our team uses specialized equipment to inspect every inch of your house.
We look for primary entry points and locate where the colony is nesting. You will often find them in attics, walls, or chimneys. We look for specific signs like guano or sebum stains to pinpoint their exact location. You can rest easy knowing we leave no stone unturned.
You also need preventive mapping to secure your house for the future. We identify potential entry points that are not yet active. You get a complete plan to seal the entire structure. We make sure your house is fully protected.
Humane Exclusion Methods We Use
Our approach focuses on methods that are safe for both the bats and your home. By using industry-leading and humane techniques, we effectively address the issue without causing harm. Each step of the process is carefully planned and executed to ensure long-term solutions. The following are some of the humane exclusion methods we utilize:
- One-Way Doors: You will see us install special one-way doors over the primary entry points. These devices allow the bats to fly out safely to hunt. They cannot get back inside once they leave. You get a natural and humane clearing of your house.
- Netting Solutions: You might see us use heavy-duty netting for certain gaps. We secure the netting on three sides to create an exit path. The creatures can crawl out from the bottom but cannot return. You will find this method very effective.
- Time-Sensitive Techniques: You must know that we never perform exclusions during the maternity season. This would trap flightless babies inside, which is inhumane and causes terrible odors. You can trust us to time the process perfectly for the safety of the bats. You get a responsible and ethical service.
Bat-Proofing Your House
Bat-proofing is a crucial step in ensuring your home remains free from unwelcome visitors while maintaining a humane approach to wildlife management. This process involves identifying potential entry points and securing them to prevent re-entry. Proper bat-proofing requires careful attention to timing and techniques to ensure the safety of both your household and the bats. Key considerations for effective bat-proofing include the following:
- Sealing Entry Points: You will have all identified entry points permanently sealed. We use durable materials like heavy-duty mesh, hardware cloth, and caulk. You won’t have to worry about them chewing through our repairs. You get a lifetime of protection.
- Cleaning Droppings: You should never touch the droppings left behind. They can contain toxic fungus that is dangerous to breathe. You need our team to safely remove the waste and sanitize the area. You get a clean and safe attic again.
- Treating for Bugs: You might not know that these animals bring tiny bugs with them. These bugs are similar to bed bugs and can infest your living space. You can count on us to treat the area and eliminate this secondary problem. You get complete peace of mind.
When to Call Our Professional Team
You should call us the moment you suspect a bat is in your house. You might find one flying in your living room or sleeping in a bedroom. You must calmly leave the room and close the door. You should place a towel under the door to keep it contained. You can then call our emergency removal team to take care of it safely.
You also need our help if you hear scratching in the walls. You might hear these sounds at dawn or dusk as they leave to hunt. You should not ignore these sounds, as a colony can grow quickly. You need us to perform a preventative check and stop the problem early.
You should choose licensed and insured experts for this delicate work. You want a team that offers a written contract and a guarantee. We are Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, and we stand by our work. You can trust us to protect your home and family.
Local Wildlife Challenges in Pittsburgh
You know that Pittsburgh has a unique mix of historic homes and modern buildings. You will find that the local climate makes these houses very attractive to wildlife. You might notice more activity as the weather changes. The seasonal shifts in Allegheny County push these creatures to seek shelter indoors.
You often see older homes in Pittsburgh with tiny gaps in the brickwork or roofing. You will find that these small openings are perfect entry points for wildlife. You need local experts who understand how these houses are built. We know exactly where to look in Pittsburgh homes.
You also have to follow specific local and state regulations regarding wildlife. You cannot just remove certain bats at any time of the year. You need a team that knows the local laws to ensure everything is done legally and humanely. We handle all the compliance so you don’t have to worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I find one in my bedroom?
If you find one in your bedroom, stay calm and avoid trying to handle it yourself. Leave the room slowly, close the door tightly behind you, and place a towel along the bottom to block any gaps. This helps contain the situation and keeps the bat from moving into other areas of your home. You should then call our professional team right away so we can safely remove it.
Can they chew through wood or wires?
No, they do not chew through wood or wires like rodents do. However, that does not mean they are harmless inside your home. Their presence can still lead to serious issues through contamination and damage over time. It is important to address the problem quickly before it worsens.
Are their droppings dangerous?
Yes, their droppings can be very dangerous if disturbed. The guano may contain a fungus that releases harmful spores into the air. Breathing in these spores can lead to a serious respiratory illness called histoplasmosis. You should never try to clean it yourself and always leave it to our trained professionals.
How long does the exclusion process take?
The exclusion process usually takes about 10 to 14 days to complete. This timeframe allows all bats inside to exit safely through one-way doors. Rushing the process could trap some inside, which can create more problems. Once we confirm they are gone, we seal all entry points permanently.
Will they try to come back to my house?
Yes, they often try to return because they remember safe roosting spots. This is known as a strong homing instinct. Without proper sealing, they may attempt to re-enter your home again. That is why our professional proofing methods are essential for long-term protection.
Let Us Protect Your Family from Bats Today
Bats are fascinating creatures, but having them in your home can be dangerous and stressful. While not all bats carry rabies, the risk is still real, and it’s important to stay cautious. You now know how these flying mammals can get inside, the problems they can cause, and why attempting to deal with the issue on your own is never a safe option. Keeping your family safe requires our professional help from experts who understand how to handle wildlife issues effectively and humanely.
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Pittsburgh, we specialize in providing reliable, safe, and humane services to protect your home and loved ones. Our team offers detailed inspections, humane exclusion methods, and complete home-proofing solutions to ensure bats stay out for good. We work hard so you can have peace of mind knowing your home is secure. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we’re committed to delivering the best service possible.
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Request an estimate from us today. Let us help you take the first step toward a bat-free, safer home. Together, we can handle the hard work and keep your family protected.
Loading...
