Everyone thinks they know bats. They’ve been the subject of myth, legend, rumor, and television dramas for decades.
They play a vital role in our Houston ecosystem (thnk mosquito control) but most people still don’t know much about them. And what they do know is often wrong.
As Houston’s #1 bat removal experts, we’ve set out to dispel these myths. After all, understanding bats is the first step towards safe and effective bat exclusion.
Myth: Bats are Blind
Bats do use echolocation to help them navigate and hunt in the dark. But during the day they have good eyes—which means yes, they can keep an eye on you!
Bats will typically try to avoid you as a result.
But it also means they can see ways into your building. You can’t rely on hide-and-seek to keep bats out!
Myth: Bats are Aggressive
Most bats would rather have nothing at all to do with humans. While a cornered bat will bite like any other animal, bats prefer to eat insects and go about their business.
However, bats can carry rabies. If you see a bat that is acting strangely, can’t fly, or appears sick, you should treat it with extreme caution.
Any direct contact with a bat, even a small scratch, means an immediate trip to your doctor or your veterinarian (if a bat tangles with your pet).
Myth: Bats Love Human Blood
Most bats will never feed on human blood. Even three species of vampire blood tend to feed on wild mammals, birds, cows, and pigs. Vampire bats also aren’t the type of bat we have in Houston, TX.
In Houston, you typically see Mexican free-tailed bats, Eastern red bats, Northern yellow bats, big brown bats, and silver-haired bats: not vampire bats.
Fact: Bats Spread Disease
While some bat conservationists want to downplay the diseases bats spread, the risk is there:
- Rabies
- Histoplasmosis
- Ebola
- SARS
- MERS
They commonly spread respiratory diseases through their guano and their bites.
Fact: Bats Damage Houses
Guano is wet, smelly, and heavy. Urine is…urine. If you want a smelly house that’s rotting away, there’s no better way to accomplish it than to fill up your attic with bat guano.
Bat droppings also stain. If you’ve ever seen an unpleasant stain on your ceiling, the culprit might not be mere “water damage.”
Get Bat Removal Help Today
Elite Wildlife is always prepared to help Houston residents end their bat problems humanely and effectively. We understand bat behavior and use it to your advantage.
Think you have bats? Scheduled your free inspection today!