Bat Removal and Facts ©Merlin D. Tuttle, Bat Conservation International, www.batcon.org

BAT INFORMATION

Bats are a protected animal and the only true mammal that flies. Bats are often unjustifiably persecuted throughout the world despite their great ecological value. We try to educate our customers about bat conservation and why we need to use only humane ways to remove bats that happen to come in conflict with people. Bats should never be disturbed, but when they enter structures they can become a problem for property owners. Unless bats are removed and their access points sealed, the bats will return and the colony multiplies.

BAT EXPOSURE

Death from a rabid bat in the United States is rare, about one per year. Precautions should always be taken. If a bat should bite a human it needs to be tested for rabies as soon as possible. Treatment should begin immediately unless the bat is confirmed negative. Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus that lives in bat droppings. Infection is brought about by inhalation of air-born spores in dust enriched by bat guano. Bats can also carry parasites, particularly bedbugs.

EATING HABITS

Bats feed on a variety of flying insects, some which are often harmful to humans. The little brown bat can consume insects equal to one-third of its body weight in only a half hour of foraging. A bats diet can include mosquitoes, mayflies, caddis flies, moths and beetles. Mexican free-tailed bats eat hundreds of moth pests weekly.

BIOLOGY

Bats communicate and navigate with high frequency sounds. Using these sounds alone, bats can "see" everything but color, and in total darkness they can detect obstacles as fine as a human hair, locate and capture insect prey. Bats are not blind and many have excellent vision. The "Little brown bat" (myotis lucifugus) and the "Mexican free-tailed bat" (Tadarida brasiliensis) are common bats we work with in areas of Napa, Marin, Sonoma, Solano, Contra Costa, Yolo and Sacramento counties. Bats are often located near a water source where they can forage for their prey. These bats can enter structures in holes and crevices as small as a dime, living in attics and walls. These bats are dependent on roosts to provide safe havens from predators that may be close to foraging areas. Bats give birth during the months of June through August. Maternity colonies may include hundreds to thousands of bats. Bats migrate each year and will return to the same location. Little brown bats have tan through reddish brown to dark brown glossy fur. They have a wingspan of approximately 9 to 11 inches. Mexican free-tailed bats are dark brown or dark gray with a small tail. They have a wingspan of 11 to 13 inches.

BAT REMOVAL

You have certainly searched out the right wildlife company! Animal Capture Wildlife Control has received many awards for our safe, humane rescues of wildlife. We have been removing bats from attics and walls in cities such as Novato, San Rafael, Napa, Sonoma, Davis, Sacramento, Vacaville, Danville, Alamo and Santa Rosa for many years without ever hurting bats. We have appeared as expert witnesses in court cases regarding bat issues. We do a full property inspection to search out your problems, seal areas of concern along with using humane one way doors which allow bats to exit for good. We do not do any bat removal from June through August as births occur during these months and the mothers need to enter the structures to feed their young inside.