Myths About Bats

Because of how bats are portrayed in horror movies and TV shows, many people have an overwhelming fear of these creatures. Aside from inducing fear, bats are also annoying and risky to have in your home and around your family.

Unfortunately, bats can easily get into homes through openings in the attic. The openings don’t even have to be big because the body of a bat is small, measuring around the size of a human thumb.

Even though bats in the attic are a common nuisance for many homeowners, most people do not really understand these annoying mammals. With this guide and your pest control professional’s help, you will learn the truth behind a few common bat myths.

1. They Drink Your Blood

One of the most common myths about bats is that they are solely after your blood. Thankfully, this myth is not exactly true. While the vampire bat does feed on blood, the risk that one will attack you is very low.

Vampire bats may hide in dark caves and buildings in Mexico, Central America, and South America, so you are most likely safe from this bat variety while living in North America. Most bats found in North America do not rely on blood as part of their daily diet. These bats eat insects and fruit in most cases.

In addition, bats will not attack you unless they are acting out in defense. If you see a bat in your home or attic, remain calm, avoid contact, and consult a pest control professional.

2. They’re Blind

Another common misconception people believe is that all bats are blind. Due to the common saying, “blind as a bat,” it is easy to see how this myth came to be.

While surprising to hear, bats are able to see, and many scientists believe they are capable of seeing as well as a human. Depending on the situation, some bats will choose to use their sight instead of sound while hunting.

The little brown bat, which is one of the most common bats found in North America, has amazing vision that helps them move and hunt in both the day and night. This is also a surprising fact since most bats are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.

3. Seeing is Believing

The sight of a bat is an obvious sign you have a problem. However, just because you do not see an actual bat, does not mean your home is free of these visitors. You should look out for other signs that bats are coming and going from your attic or other area of your home.

Guano, or fecal matter left behind by bats, is one of the most common signs that you have bats visiting your home. Of course, you may not realize these droppings are from bats since they look similar to droppings from mice and rats.

Cleaning up the guano is necessary, but you should use precaution. Most bat droppings carry a fungus that can lead to Histoplasmosis. This airborne fungal disease can cause respiratory issues, such as coughing, sneezing, and breathing difficulty.

To reduce your exposure to the fungus, make sure to wear rubber gloves, eye goggles, and a respiratory mask before cleaning up the bat droppings. Spray the guano down with a 10 percent bleach solution before scooping it up and disposing in a trash bag in your outdoor trash bin.

For more information on bat removal or prevention, contact a reputable pest control company. At Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc., we can help you prevent bat infestations and humanely remove them from your home. Call us today at (909) 335-1486 or (951) 530-1653.