Servicing the state of Florida since 2004
Bats Facts
Super Mammals
Over 1,400 species of bats make up more than one quarter of the entire 4,625 species of mammals. They are among the most diverse and geographically dispersed mammal in the world. They can be found on every continent on earth except Antarctica or extreme desert regions. They are the only mammal capable of true flight and possess such a sophisticated navigation system (echolocation) that some aspects of the way it functions is still a mystery. Fishing bat's echolocation is so precise that it can detect a minnows fin as fine as a human hair protruding just 2mm above the surface of the water. A single little brown bat can catch up to 1,200 mosquito size insects in an hour. A colony of 150 big brown bats can protect a farmer's crop from 33 million root-worms each year. Guano (bat droppings) found in bat caves supports whole ecosystems of unique organisms, including bacteria used to detoxify waste, improving detergents and producing gasohol and antibiotics.
Bat Problems
Bat Maternity Season April 15th to August 15th
Bat Maternity Season
Bat maternity season is from April 15th to August 15th. This is the time when bats gather to give birth and raise their young. If bats are excluded during the maternity season, flightless young can become trapped inside the structure and die. Because bats are recognized as a protected species, bat exclusions are strictly prohibited during this time. Although not recommended, special permits for the removal of bats during this time maybe obtained by contacting FWC, Florida Wildlife Conservancy Commission.
Bats & Human Illness
Bats & Rabies
Bats & Histoplasmosis
Bats & Histoplasmosis
All mammals may contract rabies, however less than 0.5% of bats actually do and typically will bite only if handled, therefore they do not pose immediate health hazards. Rabid bats often roost alone and sometimes may be observed flying during the day time colliding with objects. An infected bat will show little interest in its surroundin
All mammals may contract rabies, however less than 0.5% of bats actually do and typically will bite only if handled, therefore they do not pose immediate health hazards. Rabid bats often roost alone and sometimes may be observed flying during the day time colliding with objects. An infected bat will show little interest in its surroundings. Instead, it prefers to remain stationary with its eyes closed or half closed, only responding when approached. It will not seek out other animals or objects but will bite if anything should touch it. Paralytic rabies rather than the Ferocious strain of rabies is predominantly found in Mexican free-tailed bats. Unlike the Ferocious, aggressive strain associated with foxes, raccoons, dogs and other mammals, Paralytic rabies symptoms include: weakness, anorexia, hypothermia, paralysis, dehydration, irritability and depression. Sick bats will sometimes flap their wings and squeak loudly when approached. They are unlikely to attack an observer posing any bat health hazards. Most bats will die within a few days of contracting rabies. It is best advised to avoid any contact with a bat that is on the ground or allows you to approach it.
Bats & Histoplasmosis
Bats & Histoplasmosis
Bats & Histoplasmosis
Bats in the attic may produce droppings known as guano, which may cause Histoplasmosis, a fungal disease that causes respiratory problems in humans and other mammals. It is contracted by inhaling the spores of the Histoplasma capsulatum, which is a natural fungus found in soil. Like most fungi, the Histoplasma spores need warm and humid
Bats in the attic may produce droppings known as guano, which may cause Histoplasmosis, a fungal disease that causes respiratory problems in humans and other mammals. It is contracted by inhaling the spores of the Histoplasma capsulatum, which is a natural fungus found in soil. Like most fungi, the Histoplasma spores need warm and humid conditions to grow. Bird droppings are a primary source for the cultivation of this fungus, however, spores have also been found to grow on bat droppings especially those found in caves and buildings located in warm and humid climates. Inhalation of these spores occurs when the dry fecal matter is disturbed and becomes air-borne. The seriousness of the infection depends on the amount of spores that are inhaled and the overall health of the victim. In few cases victims have become seriously ill or have died from complications derived from the sickness. It is therefore recommended that droppings be removed when possible after a bat exclusion has been preformed to minimize the potential of contracting the disease.
Bats & Disease
Bats & Histoplasmosis
Bats & Disease
Unlike humans bats are not affected by many lethal diseases such as Ebola, SARS, and Nipah. This makes them natural reservoirs for these diseases giving them a bad reputation since they were discovered to be a reservoir for rabies in the 1930s.
It is important to keep in mind that the vast majority of disease transmitted from bats into hu
Unlike humans bats are not affected by many lethal diseases such as Ebola, SARS, and Nipah. This makes them natural reservoirs for these diseases giving them a bad reputation since they were discovered to be a reservoir for rabies in the 1930s.
It is important to keep in mind that the vast majority of disease transmitted from bats into humans is due to human behavior. The SAR virus which originated in China was due to humans touching the carcasses of infected dead bats being sold in wet markets. Nipah's deadly virus outbreak in humans was the result of pig farmers feeding mangoes to their swine which had been partially eaten by infected bats.
We must keep in mind however, bats play a disproportionate role in maintaining ecosystems around the world that humans and many other species of plants and animals depend on for survival. Without them our planets balanced ecosystem would collapse.