Learn to safely identify the subtle clues that bats may be roosting in your getaway property.
Bats play a crucial role in the ecosystem, but they can become a health concern when they share our living spaces. A bat infestation occurs when a colony of bats uses a structure, like a rustic cabin, for shelter or raising young. Cabins are particularly attractive due to their quiet locations, irregular usage, and common construction gaps that provide easy access. While the vast majority of bats do not have rabies, the potential risk makes it essential to know if you have uninvited guests. A bat in your living space should always be treated as a potential exposure.
Understanding the signs of bat activity is about protecting both your health and the integrity of your property. Bat droppings, known as guano, can harbor fungal spores that cause histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness. Their urine can stain and corrode building materials over time. By learning to recognize the evidence they leave behind, you can take responsible steps to address the situation. The goal is always safe, humane exclusion of the animals, not extermination, as bats are a protected and beneficial species in many areas.
