Bats, often misunderstood and stigmatized, are, in truth, a remarkable part of our local ecosystem. However, when they infringe upon our personal spaces, they can become a real cause for concern. This is where CatchIt Wildlife Control steps in. Our wildlife control services provide responsible, effective, and humane solutions for dealing with unwelcome bat populations.
In Illinois there are 13 species, but in Central Illinois one is likely to encounter two main species: the Little Brown Bat and the Big Brown Bat. They may appear harmless or even beneficial due to their appetite for insects, but when they find their way into your home or business, they pose significant health and structural risks.
These flying mammals are known to carry a variety of diseases, with the most concerning being Rabies. Though only a small percentage of bats carry this deadly virus, the risk is high enough to warrant immediate action if you suspect a bat infestation. Moreover, bat droppings, known as guano, can harbor a fungal species that causes Histoplasmosis, a serious lung disease in humans.
Structurally, they can cause a surprising amount of damage. Guano accumulation can not only lead to foul smells, but over time it can degrade building materials. Moreover, bats often reside in attics, where their constant activities can cause insulation damage and increased energy costs.
There's a common myth that bats are blind, but the reality is quite different. Their vision has adapted to their needs, supplementing their sight with echolocation to navigate and find food in total darkness. This makes them incredibly adept at finding entry points into buildings.
Another fascinating, albeit troubling fact, is that bats are highly social creatures. A single bat sighting could indicate a larger colony hiding within your walls or attic. Given that a single female bat can give birth to one or two pups each year, an unchecked infestation can quickly grow out of control.
Given these risks and complexities, the task of bat removal should be left to professionals. Our team has the training, equipment, and experience to safely handle bat colonies, mitigating health risks and ensuring all local wildlife laws are adhered to. Contrary to some misconceptions, bat removal isn’t simply about chasing bats away. It involves a comprehensive approach that includes inspection, removal, cleanup, and prevention.
We start by conducting a thorough inspection to identify the species involved, the size of the infestation, and potential entry points. This is critical for developing a removal strategy that minimizes stress for the bats and guarantees the safety of everyone involved.
Following the inspection, we implement a humane exclusion process, enabling the bats to leave their roost without the ability to re-enter. This is often done using special devices that allow bats to exit but not return. It's a delicate process, carefully timed to avoid separating mothers from pups during maternity seasons.
The cleanup process comes next. Considering the risks associated with bat guano, we use professional-grade protective equipment and proven sanitization methods to remove any waste materials and disinfect the affected areas.
Finally, we focus on prevention. This includes sealing off the entry points identified during the inspection, using durable materials that can withstand the determined efforts of bats to reenter.
While bats are intriguing creatures, their presence in our homes or businesses can lead to a host of complications. So, if you've spotted a bat on your property, don't risk your safety trying to tackle the problem yourself. Rely on the professionals at CatchIt Wildlife who know how to address your bat concerns efficiently and humanely. For any bat-related issues, do not hesitate,
contact us immediately.
