Although bats provide a very important role in our environment (a single bat can eat up to 3,000 insects, including mosquitoes, in one night), they can also be dangerous if they roost in buildings or come into contact with people. It's a myth that bats in Canada fly in your hair or suck your blood, but there are many other bat problems that Vancouver homeowners can experience, leaving many wondering how to get rid of them. The following are some common bat problems and some warning signs for you to look out for:
Property Damage
Odours: Bats will roost inside walls, attics and between the roof and ceiling. They're droppings can accumulate quickly and can cause sever odours.
Heating A/C damage: The odours from droppings and dead bats can also cause damage to heating and air conditioning systems.
Health and Safety Risks
Rabies: Bats can bite you while you are sleeping or if you attempt to catch or remove them. Recently, there has been increased incidences of bat rabies in British Columbia.
Histoplasmosis: Bat feces and urine can promote the growth of a fungus that, if inhaled, can cause a sever lung disease called Histoplasmosis which is characterized by flu-like symptoms. The very young, very old and those with impaired immune systems are at greatest risk for severe illness.
These diseases are very serious and as such, bat removal and control should only be handled by trained technicians.