Know the Risks of Bat Diseases in Colorado

Small bat on the ground inside a homeBat diseases have serious medical implications to consider, so know what they are when dealing with bats. Bats can primarily carry two diseases: rabies and histoplasmosis. Each of these are transferable to people under the right conditions.

Rabies

Rabies is a well-known disease that bats are incorrectly associated as the primary source of transmission. In the state of Colorado, less than ½ of 1% of bats that are tested actually suffer from the disease. But don’t be fooled, performing a bat exclusion increases one’s changes of contracting rabies significantly. Prior inoculation is recommended for anyone performing bat removal. More information >>

Histoplamosis

Histoplasmosis is usually our greatest concern when bats roost inside a home. The accumulation of bat guano can create a suitable environment for the growth of Histoplasma Capsulatum. This fungus can cause lung disease when the spores are inhaled. The lung disease acts like tuberculosis in the lungs. Most people experience a mild form that mimics the flu, but some severe causes can become fatal. In some people, the lungs are not affected, but the eyes are. These people develop Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome, and this causes blind spots on the retina of the eye. More information >>

Additional Concerns

Bat bugs are blood-sucking parasites that feed primarily on the blood of bats. However, denied their preferred host, they will bite humans. Homeowners that have bats should be on the lookout for their presence and have a pest control company treat the home.

Bat urine, when absorbed by wood, drywall, or other porous materials can saturate the material and “gas off.” This creates an odor and air quality control issue inside your home. These materials must be replaced. In the roost side, urine can also cause damage to the insulation and other building materials inside your home.

Bat droppings (guano) can fall through cracks in the ceiling such as tongue and groove wood, around can lights, around vents, etc. and infect the inside of your home. Guano at the roost site will damage the insulation and other building materials, all of which need to be replaced.

Beneficial Bats 120 #C Park Street
Gypsum, CO 81637
Phone: (970) 524-5945
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