Bats are very common in the US and there are several types of bats. The type that is usually hiding in your attic is the colonizing bat. Contrary to belief, bats are not flying rodents. They are actually related to shrews or primates. Bats get a bad reputation partially from their portrayal in horror film. They are always portrayed as dangerous and aggressive. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Bats are not aggressive at all. Bats are also rumored to be blind. Wrong again, bats can see fine. They do, however, use echolocation when in hard to maneuver areas or when finding prey on the wing. Bats wings are comparable to our arms and hands, The scientific name is chiroptera or hand wing. They have elongated bones in the hand and fingers that assist in supporting and moving the wings. They have modified hind limbs that assist in hanging upside down and landing.

Bats do, however, become a nuisance when they decide to homestead in your home or attic. Not only is the presence of bats a nuisance, it can be a great danger to the inhabitants of the house. The bat droppings (guano) provides an excellent breeding ground for Histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis is contracted by the human by breathing in the fungal spores that are released into the air. Bats are also known to be carriers of rabies which can be contracted by the human if bitten by the bat. Even if bats caused no disease, they still are not nice guests due to the smell and the noise they are known for.

Since bats require only one half inch or less pace to enter a building, they find many attics and barns to enter. Usually the bats are not noticed right away so they have accumulated quite a nest when discovered. Sometimes they are noticed flying into or out of the building. One might also discover bats when the droppings are found in the attic, on walls, or in the basement. Once in a while, a bat will lose it's way and be seen by the homeowner in the family's living space.

Only experienced people should attempt to remove bats from a home or barn. When bats are removed from the home, they must be kept from getting back into the home. This is the only way to have your home remain bat free. Also, since bats are beneficial in that they kill insects, one would want to be sure to evict the bats without harming them. An experienced crew will also be able to clean the dangerous bat droppings that are left behind. The physical exclusion of bats from your home is the only way

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