Category Archives: Bats

Histoplasmosis: The Danger of Animal Droppings

histoplasmosis

Did you know that bat and bird droppings can harbor fungus spores which cause illness in humans? Simply cleaning the mess will not remedy the situation either—in fact, it could make spores more airborne. This dangerous illness is known as histoplasmosis.

What Is Histoplasmosis?

Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by breathing in spores of a fungus known as Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus thrives in soil that is rich in organic material. It is commonly found in bat and bird droppings. When these droppings are cleaned, the spores can become airborne and enter lung passages.

Signs & Symptoms

There are several types of histoplasmosis. The mildest form shows no signs and symptoms. Symptoms of histoplasmosis include fever, headache, muscle ache, dry cough, and chest pain. Some experience joint pain and a rash following exposure to the spores.

Chronic histoplasmosis can occur in those with pre-existing lung conditions. Symptoms of chronic histoplasmosis include weight loss and coughing up blood. Severe histoplasmosis can occur in those with compromised immune systems, like infants or the elderly. It can affect multiple organ systems. When left untreated, this is usually fatal.

Treatment

For mild cases of histoplasmosis, treatment is not always necessary. Severe symptoms or those with immune compromised systems should seek medical treatment. Anti-fungal drugs are used to treat the infection.

Prevention

The best prevention for histoplasmosis is avoiding exposure to bird or bat droppings. Avoid areas prone to harboring these animals, like caves, coops, attics, and old barns. If you’ve had bats or birds nesting in your attic or near your home for a long period of time, professional removal may be required. Hosing down any contaminated droppings with water can prevent spores from being released in the air.

If you discover bats or birds nesting in or near your home, call animal control to safely remove the pests. Preventing these pests from leaving droppings can prevent histoplasmosis from reaching you and your family.

Illinois Bat Species

There are 12 different species of bats that live in Illinois. Some hibernate in Illinois, while others migrate to warmer states. The most bat-heavy area of the state is in the southern area of Illinois, near the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Read more to find out about Illinois bat species.

Illinois bat species

Big Brown Bat – This bat is medium sized with a 11 to 13 inch wingspan. They are insectivorous and eat insects active at night such as moths, mosquitoes, and beetles. These bats are commonly found all over the United States and live over 10 years. Big brown bats can fly up to 40 mph!

Illinois bat species

Eastern Red Bat – This medium sized bat is known for its red or chestnut colored fur. They are commonly found among branches of hardwood trees. The eastern red bat forages for food in open spaces.

illinois bat species

Evening Bat – This small species, weighing between 6 and 14 g. They are very commonly found roosting in tree cavities. These bats are also occasionally found in man-made structures. They feed heavily on beetles, as well as other nighttime insects.

illinois bat species

Gray Bat – These bats are cave dependent and rely on caves, as opposed to other structures like trees or buildings. Disturbance in caves can be extremely detrimental to their population. They were once considered endangered in the late 70s. Through conservation efforts the population has restored.

illinois bat species

Hoary Bat – This bat has unique coloring, which is dark at the roots and white at the tips. They are a larger species of bat with a wingspan of 15.5 inches. Hoary bats are rarely found in urban settings.

Illinois bat species

Indiana Bat – These bats tend to live in hardwood forests, but can be found in agricultural areas and fields. They are considered endangered and it is estimated that over 50% of their population has depleted over the past decade. They are sometimes confused for the little brown bat.

illinois bat species

Little Brown Bat – This bat is one of the most commonly found in America. They prefer to roost near water sources and are found in caves, buildings, trees, natural hollows, and woodpiles. Their survival is currently highly threatened due to white nose syndrome.

illinois bat species

Northern Long Eared Bat – These bats are known for their relatively long ears. They also have a longer tail than other myotis bats. This species tends to live in boreal forests. In the fall, these bats migrate to hibernate.

illinois bat species

Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat – This bat is sometimes known as the southeastern big-eared bat. They have inch long ears and a wingspan of 10-12 inches. Moths make up 90% of their diet. They can be found in the south and eastern sides of Illinois in abandoned buildings, under bridges, in wells, in caves, and trees.

illinois bat species

Silver-Haired Bat – This medium sized bat is mostly black in color, though their fur is white tipped. They roost in tree cavities and bark crevices. Their coloring makes them difficult to spot while roosting. This species prefers to eat moths but will eat spiders as well.

illinois bat species

Southeastern Bat – This bat has a wingspan of 9 to 11 inches. Their fur ranges in color from gray to orangeish-brown. They like to hunt and feed over water. The Southeastern bat sometimes roosts with Rafinesque’s big-eared bats. They can be found in southern Illinois.

illinois bat species

Tri-Colored Bat – Formerly known as the eastern pipistrelle, the tri-colored bat is known for its interesting fur color. Their fur is brown at the tips, yellow in the middle, and black at the root. They are known as one of the smallest bats in North America, only weighing 4 to 10 g. They live about 10 to 15 years.

These Illinois bat species are generally harmless and avoid human contact. However, if you discover a roost or bat in your home, contact animal control to have them safely removed.

Bat Myths

 

Bats

Bats Are Blind

The phrase “blind as a bat,” isn’t true at all. Bats are not blind and all species can see. Because they hunt at night, they use their echolocation to help them locate prey, perhaps leading to the idea that they don’t use their vision at all. However, bats use both echolocation and vision to hunt and navigate their way home.

Bats Attack People

Most species of bats eat insects and fruit and have no interest in attacking humans for any reason. Bats are not aggressive and do not behave aggressively toward humans; in fact, they usually try to avoid people.

Vampire Bats Suck Blood From People

There are three species of vampire bats that live in South and Central America, all of which do not eat human blood. These bats prefer to take meals from sleeping animals, livestock or birds, and take about an ounce of blood at a time.

Bats Are Flying Mice or Related To Rats

Bats are not rodents or related to rats and mice. Bats are more closely related to primates and lemurs than rodents.

Bats Become Tangled In Hair

Bats occasionally may fly near your face but they avoid it with ease. Their echolocation is so incredibly efficient that it helps them avoid obstacles as small as a piece of string.

Bats Carry Rabies

Most bats do not have rabies, and they contract rabies much less than other animals. Less than half of 1% of all bats may catch and contract the disease. However, if a bat bites you, immediately seek medical attention. The most common way to get rabies from a bat is handling a bat inside or near your home. Always call animal control services to safely remove a bat from your home.

Which Pest Is Most Dangerous?

We compare the following species of animal and insect pests to determine which ones are the most dangerous animals to your family, pets, and home.

Dangerous Pest Ranking:

1 = Most Dangerous Animal
2 = Dangerous Animal
3 = Least Dangerous Animal

dangerous animals, are raccoons dangerous

Raccoons – 2

Raccoons can be aggressive when cornered, but generally leave people and pets alone. They can cause major home/shed/yard damage, as they are incredibly curious and like to take revenge. They are known to tear apart cushions, wallpaper, garbage cans, and any food source within reach.

dangerous bats, are bats dangerous

Bats – 3

Bats are known incorrectly as being bloodthirsty vampires, but they’re quite harmless. Bats rarely bite, but their bite is nearly guaranteed to give the victim rabies if the bat is infected. Other than this potential danger, bats avoid humans. If a bat is in your home, they’re probably trying to figure out how to escape.

dangerous squirrel, are squirrels dangerous

Squirrels – 3

Squirrels can cause quite a bit of damage to yards. Squirrels are constantly searching for food, which means tearing apart the plants, gardens, and bark to find a snack. It’s debated whether squirrels carry plague or diseases that affect humans, but probably best not to take chances.

dangerous skunks, are skunks dangerous

Skunks – 2

Skunks are well known for their pungent spray smell that takes days to disappear. This smell is probably worse than any behavior they exhibit, though. Skunks are not aggressive creatures. By nature, the skunk is a defender, not a fighter. Skunks can carry distemper, roundworms and other parasites, which can cause harm to pets.

dangerous groundhogs, are groundhogs dangerous

Groundhogs – 2

Groundhogs are territorial creatures, which lead them to be aggressive, particularly near their dens. They can move significant quantities of dirt and cause structural damage to foundations and homes, aside from major garden destruction. In addition, groundhogs can also carry roundworms, which can affect dogs.

dangerous opossums, are opossums dangerous

Opossums – 3

Opossums are known for their defense of “playing dead,” and are not very aggressive. Sometimes they show off their teeth as a scare tactic. If provoked, they may attack. They are about as dangerous as a cat.

dangerous rats, are rats dangerous

Rats & Mice – 1

Rats are perhaps the most dangerous pest that could enter your home. Both rats and mice carry many diseases and parasites that are harmful to humans and pets. Rats can eat through nearly anything, including glass, electrical wiring, and wood (all of which can cause major home damage). Both reproduce very quickly and are difficult to eradicate once established in a home. Luckily, they are not aggressive animals.

*It is important to note that most of these animals are not highly aggressive and if a pest is behaving extremely aggressively towards you and your pets, it may have rabies. Contact wildlife removal immediately.

Attic Solutions Alert: Rabid Bats in Chicago Area

Bat, rabies, rabid batsAccording to a recent news report on ABC 7 Chicago, a local Naperville, Illinois family required rabies treatment after finding a rabid bat in their home. The family called Animal Control upon discovering the bat, which tested positive for rabies. Animal Control advised the entire family be inoculated against the disease since bats have such tiny teeth and could penetrate without leaving a mark.

Dr. Leroy Schild of Will County Animal Control advised that there were 13 cases of rabid bats in 2014 and 11 cases already this year. “This year is particularly bad because of the wet spring-… A lot of moisture, a lot of insects [sic] big food source for ’em,” he said.

Another family in Homer Glen found six rabid bats living in their garage and were also treated for rabies as a precaution. Animal Control authorities passed out flyers to neighbors in the area so they were aware of the situation.

It may seem unlikely that bats could get in your home, but you would be surprised how easy it is. Because bats are so small, it is not difficult for them to sneak in through a crevice, window, or chimney and move into your attic or basement.

As soon as you suspect you may have a bat infestation, call Attic Solutions immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with bat exclusion and removal. We will remove the bats and fix any property damage they may have caused.

Attic Solutions Alert: Dangers Of Wild Animal Bites

Vicious Raccoon, Rabies, Wild Animal, pest control, animal removelA bite or scratch from any wild animal, or even that of a domestic house pet like a dog or cat, can be dangerous. Even if the wound is minor, it can become infected and spread throughout your body. Further, any bite can carry disease. One of the most common causes for worry among wild animal bites is rabies.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral infection of warm-blooded animals. It is most commonly found in bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and foxes in North America, although wild animals can infect dogs, cats, and livestock. The disease attacks the nervous system and, once symptoms develop, it is 100 percent fatal in animals.

How Do You Get Rabies?

You can contract rabies through a cut or scratch on your body, or through the mucous membranes (the lining of your eyes or mouth). The virus travels to your central nervous system in your brain and then travels to various organs where it multiplies.

Rabies Symptoms

  • Stage 1 (symptoms lasting 2 to 10 days)
    • Fever
    • Headache
    • Vomiting
    • Decreased Appetite
    • Malaise
    • Pain, itching or numbness around the wound site
  • Stage 2
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Disorientation
    • Agitation
    • Becoming paralyzed

How To Diagnose Rabies

Animals are diagnosed fairly quickly. A test called direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA) is most often used by laboratories and results can be had in as little as a few hours. In humans, it is a bit more complex. Several tests must be completed for confirmation including saliva, serum, spinal fluid, and skin biopsies from the back of the neck.

What Is The Treatment For Rabies

There is not a cure for rabies and it is more difficult to treat once symptoms have presented. However, there are vaccines that provide rabies immunity following exposure or to prevent it (which is useful for people who work with animals like vets).

What To Do If Bitten By Wild Animal

  • Wash the wound with soap and water.
  • If bleeding, apply pressure.
  • Dry and cover the wound, but do not use tape or bandages to prevent trapping bacteria.
  • Call your doctor or healthcare professional for further instructions.
  • Locate the animal that bit you if possible.

How To Prevent Being Bitten

  • Avoid strange or sick animals.
  • Do not bother animals who are eating.
  • Keep pets on a leash.
  • Do not separate fighting animals.
  • Always get your family pets their rabies shots.
  • Supervise your pets outside.
  • Do not play with or approach wild animals.

As soon as you suspect you may have a wild animal infestation, call Attic Solutions immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with the issue. We will remove the animals and fix any property damage they may have caused.

 

White Nose Syndrome Cure For Bats?

white nose syndromeOver the last decade, white-nose syndrome has killed more than 5.7 million bats across the United States and Canada. The disease was originally discovered in New York in 2006 and has spread at a rapid pace across the country since then. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recently issued a statement cautioning Illinois residents that entire bat populations were dying throughout the Eastern United States while they hibernated in their caves and mines.

White-nose syndrome is named for a white fungus or mold (Pseudogymnoascus destructans [SU-doh-JIM-no-ASK-us DIH-STRUK-tans], also known as Pd) that grows on the nose and wings of infected bats. The fungus eats holes in the wings of bats, which causes them to become too weak to hunt. The bats eventually lose their fat reserves, which they need to survive during the winter and then starve to death. Interestingly, this same fungus does not kill bats in Europe because it seems to have evolved.

So far, while researchers and scientists have explored many white-noise treatments, none of the tested bats have been returned to the wild. That is, until May 19, 2015. On that night, a group of scientists released 150 bats that had been treated for white-nose syndrome back into the wild near Hannibal, Missouri. As recently as last fall, those same bats were suffering from the fungus. While the results are encouraging, since this was the first group of bats returned to the wild after being treated for white-nose syndrome  we still have yet to see what happens. Craig Willis, a biologist at the University of Winnipeg in Canada who studies bats, but was not involved in this project says “there’s still a lot we need to know [about bats and the treatment] before we can get close to calling this or anything else a ‘cure.’”

Bat Species in Illinois

Little Brown BatYou may not realize it, but there are actually 12 different species of bats that regularly occur in Illinois. Don’t be alarmed; all of the bats who call Illinois home are insectivorous, which means they only hunt insects. Bats are small, winged mammals, who usually weigh no more than a few ounces. Their heads and bodies are covered with fur and their wings have hairless membranes connecting them to the hind legs, body, and forelimbs. Bats are also quite intelligent creatures. Some of the bat species inherent to Illinois include:

  • Little Brown Bat
  • Southeastern Bat
  • Indiana Bat
  • Eastern Pipistrelle
  • Northern Long-Eared Myotis
  • Gray Bat
  • Silver-Haired Bat
  • Eastern Red Bat
  • Hoary Bat
  • Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat
  • Evening Bat
  • Big Brown Bat

Habitat

Most bats are either colonial or solitary. Colonial bats live together in colonies and solitary bats live as is suggested: alone. Most bats in Illinois roost in trees, caves, mines, rock crevices, and sometimes even under bridges when a cave isn’t available. There are four species of bats in Illinois that have been known to take up residence in buildings or dwellings, including residential homes. Since there is not an abundance of insects during the fall and winter, most bats find a warmer climate or hibernate.

Reproduction

Bats are mammals so their babies (called pups) are born alive (not hatched as some may think) and then nursed. Most females give birth to one or two pups per year, typically in May or June. Bats do not build nests. When pups are born, they climb onto their mothers and hold on to them, except for when the mother has to hunt. Pups can usually fly on their own at about three weeks of age.

Droppings

Bat droppings, called guano, can be easy to spot if you know what you are looking for. To the untrained eye, bat and mouse droppings may look similar, but they really aren’t. Guano is shiny and brittle due to the consumption of insects. You will usually find piles of guano underneath bat roosts.

Little Brown Bat Population Decline

Recently, there has been a drastic decline in the population of the little brown bat. In fact, the decline is so severe, the little brown bat may soon find itself on the federal endangered species list. The decline in population is due to an affliction known as White Noise Syndrome. White Noise Syndrome, a white fungus that grows in the nose of and on the muzzle, tail, and wings of a bat during hibernation, causes the bats to lose their fat reserves, which they desperately need during winter hibernation. Essentially, White Noise Syndrome causes bats to starve to death. The cause of White Noise Syndrome is still unknown, and scientists and wildlife experts at both the state and federal level are continuing to monitor the situation. When it comes to bat removal it is very important to contact the right animal removal to safely and humanely remove bats.

ALERT: White Nose Syndrome Killing Bats Across the United States

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has issued a statement cautioning Illinois residents that entire bat populations were dying throughout the Eastern United States while they hibernated in their caves and mines. It is spreading rapidly and currently four Illinois counties have confirmed cases.

bat-230301

Healthy Bat

mine-386842

Bat with White Nose Syndrome

The affliction, White Nose Syndrome, is causing bats to lose their fat reserves, which they desperately need to survive during the winter. These bats are then starving to death, and as of now, the cause of White Nose Syndrome is unknown. White Nose Syndrome was originally discovered in New York in 2006. Since then, there have been confirmed cases in Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri.

The name, White Nose Syndrome, was coined due to the white fungus growing of the noses of infected bats. This previously undiscovered fungus has also been seen on some afflicted bats’ wings, ears, and tail. At this time, scientists are still unsure as to whether the fungus alone is causing the deaths, or if it is simply compromising the bats’ immune systems and allowing another pathogen to take advantage.

A University of Illinois White Nose Syndrome research team led by Prairie Research Institute’s Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) (Steve Taylor, Andy Miller, Ed Heske, Joe Merritt, Nohra Mateus-Pinilla) and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) (Anthony Yannarell) in collaboration with University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Adam Stern), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Joe Kath, Endangered Species Manager), and the US Forest Service, Shawnee National Forest (Rod McClanahan, Wildlife Biologist) are working diligently through field work and laboratory testing to learn more about this disease.

If White Nose Syndrome spreads in Illinois, it could kill tens of thousands of bats. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources asks that if you spot a bat with any of the symptoms of White Nose Syndrome to document your location, attempt to take a photo if possible, and immediately contact the department at:

Joseph A. Kath
Endangered Species Manager
Illinois DNR – Division of Natural Heritage
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, Illinois   62702-1271
Office Phone:  (217)785-8764
E-mail:  Joe.Kath@illinois.gov

If bats are invading your home, they can be hazardous to you and your family’s health even if they do not have White Nose Syndrome. However, bats are a protected species and need to be removed from your home carefully. Contact the professionals at Attic Solutions is you think bats may be living in your home or attic.

Bat Hibernation

rabid batsIt is that time of year again, bat hibernation!

During the winter months in the Chicago area, it is possible for bats to take up residence in your home. And where there is one bat, there is often a colony of bats.

Due to the extreme temperatures during the winter months, there are far fewer flying insects, which means a lot less food for bats.

In order to survive, bats have to hibernate and need a comfortable environment that stays around 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. These intelligent creatures have learned attics are the perfect place to ride out the cold.

For professional bat removal call (847) 464-1861

How Did A Bat Get in My House?

Because bats are so small, it is not difficult for them to sneak in through a crevice, window, or chimney and move in to your attic or basement. Bats do not always end up at haunted houses! Any home with space, a place to roost, and nearby insects is at risk. If you have a bat in your home, you need a bat exclusion. Bats are a protected species and this is not something you want to do yourself.

What Is A Bat Exclusion?

Bat exclusion is the removal of bats from your home. Bats are a protected species under the Illinois wildlife code and any kind of poison or chemical use for removal is forbidden. Exclusion is a multistep process and requires trained trustworthy professionals, like our technicians at Attic Solutions, who are familiar with the laws and regulations.

What Kind Of Bats Are These?

While there are approximately 14 various species of bats in Illinois, the ones that most commonly move into your attic are Little Brown Bats and Big Brown Bats. Since bats are not rodents, bat removal and exclusion may even be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Are Bats Dangerous?

Bats are social, intelligent creatures. While they are extremely beneficial to insect control, they can be more than a nuisance when moving into your home. Bats are not only primary carriers of rabies, a fatal disease, but a lesser-known danger is the health risk associated with their excrement. Exposure to bat droppings, or guano, may cause histoplasmosis. This disease primarily affects the lungs and if left untreated, can be fatal.


As soon as you suspect you may have a bat infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal.

We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with bat exclusion and removal, including humane live animal trapping (never poisons!).

We will remove the bats and fix any property damage they may have caused. Click to read more about bat removal services from Attic Solutions.