Nearly everyone has been “bugged” by gnats, flies, and mosquitoes, possibly even lice. But how many have ever heard of, much less been the victim of “bat bugs” or scientifically known as bat mites? Instead of being someone’s bad idea of a comic book antihero, bat mites are real. And they can be a real nuisance.
Most people are familiar with bed bugs or dust mites, so when we find ourselves bitten by annoying little insects, we assume we should treat the area to get rid of those insects. We usually treat an infested area with insecticides, believing that will end the infestation. Many a landlord has hired a professional insect control company, only to have his tenants complain of re-infestation within a short time after the treatment was applied. These landlords have found out the hard way that, if so-called “bed bugs” return, it is quite likely that those “bed bugs” are actually bat mites.
As the name would suggest, bat mites are tiny little parasites that feed on bats. Bat mites, like their hosts (especially brown bats that roost in colonies), love to live in dark, protected areas and narrow retreats where it is difficult to find and get rid of them. They live a relatively long time for such little creatures—up to a year in cool areas.
Property owners will sometimes use aerosol bombs or other insecticide treatments, hoping to drive the bats away or kill any nesting bats while killing the insects. However, this is not a good course of action. Assuming that the bats are driven out by the aerosol, they will soon return. And a new infestation of mites, carried in on the returning bats, will soon replace any mites killed by the aerosol. The only effective way to get rid of the mites is to get rid of the bats first, making sure they cannot return. Only then will any mite control be effective.
Even if all the bats have been excluded and the site is now officially “bat-free,” there is still a likelihood that “bat bugs” are lurking in the corners, behind the wallpaper, in the carpets, or possibly in bedding—searching for a new source of food. This source may end up being human tenants or their pets, so steps should be taken to get rid of the mites.
Suppose there is evidence of bat mites in bedding. Should you use an insecticide on the bedding? The answer is an emphatic “No!” Bedding should always be protected from insecticide. Rather, frequent washing of the sheets in hot water and the use of mattress covers specifically designed for control of mites are recommended. Special mattress covers can be found online or in stores specializing in allergy-control bedding.
If bats are suspected and a building’s tenants are itching, or you’ve already employed a pest control service but still have bugs, take these steps in order to assure your bat mite problem is solved:
- Have a bat exclusion professional exclude the bats from your property
- Have the bat guano cleaned up so as to remove the source of smell and the histoplasmosis spores
- Have the area treated for bat mites
- Protect bedding with allergy- or mite-control bedding
There is no need to continue to coexist with bat mites (or bats). By calling in a bat control specialist, you will be able to control both problems, saving yourself time (no other exterminators needed), money (only one exterminator at one price and any tenants will not be tempted to leave because of the bugs), and hassle (letting the professionals handle the pests is the safest, most effective way of ridding yourself of both bats and bat mites). Be sure to call if you suspect bats or bat mites. You’ll be pleased with the results.
Your local bat removal expert,
Michael Koski
Comments 55
AOM
September 4, 2023 |
Sorry one last question I forgot to ask - I had been sleeping on my couch on the ground floor when the bat sounds were at their worst to avoid the noise. Would sleeping down there and away from the ceiling where the bats were help prevent the bugs from coming in and biting? Or does it not really matter and they’ll find a food source regardless of where in the house I am? Thanks :)
Tori Bruce
September 5, 2023 |
I'm sure it will be harder for them to find you but sometimes bugs travel amazing distances so I can't say for sure. If I were you, I'd be persistent with cleaning and sleep where you are the most comfortable.
AOM
September 4, 2023 |
Hi, I see this post is quite old but still thought I’d give asking a question a shot… I recently excluded bats from my home - they’ve been gone for about a week now. I’m nervous about bat bugs getting in as there are a lot of places along the ceiling with chinking missing. I’m wondering how common is it for bat bugs to actually come inside after evicting bats and bite humans? I believe I did not have many bats in my ceiling if that matters. I’m also wondering if they do come inside, how long after the bats are evicted until they do? A week, a month? One thing that makes me feel a bit better is reading that even if they do come in, they’ll eventually die off without bats to feed on. So at least it will not turn into a repeating, long lasting nightmare like bed bugs would. Is that correct? Feeling a bit anxious as the last few months living with bats and surviving on 2 hours of sleep a night has really taken a toll on me and I don’t know if I can mentally deal with an incoming bug infestation! Thanks!
Tori Bruce
September 5, 2023 |
Hello, it sounds like you've been dealing with a lot! I don't think you have to be overly worried. Not all bats have bat bugs. If there are some left over, they will explore for a host. Adult bat bugs can survive for about a year without a blood meal but younger ones will die off more quickly and their lifecycles are completely shutdown without eating. The cleaner you keep your home, the better. Dusting, laundry, and vacuuming will help get rid of them faster if they are in your space. If that still sounds overwhelming, having a pest control person bomb or spray may set your mind at ease.
nancy
May 4, 2023 |
Will caulking the beems on a ceiling help mitigate bat bugs from entering an apartment? The apartment is known to have bats. There beems above the bed and couch that are not sealed with caulk. I found a dead one on couch and one in the bed. Suffering from a few bites and sleep deprived.
Tori Bruce
May 4, 2023 |
I'm so sorry you are dealing with bat bugs and bites. Although caulking may help, bat bugs are incredibly tiny and still likely to find ways in. The only real way to take care of the problem is by removing the source (the bats). I know it's hard when you live in an apartment. Maybe this information could be helpful https://www.getbatsout.com/what-if-your-landlord-will-not-fix-a-bat-problem
Samuel
December 21, 2020 |
I havebrown like running drip stIain on my wall we live in a old house are couch was infested with either bat bugs or bed bugs I only found a couple more since ive got rid of my couch 9 hours ago i haven't been getting bites I see. Sheds of the bug they didnt show there self until today but why did they wait until they infested my living room to show I just cant see how we got bed bugs with no bites are house has a old chimney in the basement ghTs the only entrance whag could these be
Tori Bruce
December 21, 2020 |
It really sounds like you have bats and bat bugs. That brown stain on your wall is very likely from the bat urine. You may have become accustomed to it but there is probably an ammonia odor. The bat bugs don't want to be in the couch or even on you, the bats are their ideal hosts. But sometimes they fall off and end up in living spaces. You won't get rid of the bugs completely unless you exclude the colony from your home. If you'd like more help, please call our customer service line 877-264-2287.
Jason gravens
September 19, 2019 |
I been seeing a couple of bugs and my kids have been bite some. I thought it was bed bugs but I don't think it is now because it has been treated for bed bugs. I have also been hearing things in the walls. Could there be a bat that we are unaware of?
Tori Bruce
September 19, 2019 |
Yes, when you put those pieces together, it sounds likely that you have colony in the wall. There are two ways you can go about verifying that: 1. Catch one of the bugs and examine it with a magnifying glass (bat bugs will have longer hairs) 2. Inspect the exterior of your home for signs of bats. If you call our customer service line, we can help you if you need more information.
Lee
September 26, 2018 |
We have bats in our attic. We have had someone come take a look but where told they can't do anything about them and or won't. Since we live on a park we can't really fight it but we left our bedroom windows open in 2 of our bedrooms we have screens on them and they are new windows so we had no idea it could be a problem. But my son said he knocked a couple of bugs off him during the night I never gave a lot of thought to it because I thought it was just something that got in the window and I closed that window. But just recently I was sitting on the bed and saw a bug and killed it and then looked it up to see what it was and it looked like a bed bug but then I saw about bat mites and thought are you kidding me. Do you think they came threw my window when I had it open the bats live in the attic but just outside the screen of the vented area which is right above our bedrooms?
GetBatsOut
September 26, 2018 |
No, the bat bugs don't come in through windows. Bat bugs live on bats. If there are bats in the attic, the bugs are coming down from the attic. It sounds like the bats have been there for a while if the bat bugs are getting into your living space. They don't typically stray far from their food source (aka the bats) unless there is some overcrowding going on up in the attic. I would be curious why you were told you can't do anything about the bats. You have the right to protect your property whether you live on park land or not. You can't kill or trap the bats, but we can humanely exclude them for you. Call our customer service department and we'll get you a proposal for what needs done to get rid of the bats and the bat bugs.
Beth
July 24, 2018 |
We have scheduled bat exclusion in 3 weeks. The pest control service here said they could not do it until then because it's pupping season right now. We confirmed the bats are roosting in our soffits and not our attic or living areas. Anyway, we have found one bat bug in our house, unfortunately, in my bed. We caught it to show pest control. They looked at the bug for less than a second and were like "oh yeah that's a bat bug", and then went on to say they can't do anything about the bugs until the bats are gone. Understandable... but then do we all have to just subject ourselves to being a feast for the next 3 weeks, and then possibly get even more bugs in the house after exclusion? What can we do while we wait? I'm looking for some solutions to keep us all comfortable. Or is it time for a month-long vacation? My skin is crawling (and itching) and we're not getting much sleep. Any tips please share. My other question is, why was pest control so confident that what they saw was a bat bug and not a bed bug if they barely glanced at it and the differences between bed bugs and bat bugs are so subtle? And if the bats are still there in the soffits, why would bat bugs be in my bed? I guess I'm just wondering if I should have someone else maybe better versed in bed bugs vs bat bugs come take a look? Thanks.
GetBatsOut
July 24, 2018 |
My technicians can spot the difference quickly as well because they're used to seeing them. The differences are just harder for people that don't see them often to spot. You can certainly have the bug tested if you would like a second opinion. I know Orkin does testing. The pest control company is correct that until the bats are gone, it's useless to treat the bat bugs. It is rare that the bat bug would wander away from the host. Have you found more than just the one?
Chase
July 24, 2018 |
I only have a few bats in my house. I do have a lot of bat bugs. I called out a company for getting rid of my bats. They said the only way to get rid of bat bugs is to rip out all the insulation in my attic. I guess bats bury themselves in the insulation and poop in it. He said bat bugs will feed on the guano that is scattered throughout my insulation. So unless I get rid of the poop, and the bats, I will continue to have bat bugs. I am not seeing any supporting evidence to this claim though. Could you help me? I am looking at a 5 figure bill to get out the bats and bugs.
GetBatsOut
July 24, 2018 |
Wow! It sounds like you've had quite the experience. Let's clear some things up: Bats don't burrow into insulation to poop. They do it while hanging and/or flying. If you see it on or in the insulation it most likely came from above. We have found bats in insulation, but that's rare, not the norm. Bat bugs don't feed off of poop, they suck the bats blood. They are a parasitic species related to a bed bug. If you have excessive guano in the attic, you may need cleanup. If you don't have piles of guano and you don't use the attic for anything, you may be able to leave it alone. I can't answer that specifically without our technician inspecting. We approach bat removal as a two step process. Get the bats out, then determine if cleanup is needed. Bat bugs can be chemically treated as long as the pest control person knows what they are doing. Bed bug solutions don't work on bat bugs. If you get rid of the bats, the bugs will eventually (a few days to a few weeks) die off without their host.
phyllis
July 16, 2018 |
I had bats removed from my home. they could be heard inside the wall in the bedroom. I counted about 35 fly out. I was told the bat bugs were inside the walls. I use insect spray around the floor and carpet area and can see e few dead bugs. no bites or evidence they are anywhere else. do I need to have my attic and walls treated by a pest control company.
GetBatsOut
July 24, 2018 |
Bat bugs will eventually (a few days to a few weeks) die off without their host. They may go looking for a food source before that point. They will bite you, but they can not live off human blood. You can have your home chemically treated for bat bugs, but make sure to find someone that knows what they're doing. They are related to bed bugs, but have to be treated differently. We have had a lot of good experiences with Orkin. Make sure you tell the technician that they are bat bugs though.
Cassie
May 5, 2018 |
I work at a bat rescue owned by a couple who have been operating it for over 15+yrs. They have never had a real issue in dealing with the mites (quarantining and cleaning all new bats) but no amount of care and upkeep can eliminate bat notes, obviously, so now it appears that there has been a sudden increase in the bat mites and the woman has a good amount bites on her and is worried now that if they infest her home there will be no hope of getting control of the mite population back down, and out of their home. Any suggestions? Obviously removing the bats is not an option, and they are aware that this will be a chronic challenge. They are just looking for a way to get their home (mostly) more free.
GetBatsOut
May 7, 2018 |
I know Orkin has a good treatment for bat mites. As long as they make sure to tell their technician that they know it's bat bugs and not bed bugs as they do have to be treated differently. My concern would be the fact that there are bats that the bugs would still have access to. I'm not positive if the chemicals they need to use to kill the bugs would then hurt the bats. Bat bugs have been a big problem this spring for some reason.
Cassie
November 21, 2019 |
Thank you for your response, I am genuinely surprised and glad to see that you take the time to respond to everyone’s questions! I forgot that I had even posed this question and just happened to stumble upon this thread again, a year+ later because I was googling bat mites once more. ?
Alyssa
September 11, 2017 |
About a month ago we had bat exclusion performed on the exterior of our home using one way doors. There was a small colony of bats living on the exterior under the soffit where our roof meets the siding. After talks with neighbors we are finding bats are very common in our neighborhood and we can hear the bats on other neighboring homes. The company who performed exclusion wants to fumigate the attic and sanitize the exterior, and recommended we remove our pets from the home during it. Sanitizing the exterior doesn't seem to make sense as there are still colonies living at either of our neighbors houses and bats are constantly out at night. However, I am a little concerned about bat bugs, but since the bats were never in the attic nor inside of our home, is the attic fumigation something we should really have performed, especially since the exclusion was completed almost a month ago now? Thanks for you help!
GetBatsOut
September 12, 2017 |
If you had bat bugs, you would know by now. Bat bugs can only survive about 2 weeks without their host. After a few days to a week they go searching for a new food source (you), and they can't live off of human blood for long. If the bats were in the soffits, there is a chance they could have made their way into the attic. We recommend cleaning up and sanitizing the attic area if there is guano that is over an inch deep. If all you have is scattered droppings, they don't pose a health hazard as histoplasmosis can't grow in them. So I can't really answer the question about inside your attic as I don't know what you have up there. I've never heard of sanitizing the exterior of the home though. That really doesn't make sense if you think about it. Wind, rain, snow, etc all continuously wash off the outside of the house and again, there is no health hazard unless you have piles of poop going on. If there is guano or urine on the outside, a good power wash is really all you'd need. Have your neighbors call us. We'd be happy to help out your neighborhood and not suggest unnecessary services for all of you. :)
Donovan Gabriel
August 9, 2017 |
They will eventually die off but how long would that take? A lot of places say they can live up to a year without a meal. Or is our blood lacking something the bats blood have? We got rid of the bats but one of our roommates is paranoid they will be here for a while.
GetBatsOut
August 9, 2017 |
In our experience they only last a couple weeks without the bats present. By the time they come out of hiding looking for you they are already starving. Yes, our blood is lacking as a nutritional source for them. I don't know what it lacks. Maybe you could contact your state biologist for some reassurance for the roommate? The internet has all sorts of conflicting information.
Donovan Gabriel
August 8, 2017 |
I am finding conflicting research when it comes to this question; Can bat bugs reproduce with human blood and not bat blood? We recently got rid of the bats and now, a week later, the bugs are back. Every other website either says they cannot reproduce without bat blood, or don't mention that at all. Also do normal bed bug killers, like Proof, work on bat bugs?
GetBatsOut
August 9, 2017 |
Bat bugs can not SURVIVE without bat blood. I'm not 100% sure on the reproduction question. They will temporarily substitute human or pet blood, but they will still eventually die as it does not fulfill their needs. You probably just have a new wave of them coming looking for food since the bats are gone. They most likely were just tucked away and are now desperate. You can use bed bug killers on them, it will kill them. The reason most people think it won't is because they don't get rid of the bats first so they keep finding more and more.
sherry
April 7, 2017 |
do bat bugs shed their skin like bed bugs .do they bite in 3 like bed bugs . and how long be for bat bugs come to life when you move into a place
GetBatsOut
April 24, 2017 |
As baby bed bugs move toward adulthood, they shed their skin a total of 5 times before reaching maturity – once at each new developmental stage. Cast skins look like lighter colored empty bed bug shells or casings. Yes, they bite like bed bugs. (They are in the same family as bed bugs and have most of the same traits.) It's not really a matter of them coming alive, it's a matter of their food source (the bats) not being available anymore. When that happens they go searching for food. Before that point, you most likely won't see them.
Paula
March 19, 2017 |
Hi~~ I killed 3 bugs on 3/3, 3/5 and 3/11, 2 of them were red and round, size was like sesame, the 3rd one was a little bit bigger than the 1st and 2nd one and it was half clear and half red, so I thought they were bed bugs. However, I didnt find any eggs, shed skins, dark stains on the mattress and bed frame (the bed bug articles say those are the signs of bed bug infection). Now I am wondering they were bat bugs. Can you describe how the bat bug babies look like? I live on the 2nd floor of the apt bldg and there are some cracks in my bedroom, is it possible for them to get into my home? I live in NYC, I went to Central Park on 2/23 and I found the first bite two three days after that, is it possible I got the bat bug babies from there coz I did walk under the trees and bridge. Sorry about my message is so long, hope you can help me. Thanks for your time.
GetBatsOut
March 21, 2017 |
The only real way to tell the difference between bed bugs and bat bugs is by a ring of hair that the bat bugs have. They are of the same species family and look very similar other than that. You would have to examine them under a magnifying glass or take a picture and blow it up to see the hairs. Do you know if your apartment building has a bat problem? Is the second floor that you are on the top floor of the building? Have you ever experienced an odor issue that doesn't go away in the summer? There are many things that go into the question you are asking. I highly doubt you picked them up at the park. Anything is possible though. Bat bugs are usually a sign of a serious bat infestation. It may be better for you to call our customer service. We don't charge to just talk to you and help you figure this out a little more.
Sissy Cherry
January 2, 2017 |
My friend says bat mites have gotten into her hair and that they leave a glue like substance which crust over, and is IMPOSSIBLE to remove/wash/comb out. Any suggestions?
GetBatsOut
January 3, 2017 |
Yes, I recommend seeing a doctor because that isn't bat bugs.
lace
December 5, 2016 |
Help...our home was treated for bed bugs at least 3 times. Once we tried on our own. They are so tricky, we only found one in our trap under a bed. We've had three professionals come out and a dog non could find them! I took the bugs we did catch and took them to our university and had them look and make sure it was a bed bug . They said it was. so We had a professional come out and heat treat. My kids were still getting bit so the company came out two more Times . then we found one in our bathroom and he look at it under a microscope and he said it was a bet bug. He sprayed around the house. My husband sealed the attic and sprayed it a few months ago. but we hear bats again in the attic and found yet another bug on my something while laying in bed. I'm going to take it to the university and have it checked again but seriously it's been a year and $3,000 later!!!! I'm about to have a nervous break down!!!
GetBatsOut
December 6, 2016 |
Bed bugs and bat bugs look almost identical to the naked eye. The only difference is when you observe them closely, the bat bugs have little hairs surrounding the outside edge of their body. So someone that doesn't know the difference, is almost always going to say bed bug because most people have never heard of bat bugs. This is an odd time of year to be hearing bats in the attic unless you live in the south where it's warm? Bats either migrate or hibernate in the winter months. The best and most cost effective solution to your problem, is to get rid of the bats. Bat bugs can't live without their host. They will bite humans while looking for an alternative food source but ultimately, they have to have bat blood to live. Bat bugs can only live a couple of weeks at most without the bats. Now comes the really bad news, if your family is getting bitten by bat bugs, it indicates you have a rather large colony that has been living with you for a long time. Bats are very instinctual and will do anything to get back in their roost once you evict them. The larger the colony and the longer it's been there, the more likely it is they will find a way back in. Bats can squeeze through a hole as small as 5/8 of an inch. I know you said your husband sealed the attic, but that means different things to different people. I strongly recommend you either call my customer service and discuss having one of our technicians come do an inspection to bat proof your home, or that you purchase our DIY guide if your husband wants to give it a try again. Best of luck!
Will
November 2, 2016 |
Hi, I have something in my apartment that has been biting me for the last 2 weeks on and off. I have searched for the tale tell of bed bugs, but have found no evidence, and if so, I have no clue how they would have gotten into my apartment. Anyway, I was reading about bat bugs and how they get confused with bedbugs and I remembered then seeing a tiny bug in my room like those described. It was during the day time, and right after I moved in my potted plants from outside to the inside for winter. Could I have brought one in with my plants? I have no pets, but I also cleaned the bird roosters ( emptied the houses, threw out the nests, and left them clean for next year). I saw no bugs in them... but, could that have caused me to come into contact with either kind of bug? This is so scary and depressing... Also they just remodeled the apartment below me and had to get rid of carpets and floors... Could they have come from there? Thanks.
GetBatsOut
November 4, 2016 |
Hi Will, typically bat bugs are something we see with pretty bad infestations. Bat bugs actually look extremely similar to bed bugs. The main difference is some little hairs on their body. I hate to suggest it, but have you considered fleas? Those are more likely to have been tracked in from outside than a bat bug.
Christine
August 27, 2016 |
We have bats in a rental house and the renters stated there were bat bugs flying around the recessed light fixtures in the upstairs bedroom. The renters are already complaining of symptoms from the guano and their 4yo walks around talking about bat poop and also guano. So I guess my main question right now is do the bat bugs/mites fly ? I have been reading about bats, guano, bugs and histoplasmosis but I can't find any info regarding if they fly or just crawl. We did put a bird type of a noise machine in the area to hopefully scare the bats away. Also we are waiting for an exterminator to take a look at our situation. Thank you
GetBatsOut
August 28, 2016 |
No, my understanding is they do not fly. They are very similar to bed bugs/mites. They only crawl around. They can't even jump long distances. Sounds like they are pretty upset about the situation if the 4 year old is talking about it. Noise machines don't work on bats. It may drive them away temporarily (a few days tops) but they will live with it. Bats are a protected species so I don't recommend having them exterminated. We use a 100% humane removal method. Let us know if you would like us to send out a technician to take a look for you.
Tim
August 3, 2016 |
Hello I have been finding bugs around my house that resemble bat bugs but I am not 100% certain if they are bat bugs. I took a picture and tried to send it to the customerservice email you posted above but it does not work. Is there another email I could send a picture to? Thank you very much in advance for any assistance with this frustrating bug problem!!
GetBatsOut
August 3, 2016 |
Sure, send them to janeal@getbatsout.com
Samantha Branson
June 18, 2016 |
My family and I are living in a large two story home that I know has a bat infestation. We have called pest control companies about the bats on several occasions and were told that it is illegal to remove them. My bedroom is directly attached to the attic and I can hear bats every night as I am trying to sleep. The past two mornings I have woken up with six or seven new bites all over me. I found a couple of bugs that look like mature bed bugs in the past, but I didn't look into it because I wasn't being bitten. I immediately informed my mother and have spent all day reading up on this problem to try to make sure I'm diagnosing it correctly. I slept downstairs last night, but still woke up with bites all over me. I'm still not sure if it's definitely bat mites, considering that. We have contacted an exterminator, but he or she can't come out till Monday. The problem is that I am about to move out of my family's home so many of my belongings are already packed. How can I clean the packed away items to be sure that i don't bring this pest to my new apartment? Does lavender or tea tree oil help repel them?
GetBatsOut
June 20, 2016 |
That's hard to answer given you aren't sure if you have bat bugs or bed bugs. Bat bugs, even if taken to your new home, will die off rather quickly. They need bat blood to survive. They will occasionally bite a human when they have no other choice but our blood will not sustain them and they will eventually die. Bat bugs also stay close to their host. Typically they stay on the bats or in the roost area. Normally, the time we see the bat bugs make their way into your home is after you have excluded the bats and they go searching for a new food source. If it is bed bugs that you are struggling with, I'm not an expert, but my understanding on them is that once infested they are very hard to get rid of. Many people carry them from house to house. I've even heard you can pick them up at a hotel and take them home with you. Make sure and ask the exterminator that comes to your house about bed bugs. If you are wanting us to come check out the bat/bat bug problem, call my customer service about setting up an appointment.
OMG!
June 10, 2016 |
I just moved in my condo and I had to chase a bat out in the middle of the night. I'm waiting for your company to contact me for a consultation, but I notice red spots on me and my daughter. I have one on my knee and she has two on her forehead and several on her cheeks We're currently sleeping on an air mattress until my furniture arrives. Are bat bugs able to live/survive on a air mattress? Or is it the linens.
GetBatsOut
June 13, 2016 |
Hi there. I'm pretty sure my customer service should've covered this when they spoke with you over the weekend, but just in case. Those red spots could be bat bug bites. Until you know for sure if there is an infestation (or was until recently since you just moved in) I would operate under the premise they are from some sort of parasite which both bat bugs and bed bugs fall into. I don't know if they carry infectious diseases but I've never heard of an account of someone getting more than just uncomfortably bit. They will itch and burn a little for a couple days but should go away. I'm not a medical expert though, so if you have any concerns about them I would seek a doctor.
Darlene
June 9, 2016 |
My neighbors disgusting house had bats. A company bought the house and cleaned it out. I have not seen the bats this summer. I thought I had bed bugs but had a company inspect my house and I do not. I'm thinking that I have bat bugs. I'm totally freaked out. Could I have bat bugs in my house from them cleaning up the house next door? And could the bat bugs get on anyone at my house and they carry them to their house? I am scared to have my grandchildren spend the night. I do not want any getting in their clothes and then end up at their house.
GetBatsOut
June 10, 2016 |
The odds of you having bat bugs from a neighbors property are slim to none. Bat bugs have to stay close to their host (bats) for feeding purposes. They may bite humans or other mammals as a last ditch effort to stay alive but they have to have bat blood to live. There is always the possibility that when they cleaned up the house next door that the bats are now living in your house. That is much more likely than you just having random bat bugs. Bats typically move to the next closest structure when an exclusion is done. Your whole neighborhood may end up chasing them around. Do a twilight watch on your own house and if you see a colony flying out, you'll know for sure. Call our customer service at 877-264-2287 if you don't know what that is and they'll go over it with you.
Misty Holley
May 27, 2016 |
Hi, we recently had our attic cleaned out because of an infestation of bats. They cleaned it out, sealed it up where they were getting in, and put a tube in so the bats that were still in there could get out. So we're talking over a hundred bats up there. I thought they would dig through the ceiling at times. Anyway, the opening for the attic is right over my bed. I moved it and covered it but it wasn't good enough. So, about two weeks later I'm getting bit up. The size of half dollar bites. They itch so bad. I have wash all my bedding, clothing in my closet, every thing, sprayed every thing with rubbing alcohol. And I'm still getting bit. I'm still finding those irritating bugs. They itch so bad. After they itch they leave a painful punch. Should I worry about rabies? Their mouth/ blood has been hooked to a bat and then hooked to me. I kinda feel like I'm in a vampire movie here.
GetBatsOut
May 27, 2016 |
When we do a bat removal job of the size you are describing, we keep a close eye out for bat bugs. If bat bugs are present there is a treatment that can be used (yes, a pesticide) to kill them before they go looking for another host. Your situation is a good example of a company that didn't know what they were doing unfortunately. Once the bats have been excluded, the bat bugs have no choice but to go in search of a new host. The bad news is, they are more than likely throughout your house now and they obviously found you. The good news is, bat bugs can only live short term off of anything other than a bat. They will die out naturally and soon judging by the timeline you laid out. They can only survive a few weeks on human blood. As far as rabies concerns, I do not know of anyone that has gotten rabies from a bat bug. That said, I don't fully know the answer to that question. It could be possible? Rabid bats don't tend to live in colonies of bats though. They are usually either kicked out or leave voluntarily when they are sick. I would definitely recommend calling your doctors office. Let them know the situation and ask for their professional medical advice. There may be other infectious diseases for you to worry about and your doctors office should be able to help you.
Valerie Mazewski
April 29, 2016 |
I have had these bugs in my apt that look like tiny bats they are all over my apt they do bite me and they are all over me in my hair everywhere I thought they were coming from the plumbing, but they are all over the place and it's giving me major anxiety please help
GetBatsOut
April 29, 2016 |
Hi Valerie, bat bugs don't actually look like bats. They resemble bed bugs in many ways which is why the article discusses how to tell them apart. In order for you to have bat bugs, you also have to have bats present. Bat bugs are tiny mites that live and feed off of bats. Unless you are concerned there are bats there as well, they most likely are not bat bugs. They sound more like lice or fleas to me personally but I'm not an exterminator and I would take his opinion over mine.
Gabby
March 28, 2016 |
We recently had a bat removal company come out in summer time and put up exclusions but now I have found two bugs that may be considered bat bugs. I found one in the upstairs where the bat was initially found and the other near my kitchen sink. I never noticed them before but is it possible for the bugs to appear now that the bats are gone?
GetBatsOut
March 29, 2016 |
Yes, actually, it is. Bat bugs can live for up to a year without the bats around. That is very rare though. Bat bugs specifically need to feed off of bat blood. They will bite humans if they are desperate but it will not sustain them long term and they will die. They are treated for pretty easily but many general pest control companies don't treat them correctly because they don't realize they are bat bugs. If you can take any good pictures, feel free to send them to our customer service along with a brief explanation and your contact info. We'll take a look at the pictures for you. Email them to customerservice@getbatsout.com.
Roger sink
March 16, 2016 |
can bat bat or bed bugs live in heat ducts or around furnace?
GetBatsOut
March 16, 2016 |
Infestations in human dwellings are usually introduced by bats carrying the bugs on their skin. Bat bugs usually remain in close proximity to the roosting locations of the bats that introduced them (attics, chimneys, etc.) but explore the rest of the building if the bats leave or are eliminated. So this question really depends on where the bats are roosting in the building. In some cases, they have been known to move into area that are more typical of bedbugs, such as mattresses and bed frames, as the two species are related. Bat bugs are drawn to the heat and the carbon monoxide that humans produce. Have you checked your furnace area for carbon monoxide?