Residents of New York Warned Against Allowing Bats in Homes.

A recent news report from the Hudson Valley Post warned residents of New York that they could find bats in homes this summer. They advised locals that they could be inadvertently welcoming bats into their residences.  

The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health particularly cautioned residents in the Hudson Valley area about the potential threat of rabid bats gaining access to their homes. They are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.

Be alert as more bats are found in homes over the summer.

The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) director Colleen Pillus said, “With summer weather here, residents are opening their windows and installing air conditioners to beat the heat. However, they may inadvertently be inviting bats known to carry rabies into their home.”

These reminders result from increased reports of bats in homes resulting in more human exposure. At the time of the report, officials stated that there were 28 bat exposure investigations in Dutchess County over May and June. This is not surprising as after bats emerge from hibernation in the Springtime, we always notice a sudden increase in bat activity nationwide. This period of high bat activity continues throughout the summer months as baby bats (pups) are born, develop, and finally leave their roost. According to the officials in Dutchess County, they see a significant rise in human exposure to bats from May-September each year, and all need rabies investigations.

How to Keep Bats out of your home.

DBCH Officials shared these six steps you should take to prevent bats from entering your home:

1. Seal any gaps between window sashes with a cloth. 
2. Ensure the top window sash is securely positioned and provide additional support if necessary.
3. Make sure that any open windows are fitted with tight and intact screens. Install a self-closing screen door on all entry doors.
4. If you place a fan in a window, check that the screen stays in place.
5. Keep doors closed when not in use – including garage and attic doors.
6. Ensure the chimney dampers are closed and any unused openings from the house into the chimney are sealed.

Watch for signs of bats in homes.

We echo this advice and would add to be alert to any signs that you may have bats roosting in your home. Some clear signs you can look for are bat droppings (guano) on window sills, stains from guano/urine on walls, and sounds of bats in walls or attic. In addition, if you find a bat in your home, there is a high chance there could be more, and it is wise to get a thorough inspection of your property from a residential bat removal specialist. As mentioned above, contact with bats can put you at risk of contracting a severe disease such as rabies or histoplasmosis. Therefore, organizing a prompt bat removal is essential if you have bats in your home. 

Get Bats Out are expert in residential bat removal. If you have bats in your home, contact us today. 

Learn more: 

https://www.getbatsout.com/how-to-keep-bats-away-from-your-house/ 

https://www.getbatsout.com/how-to-get-rid-of-bats-2/ 

Your Local Bat Removal Specialist,

Michael Koski