If you’ve heard light movements in the attic then there is a chance you have a bat infestation. They can squeeze into small areas and prefer dark damp places like caves, but attics can meet the same criteria, especially if the duct system runs through the top of the house. Some bats carry rabies, but the percentage is much smaller than you’d think. Here is a guide to bats and rabies, and why you need to have them removed immediately by a professional.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system. It can be contracted if bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, and in very rare cases, saliva or the moisture from a rabid animal’s eye can transfer the disease. Rabies is considered a preventable disease. The CDC recommends staying away from wildlife, vaccinating pets, and going to a medical center immediately if there was potential exposure.

How Are Bats & Rabies Connected?

Bats are not asymptomatic carriers of rabies, if they catch the disease they die. Bats also catch what’s known as a passive form of rabies. When the disease is strong within them, they become lethargic, have no appetite, and can’t fly. The main concern with people and bats is when people try to pick bats up. Bats have micro-sharp claws, which mean they can scratch you, and you won’t see a mark. Even within a bat infestation population, or in their roosts, the number of bats infected by the disease is minimal, and they don’t generally pass it around to each other in large quantities.

Should I See a Doctor After a Bat Infestation at Home?

Rabies is not considered an emergency situation, but it is of medical urgency. You should seek medical attention if you wake up and find a bat in your room. If a bat infestation is found in your home, then seek medical help. Rabies shots have advanced over the years, and no longer require a series of shots in the abdomen. Now the shots are given in the arm or inner thigh and hurt no more than a flu shot.

Roosts and bat infestations can pose many issues within the home. Let Batman Enterprises of Mason, OH, and their experienced team take care of the problem quickly and efficiently. For over 20 years they’ve been solving residential and commercial bat issues in the Greater Cincinnati area. 24 hours a day, you can call them at (513) 600-3079 for bat infestation removal and visit their website to learn more about other services.