For centuries, bats have had a bad reputation. Due to their intimidating and mysterious appearance, these creepy creatures have been the focal point of many fictional horror stories over the years. And while a bat is unable to transform into a vampire and terrorize your neighborhood, it can cause a lot of harm to you, your family, and your home.
At CP Bat Mitigation, we provide comprehensive pest control in Omaha, and we understand the unique habits and behaviors of the various local bats. If you think you might have bats around your property, keep reading to learn how to handle them in a way that is both safe and effective.
What Kind Of Bats Live In Omaha?
There are several types of bats that live in and around Omaha. Most of the species that live in this state prefer to live in heavily wooded areas far away from people and civilization. However, if a bat is unable to find a viable food source out in the wild, it may come into residential areas to search for insects to hunt.
The most common bat that is found near Omaha homes is the big brown bat. As its name suggests, the big brown bat has a large body and dark brown fur. While they may appear small when roosting, these bats have a massive wingspan that can stretch up to 16 inches wide. Big brown bats are found all over Nebraska and are the most common species to be found in barns, attics, and other human structures.
The Diseases Bats Can Carry
Bats are known to carry a wide range of diseases. They can spread these diseases either by coming in direct contact with you or by leaving their droppings and urine in an accessible area. If you think that you see any bat droppings in or around your home, you should wear disposable gloves when cleaning the area. It's also important to consider the health risks of airborne contamination when dealing with bat waste.
Some of the illnesses that you can catch from a bat in this area include:
- Yersiniosis
- Histoplasmosis
- Salmonellosis
- Rabies
Of all the animals in Omaha, bats are the most likely to be carrying rabies. In fact, according to the CDC and other bat control companies, it is more common to find rabies in a bat than it is to find it in any other wild animal in this country.
How To Combat A Bat Infestation In Omaha
It can be difficult to get rid of bats once they have taken up residence on your property. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to achieve total bat control around your home. Some of the preventative measures that you can take include:
- Keep outdoor lights off as much as possible at night. Outdoor lights attract the insects that bats hunt.
- Get a plastic owl statue and put it near your home or outdoor structures
- Make sure there are no cracks, gaps, or large vents around your roof or attic that the bats can use as an entrance.
Bats are also known to roost inside chimneys. To prevent bats from getting inside, install a metal screen or cap on the top of your chimney.
Leave Bat Mitigation To The Professionals
While bats may be able to help with the insect population around your home, they are dangerous creatures that should not be allowed to live freely on your property. If you think that you might have bats in or around your Omaha home, don't hesitate to give us a call today! At CP Bat Mitigation, we can help you mitigate bats in your home and prevent them from returning.