Bat " Capture 600 Mosquitoes an Hour "

What can they do? A single brown bat is very beneficial in that it can easily capture 600 mosquitoes an hour while a colony of 500 bats can easily eat a million insects nightly. When bats invade dwelling structures, however, they become a nuisance. Their presence, ectoparasites, and the odour from their fecal matter and urine, are all of concern. Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease in humans and other mammals that is transmitted by bites or scratches and through contact with saliva or bodily tissues. Although attacks by rabid bats are rare, anyone bitten or scratched by a bat or any other wild animal should seek medical attention immediately. Cats and dogs stand the greatest chance of becoming infected by picking up a diseased animal as they use their mouths to do so. The best way to protect a pet from rabies is by regular vaccination. Anyone who spends considerable time in attics, caves, or possible bat roost sites may consider getting immunized against rabies. Children should be taught not to handle any wild animal floundering on the ground or a pet behaving strangely. Bat exposure is considered to be very high risk as bat bites are very small and not easily seen. People exposed to a bat can get rabies even though no bat bite is noticed. If a bat is found in a room where someone was sleeping or where a young child may have been alone even for a few moments, it is advisable to take the precaution of seeking medical attention. The bat should also be captured for testing. If you have been bitten by an animal and think you may have been exposed to rabies, you should immediately wash and flush the wound with soap and water. Seek attention from a health care professional as soon as possible to assess your risk and treatment options.Dead bats found on the ground should be shovelled into a container and transported to public health authorities for autopsy.Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease in humans that may be contracted through the inhalation of dusty bat manure. Most infections have no symptoms or appear as a mild respiratory illness. Bats are not the only source of this pathogen. It can be found in soil and bird droppings and is carried by the wind. A respirator and other protective clothing should be worn when working in bat roost sites. FOR MORE INFORMATION HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOUSE FROM " Bat Droppings Disease.