Friday, February 10, 2012

And We're Back! With Bats!

After taking some time off, we are back with a brand new post all about bats and what we can do if you have them.

Bats

Bats will soon be starting to return and that means it's time to start bat proofing for the Spring and Summer.

Did you know that there are 8 species of bats in Ontario, but only 2 species are commonly found in homes? These 2 species are the big brown bat(Eptesicus fuscus) and the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus).

Both these bats will hibernate in places such as caves and old mines, but they can also be found in attics and during the hot summer months they can also be found behind shutters, under porch overhangs and other cool dark spaces.

Bats are nocturnal, so you likely won't see them during the day. They also have poor vision and rely on echolocation to catch their prey.

Their prey consists of live insects that they will catch while flying and at night they can consume very large amounts of insects.

If you think you have bats in your home it's important to know how to handle their removal. Bat droppings (or guano) are linked to several health concerns. Guano can cause a persistent and strong odor and old droppings carry the potential to harbor histoplasmosis, which is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Bat guano can often be found where the bats are roosting such as attics and under roof peaks or outside lights where they will sit at night.


So what can Cottage Country Pest Control do for you?

We can come in and bat proof, which is the best and most permanent way of eliminating a bat colony from your home. To do this, sealing all the openings where they can enter is very important. Little brown bats only need a 1 cm hole to enter, so we can locate and seal these holes. We also ensure that all existing guano is removed and that the area is disinfected.

Having bats around isn't always so bad, you just don't want them in your house. So we also offer seasoned bat houses for sale. Bat houses are great to have around because bats will be attracted to them and will be more than happy to hang out in one. The benefit for you? It means there will be bats around in the summer to take care of those pesky mosquitoes and other insects and they won't be in your house!

Call Cottage Country Pest Control at (705)534-7863 today or email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com to book your appointment!

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