Bats are an integral part of the ecosystem. Despite their unattractive look, they are natural exterminators who keep the insect population under control. According to several studies, bats can eat their weight’s worth of insects in a single day.
If you have already spent money on pest control, perhaps having a few bats in your backyard isn’t a bad choice. The only problem is that these bats carry diseases, such as White Nose Syndrome, which can adversely affect human health.
Also, finding dead bats in your yard may be even more disturbing.
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Why Are You Finding Dead Bats In Your Yard?
Like all living things, bats die. Some die naturally, while others may fall victim to disease or predators such as domestic cats. If you have noticed a few dead bats in your yard, it may be a cause of concern.
First of all, it indicates that your yard harbors these nocturnal animals, which is not a bad thing
Several dead bats in your backyard might be a sign that they may be carrying deadly diseases. These dead bats could pose health risks to you and your loved ones.
Typically, most bats choose to cohabitate with humans (and for a good reason). Our homes are an ideal place to roost with food and water close by. If bats think your yard offers all of these perks, they might move in.
Bats are nocturnal animals, so they spend most of the day resting away from the daylight. But at night, they actively scavenge for food and water. If your yard offers plenty of resources, these bats won’t mind harboring in your yard for the rest of their lives.
What Should I Do If I Find A Dead Bat In My Yard?
Finding dead bats in your backyard is a problem; however, you should not panic. There are several ways of handling dead bats without risking your health and safety.
We will walk you through all the steps of a proper removal.
Guide For How To Get Rid Of Dead Bats
Take A Photo Of The Dead Bat
If possible, try and capture close-up shots of the bat in case it is a protected species. Ideally, you would want to take a photo of the dead bat’s face and wings as it would help identify the species. It would also help experts determine if the bat was suffering from illnesses or fatal diseases like White Nose Syndrome.
Ensure that you share the captured photos of the dead bat with the critter control program or wildlife services. This way, it would be easier for the animal experts to diagnose any potential medical risks you might be facing.
Contact Critter Control
Contacting critter control is the best way to remove dead bats in your yard. Critter Control teams specialize in safely removing animal carcasses without leaving any traces behind. They also have sophisticated equipment and knowledge regarding various animals, reducing risk and making the cleaning job a breeze.
Critter Control teams can detect and neutralize bat infestations using their equipment. If your yard is home to many bats, they can eliminate them and prevent more from harboring in your backyard. Also, the pest control teams can take care of dead bats that are potential hosts to life-threatening illnesses.
Discard the Bat’s Carcass Properly
Unless the critter control team asks you to dispose of the dead bat on your own, it’s better to stay away from it. Dead bats are home to many bacteria, insects, and fleas that can potentially harm you. Disposing of a dead bat’s carcass is a bad idea without proper equipment and adopting safety measures.
Preferably, you would want to use a trowel to dispose of the carcass. Also, wear protective gloves to ensure you don’t make skin contacts. Once you’ve discarded the bat remains, throw the gloves and carcass in a plastic bag and wash your hands thoroughly.
Are Dead Bats Dangerous?
Yes. Bats are dangerous to humans, either dead or alive. They are associated with many life-threatening diseases, including rabies. Many cases have been reported worldwide where people have suffered from illnesses due to bat infestations in their homes.
Live bats can be a continuous menace, especially if they live in your backyard, attic, or chimneys. The bat droppings, known as bat guano, can also cause serious illnesses in humans.
Dead bats are no less of a menace. Once dead, their carcass attracts maggots, and flies, which can be a nuisance to deal with. Moreover, their droppings can cause fungal maladies such as histoplasmosis.
How To Avoid Dead Bats In The First Place
There is not much you can do for your yard but you can take specific steps to ensure that you don’t have to dispose of dead bats inside your home.
One such way is sealing all entry points in your home’s windows, pipes, and doors. Perform the sealing operation at night since most bats scavenge for food during that time. However, avoid performing the sealing operation during June and July as it is the breeding season for bats.
Young bats might get trapped inside during the process and be tough to deal with. Their droppings and remains can decompose inside your home walls and crevices, resulting in a pungent smell and a breeding place for bacteria.
It is better to call a professional to deal with them instead. You can also ask them for advice on how to avoid this issue in the future.
The Bottom Line
Bats are shy creatures and stay away from humans for the most part. They are not aggressive by nature and like to hide in tight spaces. But that doesn’t mean you should try to catch bats. After all, bat saliva is poisonous and contains many harmful microorganisms if it enters your bloodstream.
Close dealing with dead bats is the last thing you would want. These flying mammals can fit through tight spaces in your backyard and reside there if they find food, water, and harborage. Therefore, you should seek professional assistance from critter control services to minimize the possibility of dead bats ending up in your yard.
