“White Nose” Disease Killing Bats
In February 2006 some 40 miles west of Albany, N.Y., a caver photographed hibernating bats with an unusual white substance on their muzzles. He noticed several dead bats. The following winter, New York Department of Environmental Conservation biologists documented what they called white nose syndrome after seeing bats behaving erratically, bats with white noses and a few hundred dead bats in several caves. More than a million hibernating bats have died since then, making WNS the worst wildlife health crises in memory.
Bats Are Beneficial…We Just Don’t Want Them In Our House
Since 2006, more than a million bats have died from a disease called White Nose Syndrome. Biologists don’t know what causes it, nor do they have a cure, and so far, it’s proven to be almost 100 percent fatal in bats that contract it.
There are seven species of bats in Minnesota, four of those hibernate in caves, two will live in dwellings. Little brown Myotis and the large brown bat, and could potentially be at risk.
The little brown myotis is known to consume up to 100% of its body weight in insects each night. This level of insect consumption provides an important ecosystem service to human kind, and to the balance of natural and human-altered ecosystems, which in turn can reduce the use of pesticides often used by humans to kill insect pests.
You may not like the little critters, but if you notice bats in your home, or suspect you have a bat infestation, call a wild animal management professional today.
Recommended read: White Nose Syndrome Latest
Bat Biologists’ Worst Fears Validated By New Study: New research forecasts regional extinctions within two decades for one of our most common bat species, the little brown myotis, because of White-nose Syndrome.
Read press releases from BCI and Boston University.
It is very important that proper inspection techniques and exclusion methods be utilized. If not, you could end up with numerous adult and/or young bats being closed in your walls, eves, or attic, causing a large sanitation problem from dead bats or even having bats come out into your house with you and your family.
Science Article Predicts Regional Extinction Brown Bats
If your house is currently under attack by bats it is wise to call a Minnesota Wild Animal Management Expert that has experience in handling bat removals safely and in a timely manner. Hiring a professional company guarantees the safety of you and your loved ones, along with prevention services to keep bats out for good.
