1. Bats Play an Important Role in Ecosystems
Out of 1,400 bat species, only a handful drink blood. The rest feed on insects, pollen and fruit to varying degrees. As a result, they play important roles in local ecosystems:- Keeping the insect population under control
- Pollinating plants
- Spreading seeds
2. Infestations Pose Health Risks
While bats are crucial to a flourishing planet, they pose health risks to humans. For one thing, they can have rabies, a virus that makes animals more aggressive. This disease spreads through bites, which is why you should never corner a bat or other wild animal — doing so can make them feel threatened, pushing them to fight for survival. Bats may also host parasites:- Chiggers
- Fleas
- Ticks
- Body aches
- Fever
- Dry cough
3. Bats Don't Give Up
Bats can be incredibly persistent when looking for a nesting spot, especially after mating season. A mother needs a warm, secure place with ample food after her pups are born, and human residences tick all those boxes. To a determined bat, a house is too good to pass up. As a result, these animals will look for entry points long after you thought they'd given up. Due to their small size, bats can take advantage of entrances you may not consider:- Chimneys
- Missing shingles
- Fascia boards
4. Infestations Can Damage Your Home
Once bats settle in your attic, they have no problem doing their business indoors. Unfortunately, guano is caustic, spelling trouble for your home's internal structures:- Corroded metals
- Compromised wiring
- Decayed wood