How to protect yourself from bats? - briefly
Seal all openings, install bat-proof netting, and wear gloves and a mask when handling or cleaning areas where bats roost; if bitten, wash the wound thoroughly and obtain prompt medical evaluation for rabies prophylaxis.
How to protect yourself from bats? - in detail
Bats can carry rabies, histoplasmosis spores, and cause structural damage. Effective prevention requires a combination of environmental management, personal protection, and emergency response.
Secure entry points. Inspect roofs, eaves, vents, and gaps around windows. Install fine‑mesh hardware cloth (1/4‑inch) over openings, and use weather‑stripping on doors. Seal cracks with caulk or expanding foam. Regularly trim trees and shrubs that provide roosting sites near the building.
Control lighting. Install motion‑activated or low‑intensity bulbs to discourage foraging. Avoid bright, constant illumination in attics and crawl spaces.
Maintain cleanliness. Remove fruit, insects, and water sources that attract insects, which in turn lure bats. Store food in sealed containers and keep garbage bins closed.
When bats are present inside a structure, follow a systematic removal process:
- Identify the colony size and roosting locations.
- Install one‑way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but prevent re‑entry. Devices must remain in place for at least 24 hours after the last bat has left.
- Seal all openings after exclusion is confirmed.
- Clean contaminated areas with a disinfectant solution (e.g., 1 % bleach) and allow adequate ventilation to reduce airborne spores.
Personal protection during any interaction includes wearing thick gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and a N95 respirator. If a bite or scratch occurs, wash the wound with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and seek medical evaluation for rabies prophylaxis.
Regular monitoring helps detect new incursions early. Conduct quarterly inspections of the building envelope, and keep records of any bat activity, exclusion measures, and maintenance actions.