The Bad: As traditional roosts in trees and caves have been destroyed, many bats are seeking shelter in man-made structures. A bat that suddenly appears in your home or business is probably a lost youngster, primarily concerned with making a safe escape. Mexican free-tailed bats are common in southern and western states. Problems arising from the sudden appearance of a bat are generally created by panicked responses.

Visits by bats in our workplace or living quarters can be prevented, as bats usually enter through predictable routes. The most obvious are open doors, windows, ungrated chimneys, loose fitting screens, air intakes, attic vents, and openings around plumbing/electrical lines leading into the structure from outer walls. Any opening more than a half inch in diameter or any crack of a quarter of an inch by an inch and a half or more should be sealed. If bats are roosting in or on a structure, they must first be deterred from the roost before any excluding is performed.

This must be done in a manner as to avoid any fatality to the bats, because they are protected in the state of Texas. Removal of bats inside an office or other structure should be handled by professionals knowledgeable in their habits and the laws protecting them.

Bats are wild animals and normally avoid contact with people. Those that can be caught, especially those found on the ground, are likely to be sick and should not be handled. Less than a half of one percent of bats contract rabies, a frequency no higher than that seen in cats and dogs; but unlike cats and dogs, rabid bats seldom become aggressive. An important thing to remember is to never touch a bat, dead or alive.

The Ugly: Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus (Histoplasma capsulatum) that prefers soils enriched by bat droppings. Human infection occurs through breathing dust that contains contaminated spores. The severity of histoplasmosis infection is directly related to the amount of dust-laden spores inhaled. To avoid problems do not stir up and breathe dust in areas where bat droppings have accumulated; the professional removal of droppings will greatly reduce the risk of exposure. Anyone who handles bats should use protection (gloves/respirator) especially when handling any accumulation of their droppings.

While bats are agriculturally beneficial, they obviously do not belong in office buildings or other structures inhabited by people. When you understand more about these animals you can calm your tenants and handle their removal in a safe and efficient manner.