Bat Facts, Information & Pest Control In Sioux Falls

Sadly, bats received a bad reputation over the years, thanks to the movie industry and the spread of misinformation. In reality, they play an essential role in our ecosystem by being one of nature's ways of controlling the insect population. Despite popular belief, bats don't typically attack or bite humans unless threatened or mishandled. 

Given those facts, bats in and around your yard aren't necessarily a bad thing. But once they start to take up residence in your attic or other locations in your house, a whole new set of problems begin to exist. If this is the case in your home, it's best to contact your local Sioux Falls pest control company. They are the experts on how to control bats in the house safely and legally.

Bats Are Great For Mosquito Control

As far as controlling those flying pests around your property, bats may be your friend. The primary food source for bats is insects. In fact, "Are bats effective mosquito control?" is a common question asked by many, and the answer is up for debate. Biologists conducted various studies to estimate how many insects a bat eats in a night, and the results were extensive.

The most common bat in this area is the small brown bat. The smaller bats tend to feast on mosquitoes more due to their flying abilities. According to the United States Geological Survey, the average bat will consume somewhere around 500 insects a night. How many of those eaten bugs are mosquitoes can depend on a lot of variables. But it's safe to say, however, that any amount of mosquitoes consumed by a bat has to be a plus in anyone's book. 

Bats Can Be Bad If They Invade Homes

Whether bats will alleviate your mosquito problem is one thing, but when these flying mammals invade your home, you definitely have a bat control issue that needs to be immediately addressed by your local Sioux Falls pest control company. Bats can be a health threat in several ways.

• According to the CDC, less than 10% of bats carry rabies. But the risk is still there and isn't one you want to take. Let the professionals handle them, and if you do get bit, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
• Bat feces (guano) contains a fungus that can cause a lung disease called histoplasmosis.
• If left unattended, the accumulation of bat feces can compromise the integrity of your home's structure.

For these reasons, the removal of bats and any guano that has amassed in your home should be done by trained pest control technicians. 

How To Get Bats Out Of Your Home?

If you think you have a bat infestation in your home, calling a pest control company is the safest and most effective way to alleviate the problem. Some states have laws that protect certain species of bats. These knowledgeable professionals know how to control bats in the house and are licensed and trained in legal and humane bat control and removal. 

Prevention Tips For Bats In Sioux Falls

The best preventative measure for bat control is eliminating any entryways where bats can access your house. Cracks and crevices should be sealed, and screens placed in any existing holes, attic vents, and chimneys. 

In the end, if you're experiencing a bat problem, reach out to the experts. Olsen's Pest Technicians is a family-owned business with over 50 years of pest control experience. Our team has the tools and expertise to safely remove bats from your home. Give us a call and we can pay a visit to inspect your property and come up with the best bat control plan that will fit your needs and budget.