Bat bites are typically uncommon across the nation; however, incidents have been reported. A bite from a bat may appear as small as a pinprick and may not leave a visible mark, so it is possible to get bitten by a bat without even knowing it. However, any bite from a wild animal should be taken seriously, even if the pain is limited. If you live near bats, it is important to be aware of the various dangers bats pose and proper steps to take if a bat bites you.
The Dangers of Bat Bites
Bats are known to carry rabies, a viral infection that targets the central nervous system. Rabies kills nearly 70,000 people a year worldwide. Rabies can lead to death in pets as well as humans, so any unvaccinated dogs or cats are also susceptible to the disease. Bats can also carry and transmit histoplasmosis, salmonellosis, and yersiniosis through their bites, scratches, or droppings (guano). Each disease can cause significant side effects in humans.
Bat Bite Treatments
The treatment for bat bites is similar to any bite from a wild animal, with a few exceptions.
Clean and Dress the Bat Bite
First, you’re going to want to treat the wound by washing it thoroughly with soap and water. With bat bites, you may feel tingling or slight itchiness around the site of the injury. In the unlikely event that your bat bite is bleeding, you will want to apply pressure to the wound and dress it with clean bandages before seeking immediate medical attention.
Treat the Bat Bite for Rabies
Your local hospital will have treatments on hand to address your bat bite. The typical medical treatment for bat bites is a rabies vaccination since bats are one of the largest carriers of the infectious disease. Rabies vaccination treatments include an initial injection as well as follow-up vaccines three days, one week, and two weeks after the bite, as necessary.
Avoiding DIY Bat Removal
Because of the viral diseases they may carry, bats can be a threat to your personal health; however, they can also be a danger to your home. Allowing bats roost on your property can lead to attic damage and toxic bat droppings or guano that will eat through your flooring and lead to foul odors and respiratory issues.
While it is rare for bats to bite humans unless provoked, it is important to not attempt DIY bat removal because of the various risks involved. Ultimately, the best way to avoid bat bites is to keep a safe distance from the animal and have them professionally removed from your property.
Professional Bat Removal Services Near You
If you have bats on your property, rely on the bat removal professionals at Animal Wildlife Trappers for safe and effective services. Our licensed and trained technicians have the equipment and experience necessary to provide you with high-quality bat removal services that ensure the nuisance pests are removed before they can cause you and your property any harm or damage.
To schedule an appointment and receive a free bat removal estimate, call us today at 352-267-0546.