By some estimates, one-fourth of all the mammals on earth are bats. Because they're nocturnal and tend to avoid people, we don't see much of them. Still, they've been known to take up residence in attics and basements. If you see a bat, the most important thing is never touch it! Any bat that will allow you to get close to it is almost certainly sick, and bats can carry many diseases, including rabies, that can be transmitted to humans. Even a dead bat may be dangerous. The best way to keep bats out of your home is to close off the places where they can get in. Small openings should be sealed with a special product called bat screening to keep them out. A good pest control specialist can inspect your home for places where bats might enter, as well as trapping and removing any bats that are already there. If you suspect that you might have a bat problem, a pest control professional should be called.
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