There are 9 species of bat in Ontario. The main structural invaders are the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). They are beneficial to the environment, just not our personal environment. Most human health issues from bats are caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites in their guano (excrement), these include histoplasmosis, ebola, rabies and bat bugs which are a relative of bed bugs. It is thought that the 2014 ebola outbreak in West Africa originated from contact with an infected bat.
Naturally, these bat species would live in tree cavities or rock crevasses/caves. Unfortunately, they also seem to like attics and this is how we can be exposed to the pathogens they carry.
Both little brown and big brown bats are sensitive to a fungus called white nose syndrome, an exotic species likely transferred from Europe to North America by cave explorers. The syndrome is reducing their numbers so it's important to preserve them while keeping them out of our homes and cottages. Eco-Choice Pest Control offers bat removal and seal-up in a way that ensures the bats have time to get out, but then can't get back in. There are always natural roost sites for them, sometimes they just have to be tempted out of our cozy spaces.
Interesting side note!
Bat bugs and bed bugs are the only species in the genus Cimex and descended from a common ancestor...kissing cousins?
