Are bats dangerous?

I’ve heard that bats can carry diseases and sometimes bite. Should I be worried about them being dangerous?

Bats play a role in the environment, but they can pose health risks if they come into contact with people. While most bats avoid humans, being bitten by a bat can expose you to illnesses, so it’s always best to seek medical advice right away if it happens. The biggest concern is rabies, which bats can carry, although not every bat is infected with the disease. Even a small scratch can be a risk, so it’s best not to handle bats alone.

To clear up some common concerns:

Do bats bite people? 

Bats usually avoid humans, but they may bite if threatened or handled.

Do bats attack humans? 

They don’t actively attack, but close contact increases risk.

Can bats carry rabies without showing signs?

 Yes, which is why any direct contact should be taken seriously.

Do all bats have rabies? 

No. Only a small percentage of bats test positive, but because there’s no way to tell by looking, all encounters should be treated cautiously.

If you find bats in your home or suspect one has come into contact with people or pets, avoid touching it. DIY attempts to remove them can increase the danger. For peace of mind and to protect your home, our technicians can inspect and identify how bats are entering your property and provide solutions to help address the issue.