Cleaning bat droppings can be a risky process because it can cause a disease called histoplasmosis. These feces are found where bats stay, and these are dark places such as the attic where ‘bat guano’ is often found. Bat guano looks like rat feces. The fascinating thing about these feces is that it will turn into dust and was used as a plant fertilizer before the arrival of the modern fertilizer we have today. Before cleaning bat droppings, it is very important that you consider that there is a certain amount that you can do without putting your health at risk.
If you have bats on your property, let the professionals from Bat Control deal with it safely and quickly!
If you do want to act by yourself, make sure that the bats have evacuated the area and make sure that you have the proper equipment to ensure your health and safety. Gloves, masks, goggles, and plastic bags, and assure that there is proper ventilation. The critical part of cleaning bat feces is making them dam enough to be picked up by a wet towel, paper towel, or a sturdy napkin.
You can dampen these feces with a water sprayer or with a steamer to make them easier to pick up. To disinfect the surface where the feces were on, you can use a water-bleach solution which consists of 9 parts water to 1 part bleach. Spray it on the surface and leave it the solution there for 10 minutes before rinsing and wiping it off. It is very important that the space is well-ventilated to avoid breathing in any spores that can cause disease and harm.
The following symptoms are, but are not limited to :
- Fever
- Headache
- Dry cough/cough with blood in the chronic phase
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Chest discomfort
- Pain in the joints
If you do recognize bat feces and want to remove them on your own then it is highly recommended to wear a face mask, cloves, and a sealable plastic bag handy with you at all times. Make sure to be careful not to sweep or vacuum the bat droppings in order to avoid airborne particles circulating throughout the space. The important part of cleaning bat feces is making them dam enough to be picked up by a wet towel, paper towel, or a sturdy napkin.
You can dampen these feces with a water sprayer or with a steamer to make them easier to pick up. To disinfect the surface where the feces were on, you can use a water-bleach solution which consists of 9 parts water to 1 part bleach. Spray it on the surface and leave it the solution there for 10 minutes before rinsing and wiping it off. It is very important that the space is well-ventilated to avoid breathing in spores that can cause disease and harm.
If there is a large quantity of feces present, then it is highly recommended to have it done by professionals that have the tools and the equipment to ensure a safe and quick cleanup. The professionals from Bat Control also offer these services. We have licensed and insured exterminators that are ready for any situation. Call us at 647-931-6459