Bat droppings, known as guano, are small and dark in coloration. The elongated pellets are crumbly and turn to dust when touched. Finding bat guano is a sure sign of a bat infestation.
You can find deposits of guano accumulating within walls and attics as well as on the ground and roof tiles. The nutrient-rich droppings cultivate the growth of histoplasmosis fungus, which causes severe respiratory problems in humans.
Dangers of Bat Guano
The accumulation of bat guano in the attic can be a serious health risk for people. When dried bat guano is disturbed, the “dust” can contain Histoplasma spores which cause histoplasmosis.
Scattered bat droppings do not pose a risk if swept or vacuumed. The risks increase when guano accumulates. During the spring, bats tend to roost in larger maternity colonies. These bat colonies can create large piles of guano.
Bat Guano in Walls
Bats that access your attic can also find cracks and crevices in wall voids. You will bats in the walls either by smelling musty, acrid smell or seeing stains. You are at very low risk for histoplasmosis smelling bat guano inside your walls
Bat Guano Clean Up
We do not recommend cleaning up accumulated bat guano on your own. At Trutech Wildlife Service, we wear respirators to protect ourselves from histoplasmosis and use vacuums with high-efficiency filters.
If you chose to clean up accumulated bat feces, follow these safety tips:
- Wear disposable clothing.
- Wear a face basks that can filter particulate matter of one millicorn in diameter
- Spray guano with mist to keep the dust down.
Bat Control
Cleaning up bat poop is not a long term solution. Whether the guano is fresh or old, it is a clear sign of a bat problem. Even if the bats are gone, you still need bat control. Not only can the bats return using the same entry point, but also other pests like squirrels, rats, and mice can use the access point.
Guano has often used as fertilizer because of its high nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium content. The NPK of bat guano makes it acceptable for use on various plants. Gardner create a compost tea or foliar spray.
We do not recommend collecting guano from your attic or roof to use as fertilizer.
Alexander Gray
All photos courtesy of Alexander Gray, district manager in Kansas.
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