Bats are a seasonly active key player in keeping local ecosystems balanced. In most of North America during the spring and summer seasons bats are active at dusk hunting for insects; natures bug control to a degree. As bats fly around clearing the air of insects they will eventually stop to rest and digest. Bat excrement, known as guano holds interesting characteristics and potential health concerns.
Guano will usually be dark brown or black in color. Guano will hold a similar shape and size to a grain of rice with an abnormally rough exterior. If guano has broken apart it won’t snap in half, but will turn to a dust/powder. Its relevant to note that mice and rat feces can initially look like guano. Note that mice and rat feces usually hold smooth exteriors and are dense/hard. Guano falls apart because it’s composed of compressed insect exoskeletons. Their feces are also know to hold pathogens that can cause respiratory health issues.
Guano is know to carry microscopic spores that can cause diseases like histoplasmosis. When guano breaks apart the fungal spores released into the air can be inhaled and carried into the lungs. Histoplasmosis carries flu like symptoms caused from fungus in the respiratory system. Guano will usually be located in piles under the roosting area of the bats. Over time these piles can accumulate to significant sizes causing additional health concerns.
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to find guano on window sills, porches, pillars and other areas around the exterior of their home. Homeowners state they sweep guano one day only to find more the next. Bats will usually roost in the same area nightly, and excrete in the same location. Guano should be removed by a professional to avoid breaking the feces and releasing the toxic spores from the solids. If guano is found around a home an attic inspection would be a good idea to ensure no guano is present in the attic.
Bats are vital in keeping our ecosystems balanced. Although sometimes villianized in popular culture, bats will usually avoid human contact unless by accident. Bat feces are known to carry pathogens that can cause serious health concerns. If guano is found on the exterior of your property an attic inspection can help deduce if the bats are secluded to the exterior of the property or have made their way inside.