We've all heard the horror stories of people being bitten by bats and contracting rabies, but this is only part of the problem. There is another side that may shock you and, possibly, make you think twice about allowing them to stay in your attic, garage or shed as a form of mosquito abatement.

The New York State Health Department has reported that a second bat has been found positive for rabies in the state this season. But when you would expect them to warn against human exposure, their message is surprisingly different. They say it is important to keep your pet's vaccinations current, to protect yourself from this virus. As it turns out, direct bat bites aren't the only way rabies go from bat to human. If your pet contracts this dangerous virus, it can spread it to you.

New York State Public Health Law requires that all puppies and kittens get an initial shot at three months of age, and a booster shot every three years. Ferrets are required to get a shot every year. If you haven't had your pet vaccinated yet, there are a number of clinics offered throughout the year by the Onondaga County Health Department, to protect you and your pet from contracting rabies.

How does rabies get into bats in the first place?

The CDC calls bats a reservoir for the rabies virus. We can learn a lot from this wording. A reservoir is a place where fluid collects. Though you might think that a bat's appetite for mosquitoes is how they are more susceptible to this virus, but rabies is not found in the blood of an infected animal. It is found in the saliva and nervous system.

Some experts believe that bats get bitten by one of a number of predators, like skunks, raccoons, cats and foxes, and carry the virus back to where they sleep with other bats. The virus is then spread with a sneeze or a bite in close quarters.

Bat Control

If you find bats living on your property, call Thomas Pest Control. Our expert technicians safely remove all bats, seal up entry points, remove the waste with special vacuums, sanitize the infected area and replace contaminated insulation. When it comes to taking care of a wildlife infestation, you can count on the Thomas team to do a thorough and effective job, every time.