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Bats
Bats are insectivorous nocturnal mammals with the ability to fly. There are 23 species of bats in California, and they are diverse in appearance and habitat preference. Common bat species in Alameda County are Mexican free-tailed bats, myotis bats, pallid bats, and hoary bats. Problems occur when bats use attics or buildings as roosting sites or when they enter living spaces.
Vector Significance
- Bats can carry and transmit the Rabies virus and other pathogens
- Because of their susceptibility to rabies, they should NEVER be handled by the public
- They are hosts to mites, ticks, fleas, and bat bugs that may disperse into buildings where they are roosting
- Bat droppings (guano) may contain histoplasma fungus and inhaling the spores of this fungus can cause a disease called Histoplasmosis
Vector Control Services
- Vector Control Biologists inspect properties for active bat roosting locations or access points into structures and provide recommendations for securing those areas
- Respond to reports of bats inside homes and buildings and if possible, assist with removal of the animal
- As part of its Rabies surveillance program, Vector Control coordinates efforts between the Alameda County Public Health lab, animal control agencies, and members of the public to investigate potential rabies cases
Requesting Services
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What can the public do?
- Never touch or handle a bat, especially with bare hands
- Check your home for any open attic vents or gaps around windows, doors, pipes, electrical wiring, or other vents larger than ¼”
- Do not leave doors open for extended periods during dawn or dusk
- If there is any potential direct contact with a bat, either by a person or a pet, or if a bat has entered a room of your home of business, please contact Alameda County Vector Control and/or your local Animal Control immediately
It should be emphasized that a live bat found in or around a building during the daytime may be sick and should be avoided and reported to Alameda County Vector Control or local Animal Control immediately.
Bats
