The hidden health risks behind DIY bat removal in Ottawa
When homeowners discover bats in their attic or walls, their first instinct is often to solve the problem themselves. However, DIY bat removal can expose individuals to significant health hazards, cause legal issues, and lead to recurring infestations.
This article examines the genuine risks associated with handling bat problems independently and why consulting experts like Aspen Wildlife Control is the safest and most effective approach.
Why DIY bat removal is dangerous
Bats may seem small and harmless, but they are known carriers of diseases that can seriously impact human health. The most common concern is histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness caused by inhaling fungal spores found in bat droppings (guano). These spores can become airborne when cleaning an attic or disturbed insulation, especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Another major risk is rabies. Although rabies transmission from bats is rare, it remains a concern, especially since bat bites are often small and can go unnoticed. Handling a bat without gloves or trying to remove one without proper protection is never safe.
Legal risks and protected species in Ottawa
In Ontario, bats are a protected species. Attempting to remove them, particularly during maternity season (typically from May through August), can violate provincial wildlife laws. Uninformed DIY attempts may result in unintentionally harming juvenile bats, which is both illegal and ecologically damaging.
Aspen Wildlife Control follows strict provincial regulations and uses only humane exclusion techniques. Their methods respect both legal standards and the vital ecological role that bats play in controlling insect populations in the Ottawa region.\
Why Professional Bat Removal in Ottawa Is the Right Choice
Hiring a licensed wildlife control specialist significantly reduces the health and legal risks associated with bat infestations. Aspen Wildlife Control conducts a full inspection of the property to identify entry points, nesting areas, and the scope of the problem.
They use one-way exit devices that allow bats to leave the structure but prevent re-entry. After confirming the colony is gone, they seal the building with durable materials and can provide guano cleanup and disinfection. This ensures the home is safe, clean, and bat-free without causing harm to the animals.
This level of service is especially important in older homes throughout Ottawa, where structural gaps are more common and infestations may go unnoticed for longer periods.
When to call a professional in Ottawa
If you hear high-pitched squeaking at night, notice droppings along the roofline, or detect an ammonia-like smell indoors, these could be signs of a bat colony. Attempting removal on your own may lead to contamination or further damage.
Aspen Wildlife Control offers timely, expert interventions tailored to local bat species and urban environments in Ottawa. Their team combines legal knowledge, humane methods, and safety-focused cleanup to give homeowners long-term peace of mind.
DIY bat removal in Ottawa may seem like a quick fix, but it can put your health, home, and legal standing at risk. Professional services like those offered by Aspen Wildlife Control provide a safe, ethical, and lasting solution. If you suspect bats in your home, don’t wait – schedule an expert assessment today.