Have you found bats living in your attic recently? Those little night fliers do help with bugs, but they also leave behind guano, also known as bat poop. And it is not just gross, but it can also be risky for your health. Let’s go over some important safe cleanup steps and when it’s smarter to call a professional.
Why Bat Poop Is a Serious Problem?
Bat droppings can look like mouse poop at first. They are small, pellet-shaped, and often dark brown or gray. But the main problem is that the bat guano can carry a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum.
The droppings can become brittle and crumble when they dry. And you can kick spores into the air if you try to sweep or vacuum them. And you can also develop a lung infection called histoplasmosis if you inhale them.
There are other health risks, too. Guano can carry bacteria and parasites. And those can lead to different illnesses. And then there’s the smell. It has a sharp ammonia odor that can fill the space fast. Although they are small, they can sometimes irritate your lungs.
Safety First: DIY Cleanup Basics
If you are planning to clean up a small amount yourself, then here are some must-follow safety rules:
Never Ever:
- Sweep or vacuum dry guano
- Touch the stuff with your bare hands
- Work without proper breathing protection
Always:
- Wear thick rubber gloves
- Put on an N95 mask or respirator
- Cover your eyes with goggles
- Wear old clothes that cover all skin
How to Clean Up Small Amounts
You need to be very careful if you are planning to clean even a small amount of guano
- Spray the droppings with water and disinfectant.
- Use paper towels to scoop up the wet droppings. Be gentle.
- Drop everything into a sealed plastic bag.
- Wipe the area with disinfectant after all visible guano is gone.
- Seal and dispose of all cleanup materials properly.
Please remember to keep that mask on at all times. And open windows, if possible, to let fresh air flow through the space.
When to Call the Pros
DIY is fine for tiny spots of guano. But for bigger problems, it’s time to pick up the phone. You need to call a professional if:
- You find piles of guano instead of scattered droppings
- The affected area is bigger than a few square feet
- The droppings have been there a long time
- You spot guano in your home’s insulation
- You have breathing issues or a weak immune system
- The smell is overwhelming
Professional cleaners bring HEPA vacuums and commercial-grade disinfectants. They remove contaminated insulation safely. They also seal off the work area to prevent guano dust from drifting around your home.
The Professional Cleanup Process
The guano cleanup involves the following process:
- Set up containment areas to prevent cross-contamination
- Use special vacuums that trap tiny particles
- Apply enzyme-based cleaners that break down organic matter
- Remove and replace contaminated insulation
- Disinfect the entire area
- Test the air quality afterward
This thorough approach does cost money, but it will also give you peace of mind. And most importantly, it will protect your health.