Don't let the bats or the bedbugs bite

May 2, 2008

(Letter to the Editor re: Sleeping with the enemy; Bedbugs scuttle from children’s nursery rhyme to public health concern , reprinted from The Hamilton Spectator)

The “ick factor” of a possible bedbug infestation is certainly high for many people, and the growth of reported cases is worrisome. But add to the mix another dreaded creature — bats — and you might have a script for a horror movie. Bats are one of the most common carriers of bedbugs — which is ironic since most people wrongly consider bats to be the blood suckers. Hamilton has a large population of bats because of good habitat, including the escarpment, large mature trees and older homes.

As summer approaches and baby bats emerge from their urban roosting sites, homeowners need to be aware that brown bats will not suck your blood, but they are common carriers of rabies and bedbugs. The public health department should be notified if you come into contact with a bat.

Bill Dowd, B.PhEd.

President
Humane Wildlife Control Inc.