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May 2, 2008
Don't let the bats or the bedbugs bite
(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.
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