Bat Complaints Skyrocketing Around North Alabama

DECATUR, AL - It's a four-letter word that brings chills to the hearts of many. Bats are invading homes around the Tennessee Valley, some say at a record-setting pace.

Critter control experts say new neighborhood developments are forcing the furry flyers out of their natural habitats. But because bats are so adaptable, they're not having problems moving into attic areas. Wildlife technician Jeff Ponzini of Huntsville-based "Critter Control" says his company's bat calls have tripled in just the last two years.

"It's because of the loss of natural habitat," said Ponzini. "More and more people are running into them in their homes because of construction in the area...they're running out of common areas where they would roost and raise their young. The increase on the rate of calls over the past two years is about three-fold."

Morgan County resident Lynne Carver recently had a bat invasion in her home.

"Went in there a couple of days ago, counted 20 of them, went 'Okay, that's too much," said Carver. "To me they're kind of cute. I'll miss them, but I won't miss the mess."

Animal experts say the threat of contracting rabies from a bat is actually very low. They say the main threat to homeowners actually comes from bat droppings, which often incubate harmful respiratory diseases. Frequent checks of your attic are encouraged to prevent such problems.

Credits: By Nick Banaszak, WHNT.com