Bats are back for summer, and public health experts say there’s good reason to welcome them—carefully.
Public health experts are reminding residents to stay calm if a bat gets indoors.
South East Health Unit Deputy Medical Officer of Health Dr. Linna Li say most bats are harmless.
Inspector Andrew Dunn says, bats help control mosquitoes and other bugs.
While rare, some bats can carry diseases like rabies or histoplasmosis.
That’s why the Health Unit reminds people to avoid direct contact and call for help if there’s a bite or scratch.
Dunn, Senior Public Health Inspector, says it’s not unusual to spot bats in July as baby bats start flying.
Homeowners can prevent unwanted visits by sealing small openings and vaccinating pets—rabies shots are mandatory in Ontario for cats and dogs.
For more tips on bat-proofing your home and staying safe, visit www.healthunit.org and click on the Rabies tab.
You can listen to the full interview below.