Bat reports have surged in Allegheny County, with a local pest control company reporting over 50 inspections in August alone. This surge coincides with the bats' swarming season, a period of intense social and reproductive activity. Abigail Gardner, a spokeswoman for Allegheny County, explains that after maternity colonies break up in early August, mothers and pups disperse, and adult bats gather to mate and scout potential winter roosts. This behavior is visible as bats circling buildings at dusk and night, often landing and crawling in and out of entry points.
Certain bat species, like the hoary bat and eastern red bat, are migratory and travel south in fall to warmer areas. The health department warns that these bats may temporarily use attics, barns, or sheds as resting spots. Bryan Fichter, owner of Critter Control of Pittsburgh NW, confirms that Allegheny County often sees little brown bats and big brown bats. While bats are beneficial for eating insects and reducing mosquitoes, they can become pests when they roost indoors.
Bat guano, or accumulated bat waste, is a common issue for homeowners. It can be mistaken for mouse droppings and may contain bacteria that causes histoplasmosis. Additionally, bats can carry rabies and damage buildings with their droppings. If someone has been exposed to a bat, including a known bite or scratch, or finds a bat in a room with a sleeping person, an unattended child, someone with cognitive impairment, or an intoxicated person, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be necessary. Among the 21 people exposed to bats in 2024, 18 started rabies PEP, and 10 completed it.
The health department receives animal bite reports online and by phone, investigating for potential rabies exposure. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has regulatory authority over exposed animals, and the county's Public Health Laboratory tests deceased animals for rabies. Despite their benefits, bats make terrible roommates, and the surge in reports highlights the need for awareness and proper management to ensure public health and safety.
