(607NewsNow) — Late summer and early fall in Central New York marks the height of bat season, and if you’ve been hearing strange sounds in your attic or walls, it’s time to pay attention. Bats are vital to the environment, but they can become a serious nuisance, and even a health hazard, when they make their way into your home.

One of the most common signs you have bats is guano, bat droppings that often resemble mouse droppings. These typically accumulate in attics, basements, or wall voids. In addition to guano, you might notice light scratching, fluttering, or squeaking noises in the ceiling or walls, especially around dusk or dawn when bats are most active.

What many homeowners don’t realize is that bat droppings and urine can pose serious health risks. One of the most concerning is histoplasmosis, a potentially dangerous respiratory disease caused by inhaling fungal spores found in bat guano. That’s why it’s crucial not to disturb these droppings yourself. AJ’s Nuisance Wildlife Control uses full respirators and PPE to safely inspect and remove infestations.

Another warning sign? Dark stains or water-like markings on your ceilings or walls. These could be caused by bat urine seeping through insulation and drywall, leading to structural issues and unpleasant odors.

Timing is critical. Bats only have pups once a year, but a single litter can include 3 to 6 young, quickly turning a minor issue into a full-blown infestation. Depending on the species, those numbers can vary, but the sooner you catch it, the easier (and cheaper) it will be to fix.

And if you wake up with a bat flying around your room, it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a potential rabies exposure. In those cases, the bat should be safely captured and immediately tested for rabies. If you simply walk into a room and notice a bat already present, testing isn’t usually necessary, but it’s still wise to call a professional.

At AJ’s Nuisance Wildlife Control, all animals are handled humanely, never poisoned, and never euthanized unless they are clearly sick or present a public safety threat, which is rare. While some companies claim they are legally required to euthanize captured wildlife, that’s simply not true. AJ’s ensures all healthy animals are released into safe, natural environments far away from homes and neighborhoods.

Their commitment to ethical treatment and professional service is why AJ’s Nuisance Wildlife Control was voted Best in the Region by The Citizen in Auburn, NY, a trusted name in local pest and wildlife removal.

Don’t wait until a few noises turn into a full-blown infestation. If you suspect bats or other wildlife in your home, get ahead of the problem for your health and your wallet.

Call or text AJ’s Nuisance Wildlife Control today at (315) 246-3663 or visit www.ajsnuisancewildlifecontrol.com to schedule a humane inspection and removal.