Bats are common across Louisiana, from rural parishes to Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Bats eat lots of insects, but they can also spread disease. The link between bats and rabies in Louisiana worries many homeowners who want to keep their families safe.
Rabies is a serious disease. Though rare, it can be deadly if doctors don’t treat it quickly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that bat bites are a leading cause of human rabies in the United States. For Louisiana families, it’s smart to learn the risks and take simple steps to prevent exposure.
If bats are in your attic or near your home, call a licensed professional. LaJaunie’s Pest Control provides humane bat removal and exclusion across Southeast Louisiana.
Key Takeaways
• In Louisiana, bats are the most common rabies carriers.
• Bat bites can be tiny and easy to miss, but they still carry risk.
• Fast care with rabies shots (PEP) prevents illness after exposure.
• Professional bat control keeps bats out and protects your family.
Understanding Bats and Rabies in Louisiana
When people think of rabies in Louisiana, they may picture skunks or raccoons. Those animals can spread the virus, but most human cases in the U.S. link back to bats. The Louisiana Department of Health collaborates closely with the Office of Public Health to monitor each case of rabies exposure and provide medical care as needed.
The risk of rabies increases when bats roost inside homes. In many Baton Rouge and New Orleans neighborhoods, bats find entry points in attics, barns, or sheds. Even if you never see a rabid bat, the threat of direct contact makes prevention important.
The CDC and state health department stress that you should never handle a bat, living or dead, without proper protection. If you wake up to find a bat in your bedroom, seek medical attention right away. Even the smallest animal bites or scratches from an infected animal can spread rabies.
Signs of Rabies in Wild Animals
Watch for signs of rabies in bats and other wildlife like skunks and raccoons. Warning signs include unusual aggression, daytime activity, trouble flying, or stumbling.
While many animals carry diseases, a rabid animal often appears disoriented or overly tame. Infected animals may drool, lose coordination, or act boldly. Don’t ignore these warning signs.
Rabies testing through a local health department is the only way to confirm infection. If you capture a bat after possible exposure, animal control can submit it for testing. Never attempt this yourself.
Human Rabies and Medical Care
Human rabies is rare but always a serious condition. Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal. Early treatment makes a difference.
Doctors typically recommend rabies vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if there’s a chance of contact with an infected animal. PEP involves a series of shots that help the body build antibodies against the virus. Seek care right away if you suspect exposure.
If a bat bites or scratches anyone, wash the wound with soap and water and get medical care right away. The Louisiana Office of Public Health and the CDC offer clear guidance on rabies treatment.
Rabies Prevention for Homeowners
Limit contact with bats and other wildlife to lower your risk. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture recommends rabies shots for domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and ferrets. Keeping pet vaccines up to date protects them and helps protect your family.
In Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and nearby parishes, focus on simple steps: seal entry points where bats roost, avoid injured wildlife, and report unusual animal behavior to local animal control.
Bat Control Services in Louisiana
If you notice bats roosting in your attic, shed, or roofline, it’s time to call a professional. Bat control requires more than just removing the animals. A complete solution includes exclusion methods that prevent bats from re-entering while keeping your family safe and secure.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, our trained technicians use one-way doors that let bats leave but not return. After they’re gone, we seal the openings to prevent future roosting. Our one-year guarantee backs the work.
We serve Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Houma, and all of Southeast Louisiana, with same-day and Saturday service for urgent calls.
Making the Right Bat Control Choice in Louisiana
Bats are part of Louisiana’s ecosystem, but when they move into homes, they create health and safety risks. Choosing a safe, humane solution keeps both your family and local wildlife protected.
LaJaunie’s Pest Control offers trusted bat removal and exclusion for homeowners across Southeast Louisiana.
Contact us today to schedule your inspection.
FAQs
Do all bats in Louisiana carry rabies?
No. Most bats in Louisiana are healthy, but a small percentage may carry the rabies virus. Because you can’t tell by looking, you should treat all bat encounters with caution.
What should I do if I find a bat in my home?
Do not touch the bat. Leave the room, close the door, and call animal control or a licensed pest control company. If you had direct contact or woke up with a bat in your bedroom, seek medical attention immediately.
Can pest control remove bats safely?
Yes. Licensed companies, such as LaJunie’s, use humane exclusion. Bats leave through one-way devices, and we seal entry points so they can’t return.
