Is Bat Guano Dangerous? Pictures & Information

Since mice and bat droppings are similar in size and shape, identification can take be tricky. The main differences between bat and mouse poop are:

• Bat poop is shiny as bats feed on insects
• The texture is dry and crumbly
• Bat poop is often bigger than mouse poop
• Bat poop is generally found higher up than mouse poop

Having identified bat poop in your attic, you should take steps to remove it for various reasons.

The main issue with bat poop is that the fungus Histoplasma Capsulatum can grow and thrive on it. The respiratory disease Histoplasmosis can cause serious illness and, in extreme cases, even death in humans.

Bat droppings can cause a seriously bad odor as well as staining in your home.

Bats defecate up to 30 times a day and a buildup of bat poop can even cause the structural collapse of beams and ceilings.

The guano will also attract other pests, such as cockroaches which can lead to secondary infestations and potential disease.

If there is a small amount of bat guano in your attic, then you can go about removing this yourself with some soap and water.

You should call in a professional, however, if there is an accumulation of guano due to the health risks. Histoplasmosis is contracted from breathing in airborne spores and a professional will use specialized apparatus during a clean up to prevent contamination.

Bat guano makes an ideal fertilizer due to many reasons.

Bat guano is nutrient-rich and contains high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Gardeners attribute nitrogen to rapid green growth and find nitrogen a useful element in promoting lawn growth. Phosphorus is found to be helpful with flowers and trees whilst potassium may help plants develop hardy stems.

Please note: it is not safe to “harvest” bat poop from bats that may have entered your attic.