Management of bat bugs requires focus on the roosting bats that are the original source of the insects. Removal or exclusion of the bats will prevent future infestations as the bat bugs will ultimately die-out in the absence of their bat hosts. However, in the immediate period after bat removal, problems may temporarily increase as existing bat bugs migrate in search of new hosts.

Any methods to seal off the area of bat roosting and the human living space is useful to prevent these migrations. Cracks and crevices used by migrating bat bugs can also be treated with insecticides, such as are used for bed bugs. If the area of the bat bug roost can be reached, use of an aerosol “bomb” or “pest-strip” may help kill bat bugs in those areas. The latter contain a persisting insecticide (dichlorvos) that can kill insects over a period of time.

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Frequent vacuuming of floors and rugs with a sealed unit can also help keep this under control.  This is a war of a series of battles, as eggs that were laid hatch.  Eventually if all food sources for these bugs disappear, so will they.  Consult a licensed professional pest control firm for further exam and spraying of controlled materials.

Thanks, G.