A family in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, is grappling with a serious bat infestation in their home. Although it’s fitting with Halloween approaching, it’s making things anything but festive for them. Due to the protected status of certain bat species, removing them has proven nearly impossible. As they can’t exterminate them, removing the roof might be the only solution, which would result in a bull of $100,000. To top it off, the bats’ presence has led to significant expenses and health risks for the family, including a rabies scare.
Bats Move In, Homeowners Left Powerless
Rachelle and Kelly Swan first noticed the bat problem in August when a bat flew into their living room. What they initially thought was an isolated incident soon turned into a full-blown issue as more bats were found around their property. Any bat invasion is a nuisance, but what makes this case so much more complicated is that the Wildlife Act protects these bats as they belong to an endangered species, which restricts their removal.
$100,000 Roof Replacement Seemingly the Only Solution
The only solution to rid the house of bats in alignment with the Wildlife Act involves removing and replacing the entire roof. Other than being a massive project it is also extremely expensive – it would cost between $60,000 to $100,000. This process requires clearing out insulation and relocating the bats, a financial burden the family cannot bear without external support. Additionally, insurance does not cover this expense. Selling also isn’t an option, as no one wants to purchase the property in its current state, i.e., intruded by a bat colony.
Rabies Fears Lead to 47 Vaccine Shots
After a conservation officer was bitten by a bat, public health authorities deemed the Swan family at risk of rabies. Over two weeks, all five family members received a total of 47 rabies shots. They must continue to receive booster shots until the situation is resolved, adding huge amounts of stress to the situation.
Creating a Way Out, But No Way In
To address the infestation, a roofing company installed bat cones with one-way valves, allowing bats to exit but preventing their return. This process cost over $5,000 and required more than 60 cans of silicone to seal gaps. Despite these efforts, the bats remained, leading to ongoing noise and health concerns for the family. As such, the expensive and draining project of making their house bat-free continues.
Bat Species Protection Laws Block Solutions
Bats in Saskatchewan are protected under federal and provincial laws, making it illegal to harm or relocate them without a permit. Specific rules allow bat exclusion during May or September, but the family’s situation arose outside these windows, leaving them with no easy way to remove the bats.
Health Risks Beyond Rabies
This bat infestation has truly turned into a nightmare for this family. Kelly, who is in remission from cancer, faces an added health risk from histoplasmosis—a lung infection caused by inhaling spores from bat droppings. The bats’ presence in the house poses a danger to her weakened immune system, adding to the urgency of finding a solution to their infestation.
Misidentified Species Complicates Situation
Mark Brigham, a bat expert, believes the bats in the Swans’ home are big brown bats, not the endangered little brown bats as initially identified by conservation officers. Differences between big brown bats and little brown bats include weight, wingspan, and facial structure. But perhaps more importantly, brown bats are more resilient and less impacted by white-nose syndrome, a disease devastating to other bat populations, which could change removal options. If Brigham’s assessment is correct, it could potentially open up different avenues for handling the bats legally.
Family Facing Bat Infestation Pleads for Government Support
The Swans have reached out to various government officials, seeking financial help or policy exceptions to address the bat infestation. While Premier Scott Moe personally contacted them, he did not offer a solution. With no buyers willing to take on a bat-infested home, the family feels trapped with no options.
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