What could be more frightening than bats in your belfry? Bat bugs!
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The bat bug (Cimex pilosellus) is a close relative to the bed bug. Both are blood-sucking insects and prior to the recent increase of bed bugs, the bat bug was the more common representative of this group from the Cimicidae family. Bed bugs are the most difficult to deal with as they can coexist with humans. The bat bug requires a bat host, which can live behind walls and in attics. When bats migrate or are removed from the area, the potential for these bugs to migrate to human areas exists. The bugs move in search of a new bat host.
To prevent rare but potential human bites, human areas should be sealed off from bat areas after the bats leave, but the bottom line is that these bugs will not be able to sustain or reproduce without a bat host. If you think these critters may be dwelling in YOUR attic, calling a professional bat removal service is advised, one who handles the safe removal of bats with no harm to the bats.
Ref:Wikipedia, Colorado State University Extension: Bat Bugs, Bed Bugs and Relativesby W.S. Cranshaw, M. Camper and F.B. Peairs1 (Revised 3/11)
