Breathe with Caution...

There is an increasing trend of people discovering old log cabins and restoring them to give a new purpose as a garden shed, guest house, or a cozy retreat of some other fashion. Restoring an old log cabin is fulfilling and the final results rewarding; but there are some potential hazards of which one should be aware. One of these hazards is downright batty.

Before heralding the terror of bats (there are plenty of people doing that already), it should be noted that far too often bats are unfairly persecuted. In truth, they are a valuable neighbor to have as a benevolent predator of insects. Like any creature of the wild, they should be appreciated from a distance; Yet, they are universally difficult to appreciate when they don't keep their distance. They will find their way into the rafters and crevices of an inhabited home, but abandoned structures are particularly appealing. For this reason, they are likely to be encountered when restoring an antiquated, abandoned log cabin. Bats carry a small risk of rabies, but perhaps the larger hazard isn't the bats themselves. Rather, the hazard is in what they leave behind.

Besides staining and damaging the wood, years of accumulated guano and urine can cause serious health concerns for humans entering abandoned structures. Bat droppings, or guano, can host a variety of microorganisms and some of these, like histoplasmosis, are pathogens. Pathogens from guano and ammonia from urine can both cause serious damage to human lungs, therefore be advised to wear respiratory protection when entering these old buildings. Guano can pile inches and even feet deep, and urine can accumulate to stalactites that are multiple inches long. If the accumulation is significant, it may be best to hire a local professional.

When it comes to keeping bats out of your home, log or stick-built, new or old, exclusion is the best policy. This includes closing major entry points in the eaves and rafters and using a good log home caulking to seal the smallest of entry points. Keep in mind, bats can squeeze through a crack as small as 1/4 inch! Sealing entry points can be done by the homeowner, but hiring an experienced professional has benefits. Send a message here for a localized referral. Find more information on bats through the University of Minnesota Extension.


Disclaimer: These tips are provided for general user information purposes. Exposure to bat infested environments carry certain risks, which Schroeder Log Home Supply assumes no responsibility. Consult a local professional or extension office for further guidance.

Photo from the US Fish & Wildlife Service at http://www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/Newsletter/Summer05/Bats/Bugzapper.htm