A Savannah family was forced to flee their home due to a bat infestation that took over their rental property. Monica and Isaiah Grant initially thought the presence of a single bat was a fluke, as bats are common in the coastal city of Savannah. However, they soon discovered that their home was infested with bats seeking shelter from the cold.
The Grants’ ordeal began on January 18 when a small bat flew into their bedroom, causing them to wake up in a panic. They managed to herd the bat outside, thinking that was the end of it. But over the next few days, they encountered several more bats in their home, including one incident that startled a guest who came running out of the bathroom screaming.
The infestation continued to grow as temperatures dropped, and the bats sought warmth and shelter. The Grants captured footage of bats flying inside their living room, stairwell, and even hiding inside heating vents in the ceiling. Concerned about the potential for rabies, they sought advice from a public health official and began prophylactic treatment for rabies for themselves and their two children.
Trina Morris, a program manager in the Wildlife Conservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, explained that it’s not unusual for bats to enter homes in Savannah during cold spells. The Grants’ home happened to be an attractive refuge for Brazilian free-tailed bats, one of the 16 native species of bats protected from intentional harm in Georgia.
After nearly a week of living with the infestation, the Grants decided they could no longer stay in their home. They reported the problem to the Property Management Co. LLC but were dissatisfied with the slow response. One night, while relaxing downstairs, they heard noises in the kitchen and saw little arms reaching through an air vent. That was the breaking point for Monica, who promptly woke up her family and left for a hotel.
The following day, a pest control company inspected the property and was shocked by the number of bats they found. The Grants finally managed to get the property management company to take action, and the pest control company hung glue traps in the attic and closed off entry points for the bats. However, this meant that the bats couldn’t leave either.
The Grants have no intention of returning to their home, even if the bats are removed. They started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for medical bills and living expenses. The expensive rabies treatments require emergency room visits each time they receive one of the eight shots. They hope to raise $10,000 to cover their medical bills and the cost of finding a new home.
Despite their hardships, the Grants have been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received from their community. They have found temporary accommodation and hired an attorney to negotiate with the management company as they search for a permanent home elsewhere.
This harrowing experience highlights the challenges faced by families dealing with unexpected wildlife infestations. It serves as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to prevent encounters with potentially dangerous animals and the need for swift action from property management companies when faced with such situations.
