Avoid touching or breathing in any guano personally, just as you would normally avoid any wild animal droppings. You’re actually more likely to get histoplasmosis from bird droppings than bat droppings, but nonetheless, steer clear of bat droppings and be safe. If you’re ever inclined to move your BatBnB or clean it up close during the winter after it’s already been occupied, then be sure to wear proper respiratory masks and goggles, and don’t breath in any dust. In general though, if you’ve never been overly concerned about bird poop in your life, then guano shouldn’t bother you.

 

Your BatBnB will require almost no upkeep. The water-based finish will eventually wear down after several years meaning you can embrace the weathering or choose to refinish it yourself. The bats will not mind, so it’s totally up to your aesthetic preference. Most guano on the landing pads will wash away with rain, but if it does start accumulating over a season, consider putting on a facemask and goggles during the winter and giving the landing pads a quick scrub when the bats are hibernating. Do not inhale any dust and consider hiring a contractor to do this work for you. Please do all your maintenance on a BatBnB in the winter months when the animals are hibernating to avoid disturbing them in their home.

 

The fungus that causes histoplasmosis is found nearly everywhere, including in most city parks, because it is most often associated with bird droppings. For anyone who doesn’t stir up and inhale dust associated with animal droppings, histoplasmosis poses a very remote threat. Most human cases are asymptomatic. Be sure to wear a respirator and goggles if you ever need to get near a BatBnB that has been occupied. Unless you are a trained animal professional, never go near a BatBnB that has active inhabitants - they may get scared and choose to defend their pups.