A Bat Invasion Forces Family Out of Their Home
A family in Georgia faced a harrowing ordeal that led them to vacate their rental home. Isaiah and Monica Grant, along with their two young children, were alarmed when nearly 80 bats invaded their residence in Ardsley Park.
The distressing situation unfolded when the Grants spotted the initial bat on January 18. In a matter of days, the number of bats increased, with more of them entering the house, even descending the stairs and emerging through the vents. Concerned for their safety, the family made the difficult decision to evacuate their home.
“We were like, we’re done, we have to get out of here, something is wrong,” Monica shared with WSAV. The Georgia Department of Public Health also confirmed that the home posed an imminent health risk, solidifying their decision to leave.
The Grants, originally from Chicago, found refuge with a neighbor while dealing with the situation. The property owner, Cathleen Barela of Property Management Company, assured them that measures were being taken to tackle the bat infestation. While relieved by this assurance, the family still encountered inconveniences.
The Grant family’s story underscores the unexpected challenges that can arise, even within the safety of our own homes. To protect themselves from potential rabies exposure, all four family members had to undergo immediate rabies shots, an unforeseen expense they had to bear. Bats are known to be the leading cause of rabies deaths in humans in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
In response to their ordeal, the Grants have created a GoFundMe page to seek financial assistance for finding a new home and covering their escalating medical bills. However, their renters insurance provider stated that a bat infestation is not a covered loss, further adding to their financial burden.
Despite these challenges, the Grants have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support they have received. They were even offered a furnished townhouse to stay in while they navigate their next steps. “Dracula is real, ya’ll,” Isaiah humorously commented on the situation.
It’s essential to note that not all bats have rabies, and it’s impossible to determine just by looking at them. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that Georgia is home to 16 different species of bats. Confirming the presence of rabies in bats requires testing in a laboratory, as highlighted by the CDC.
