Can you imagine living in a home overrun by bats? That’s exactly what happened to Isaiah and Monica Grant and their young children in Ardsley Park, Georgia. They were forced to flee their rental home after an invasion of nearly 80 bats. The Georgia Department of Public Health declared the house an “imminent health risk,” leaving the family with no choice but to evacuate.
The nightmare began on January 18 when the Grants spotted their first bat in the house. Within days, more bats started swarming inside, causing chaos and distress for the family. Monica recounted the terrifying experience of having bats flying down the stairs and even coming through the vents while her children were asleep. “We were like we’re done, we have to get out of here, something is wrong,” she said.
Since leaving their home, the Grants have been living with a kind neighbor. Meanwhile, the rental property owner, Cathleen Barela, claims to be addressing the issue with the help of Savannah Code Compliance. However, the Grants continue to face inconveniences as they had to get rabies shots for themselves and their children, a precaution advised by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Rabies, which can be transmitted through bat bites, is a deadly viral disease with no known cure.
To make matters worse, the Grants’ renters insurance refuses to cover the bat infestation, considering it as a non-covered loss. Determined to find a new home and cover their growing medical bills, the family has set up a GoFundMe page seeking support from the community.
Despite the hardships they have faced, the Grants have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. They recently received a generous offer of a furnished townhouse to use temporarily while they figure out their next steps. This unexpected act of kindness has given them a glimmer of hope during this challenging time.
Georgia is home to 16 different species of bats, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While most bats do not have rabies, it is impossible to determine their health just by looking at them. Testing in a laboratory is required to confirm the presence of the viral disease.
Let us hope that the Grants can soon find a safe and bat-free place to call home, while raising awareness about the potential dangers of bat infestations.
