Bat Stuck in Fly Paper

[Squirrely Steve]

Hello Friends

I was doing my morning farm chores and went into the barn and a bat is stuck in some 6" wide fly paper.
I tore the roll down and got it in the house on the porch.
I got a call into my teacher..no answer ...waiting to hear back.
I am soaking the bat in warm water with dawn dish soap and have a heating pad under it to keep warm.
he is starting to get unstuck but his one wing is stuck good.
anyone know of a quick glue cutter ?
What a mess !

Thanks
Squirrely Steve

[Jackie in Tampa]

ugh...maybe mineral oil...

be careful..wear gloves...
no bites steve, no scratches....:nono

[Squirrely Steve]

ugh...maybe mineral oil...

be careful..wear gloves...
no bites steve, no scratches....:nono

Hi Jackie

mineral oil sounds good...Thanks :thankyou
I will pour some on it.
yep..no bites or scratches ..I will get my gloves on.
I got my shots but dont want to take any chances.

Thanks :thankyou
Squirrely Steve

[UDoWhat]

I always use vegetable oil. I think both mineral oil or veg. oil will do just fine.
Good luck.

Marty

[Squirrely Steve]

Hi Friends

I got the mineral oil on the bat and got one wing out.
he is stuck pretty good.
I been working on him for a hour now.
should I give the bat some electrolyte ?
I am soaking him some and kind of staying back to so not to stress.
I got to go to work soon.
Put bat in mesh gym bag ?
Looks like he has a couple of small holes in wing ..but small..may heal ?
Dang I was not thinking at all putting up Fly paper ..yesterday......

Thanks
Squirrely Steve

[Squirrely Steve]

I always use vegetable oil. I think both mineral oil or veg. oil will do just fine.
Good luck.

Marty

Hi Marty

Thanks :thankyou

Thanks
Squirrely Steve

[stosh2010]

Hi Steve,
Any chance for a photo? Hope the bat is able to fly off soon. Should the mineral oil be removed before releasing??

[momma2boo]

ugh...maybe mineral oil...

be careful..wear gloves...
no bites steve, no scratches....:nono

My exact thoughts. :thumbsup :goodpost

If you don't have mineral oil use baby oil ... it's the same thing with added essence of baby. ;)

[squirrelfriend]

cooking spray works great and you can aim it more neatly.

[momma2boo]

cooking spray works great and you can aim it more neatly.

Nice! And tasty too! :D

[Squirrely Steve]

Hi Friends

The mineral oil is working
It has just one wing stuck
I cut it around and gave some electrolyte.
he can move some now.
I got the bat into the mesh bag and in the van.
I will take to work and get some pictures.
I will be back...thanks so much for all the help. :thankyou

Thanks
Squirrely Steve

[UDoWhat]

Hi Steve, Here is an article I have. All suggestions are very good. Do not release the bat until you have cleaned it up. I have other info on this.... will have to find it though. Later.

How to Safely Remove an Animal From a Glue Trap/Fly Trap/Paper
Instructions
Things You’ll Need:
• Towel
• Heavy-duty gloves
• Vegetable oil
• Step 1:
Consider contacting a veterinarian or wildlife professional for assistance. Removing an animal from a glue/fly trap is very difficult for non-professionals. The process can also be dangerous for you and the animal.
• Step 2:
Wear thick gloves to protect your hands and arms. Carefully restrain the animal near its neck with your hand and a towel, but do not place the towel over the animal's head.
• Step 3:
Apply vegetable oil to the contact area. Work the vegetable oil into the skin and the glue/fly trap.
• Step 4:
Wait a few minutes for the oil to loosen the glue's grip. Continue massaging the oil into the glue trap and the part of the animal's skin that's attached to it.
• Step 5:
Bring the animal to a veterinarian. The oil must be properly removed from the fur or the skin; the oil can prevent the animal from regulating its body temperature.
Tips & Warnings
• Removing an animal from a glue/fly trap can be dangerous, even if it is a domesticated animal. You should only try to remove an animal from a glue trap by yourself in emergencies; otherwise, contact a professional

Duh, I know, but it helps to be reminded in an emergency. :rotfl

Marty

[UDoWhat]

Hi Steve,
Any chance for a photo? Hope the bat is able to fly off soon. Should the mineral oil be removed before releasing??

Yes, most definitely. The oil will make it impossible for the animal to regulate it's own body temp, not to mention if it licks the oil to remove/groom itself...we have a whole different problem. Wash the bat in warm water with Dawn dish liquid soap. This becomes an oiled animal situation now.

Marty

[momma2boo]

Yes, most definitely. The oil will make it impossible for the animal to regulate it's own body temp, not to mention if it licks the oil to remove/groom itself...we have a whole different problem. Wash the bat in warm water with Dawn dish liquid soap. This becomes an oiled animal situation now.

Marty

:goodpost :goodpost :goodpost :goodpost :goodpost

[Pointy Tale]

Squirrely Steve
A quote from another thread, good luck


use OIL -- cooking oil, olive oil, corn oil -- ANY KIND OF OIL will dissolve the glue. I have rescued many many mice this way!!

[UDoWhat]

Hi Steve, My friend uses fly paper/strips in her barn to control flies but she made these little cages out of 1/2" x 1/2 " or 1/4" x 1/4" cage wire that she hangs the fly paper in and then hangs those little cages in the barn. It lets the flies and gnats fly in but keeps other bigger animals from accidentally getting stuck. I think she told me the little cages to hang the glue paper in are 8" x 10'' x 4"or 5" deep or so. Point is to hang the fly paper in the little cages so other non-target animals can't get stuck. I have seen them in her barn. She just wires them closed so she can change them when she needs to. She hangs them with an "S" hook or wire, I think. She had this happen too. Sorry you are having a bad day.

Marty

[Squirrely Steve]

Hi Steve, Here is an article I have. All suggestions are very good. Do not release the bat until you have cleaned it up. I have other info on this.... will have to find it though. Later.

How to Safely Remove an Animal From a Glue Trap/Fly Trap/Paper
Instructions
Things You’ll Need:
• Towel
• Heavy-duty gloves
• Vegetable oil
• Step 1:
Consider contacting a veterinarian or wildlife professional for assistance. Removing an animal from a glue/fly trap is very difficult for non-professionals. The process can also be dangerous for you and the animal.
• Step 2:
Wear thick gloves to protect your hands and arms. Carefully restrain the animal near its neck with your hand and a towel, but do not place the towel over the animal's head.
• Step 3:
Apply vegetable oil to the contact area. Work the vegetable oil into the skin and the glue/fly trap.
• Step 4:
Wait a few minutes for the oil to loosen the glue's grip. Continue massaging the oil into the glue trap and the part of the animal's skin that's attached to it.
• Step 5:
Bring the animal to a veterinarian. The oil must be properly removed from the fur or the skin; the oil can prevent the animal from regulating its body temperature.
Tips & Warnings
• Removing an animal from a glue/fly trap can be dangerous, even if it is a domesticated animal. You should only try to remove an animal from a glue trap by yourself in emergencies; otherwise, contact a professional

Duh, I know, but it helps to be reminded in an emergency. :rotfl

Marty

Hi Marty

Awesome article :thumbsup
Many Thanks :thankyou
I think I got the fly paper almost off just a corner left on one wing.
He was face first in the paper with both wings spread out.
A very Bad Mess it was. :sanp3

Thanks :thankyou
Squirrely Steve

[Squirrely Steve]

Yes, most definitely. The oil will make it impossible for the animal to regulate it's own body temp, not to mention if it licks the oil to remove/groom itself...we have a whole different problem. Wash the bat in warm water with Dawn dish liquid soap. This becomes an oiled animal situation now.

Marty

Hi Marty and stosh and friends.

We just did the Dawn Dish soap wash...Thanks :thankyou
He was all over my desk moving...a good sign. :thumbsup
Gloves on for sure :sanp3
Here is a couple of pictures stosh :thumbsup

Thanks much :thankyou
Squirrely Steve

[Squirrely Steve]

Squirrely Steve
A quote from another thread, good luck


Thanks :thumbsup :thankyou

Thanks
Squirrely Steve

[Squirrely Steve]

Hi Steve, My friend uses fly paper/strips in her barn to control flies but she made these little cages out of 1/2" x 1/2 " or 1/4" x 1/4" cage wire that she hangs the fly paper in and then hangs those little cages in the barn. It lets the flies and gnats fly in but keeps other bigger animals from accidentally getting stuck. I think she told me the little cages to hang the glue paper in are 8" x 10'' x 4"or 5" deep or so. Point is to hang the fly paper in the little cages so other non-target animals can't get stuck. I have seen them in her barn. She just wires them closed so she can change them when she needs to. She hangs them with an "S" hook or wire, I think. She had this happen too. Sorry you are having a bad day.

Marty

Hi Marty

Awesome Post I love this idea :thumbsup
I will do :thumbsup
Flies are Everywhere :sanp3
Thanks we are trying hard to make this day better. :)
Many Thanks for all the help :thankyou

Thanks
Squirrely Steve

PS....
Hope to get some Brutus pictures up later ... boy is up to 54 grams today :D

[stosh2010]

Great Photo...glad to see he's free from the glue....What type of bat is that ???

[UDoWhat]

Steve this is a "live and learn" situation. Hence, my friend's little cages for the fly paper. Now you can keep the pesky flies under control without worry of this happening again. You did great freeing the bat. A "sticky" situation for all. Can't wait to see Brutus, :D as you can. Been wondering. :dono Now... it is a better day !! :thumbsup

Marty

[Pierre]

Once he's all dry and if he seems just fine, should Steve wait until dusk to let him go? Would it be dangerous for him to be out in the day?... :dono

Great job freeing him, Steve!! He's cute. Take a picture when he's dry if you can. :)

[momma2boo]

What can Steve give him to eat to help him to gain strength? We don't know how long he was stuck to the fly paper. Definately offer him water to drink. I don't know a think about bats other than OMG he is just soooo cute.

[pappy1264]

see if he will take a mealworm. Poor little guy, good idea with the cages (I always worry even using them in the house, because of the flyers/gliders/birds....if anyone accidently got loose, that could be very bad!) *And I have long hair, so not safe for me, either...lol

[JakesLittlePrincess]

Good save there Steve!!! I am glad someone finally thought of cages for those things. I was always rescuing barn swallows from them when I was younger.

[Squirrely Steve]

Great Photo...glad to see he's free from the glue....What type of bat is that ???


Hi Stosh :wave123

Yes glad I got most of the paper off him. :)
I forgot my Bat book at noon.
I think it is a small Brown bat.
My teacher is on the way to check it out and help me I will ask :thumbsup

Thanks
Squirrely Steve :wave123

[Squirrely Steve]

Steve this is a "live and learn" situation. Hence, my friend's little cages for the fly paper. Now you can keep the pesky flies under control without worry of this happening again. You did great freeing the bat. A "sticky" situation for all. Can't wait to see Brutus, :D as you can. Been wondering. :dono Now... it is a better day !! :thumbsup

Marty

Hi Marty :wave123

Thats Crash Living and Learning for me. :D
I will never forget :thumbsup
Thanks for the idea of the fly strip cages :thankyou
Yes it will never happen again.
Thanks I am trying hard to save the bat :thankyou
Yes very Sticky :crazy
I hope I can get to Brutus Thread today:multi
Yes its getting better and better :D

Thanks
Squirrely Steve :wave123

[Squirrely Steve]

Once he's all dry and if he seems just fine, should Steve wait until dusk to let him go? Would it be dangerous for him to be out in the day?... :dono

Great job freeing him, Steve!! He's cute. Take a picture when he's dry if you can. :)

Hi Pierre :wave123

He is still wet or got oil on him.
Dang the dawn dish soap did not take all the oil out.
Yes but he has some holes in his wings...may take some time to heal.
Thanks I tried my best :thankyou

Thanks
Squirrely Steve :wave123

[Squirrely Steve]

What can Steve give him to eat to help him to gain strength? We don't know how long he was stuck to the fly paper. Definately offer him water to drink. I don't know a think about bats other than OMG he is just soooo cute.


Hi momma2boo :wave123

My Teacher just got here and took the bat.
The teacher said the bat needs to be injected with some fluids thur the skin IV like.
I do not know how to do so the teacher is helping him.
The wing is going to take some time to heal...
I tried my best.

Thanks
Squirrely Steve :wave123

[Squirrely Steve]

see if he will take a mealworm. Poor little guy, good idea with the cages (I always worry even using them in the house, because of the flyers/gliders/birds....if anyone accidently got loose, that could be very bad!) *And I have long hair, so not safe for me, either...lol

Hi pappy1264 :wave123

Meal worms were my next try :thumbsup
Thanks :thankyou
Darn Fly Strips are Bad ..watch them :sanp3
Fly Swatters work the best :D

Thanks
Squirrely Steve :wave123

[UDoWhat]

Once he's all dry and if he seems just fine, should Steve wait until dusk to let him go? Would it be dangerous for him to be out in the day?... :dono

Great job freeing him, Steve!! He's cute. Take a picture when he's dry if you can. :)
I don't think he will be released today, but when he is , yes, release in the evening around dusk and in the area where you found him. He will most likely return to his colony. Good luck, Steve. You are doing your best. We all just live with what is put before us. Don't worry about pictures tonight. Give yourself some time and space.

Marty

[Squirrely Steve]

Good save there Steve!!! I am glad someone finally thought of cages for those things. I was always rescuing barn swallows from them when I was younger.

Hi JakesLittlePrincess :wave123

Thanks I tried hope it heals.
Teacher said it was a northern long ear bat :crazy
I will get some cages around the fly strips.
I ripped them down for now.

Thanks
Squirrely Steve :wave123

[Squirrely Steve]

I don't think he will be released today, but when he is , yes, release in the evening around dusk and in the area where you found him. He will most likely return to his colony. Good luck, Steve. You are doing your best. We all just live with what is put before us. Don't worry about pictures tonight. Give yourself some time and space.

Marty


Hi Marty :wave123

Teacher said it will be awhile for release :sanp3
The holes are in a bad spot ..dang
Wow it looked complicated giving IV's to a tiny bat.
I was going to try but I have crash learned enough on the poor little bat
He is in the best of hands my teacher takes care of and has helped many bats.
My teacher is going to teach me some bat caring and rehabbing next :thumbsup
Ok Back to Raccoons and Squirrels :rotfl
Brutus pictures coming up :wahoo
Thanks for everyone's help Today :thankyou :grouphug
Squirrely Steve :wave123

[Squirrely Steve]

Hi Friends :wave123

Here is a Bat Update :multi

The Bat is still Alive :)

My Teacher sent me a Email today......

The little bat is still with us.
I wasn't so sure about him when I first got home....and even yesterday I just couldn't get him to eat.
This morning he actually ate about 6 mealworms.
I have been keeping him hydrated via SQ.
Monday eve I used a product called Art Wash on him and rinsed and then dried him with a hair dryer
The remains of the fly paper had come off but that wing was very sticky yet where it had been.
I am afraid he has a couple of fingers broke on that wing ,probably from struggling.
It will be a wait and see game to see how well they mend, and if he
will be able to use it enough to survive in the wild.
It'll be a slow process for it to heal and the holes to heal on the other wing also.
He also has a sore looking nose I imagine it to be irritated from being stuck. I always have hope!

So it sounds like he is doing good :thumbsup
I am not sure what "hydrated via SQ" is ? :dono
The Art Wash sounds like good stuff I am going to get some and share the information when I get it..maybe we can use on other critters :thinking

Dang I still feel bad about the flypaper..what a mess up...live and learn the hard way..But at least the bat is getting better :thumbsup

Thanks for all the Great Help ! ! ! :thankyou

Thanks :)
Squirrely Steve :wave123

[CritterMom]

"SQ" or "Sub-Q" is short for subcutaneous fluids - hydrating fluids injected under the skin with a needle instead of by mouth - if the animal won't take anything by mouth it can be the only way - kind of like what they do to humans after stomach surgery when they can't drink...:thumbsup

I am glad he is still with us.

[Mrs Skul]

Hi Squirrely Steve:wave123
I am so glad the Bat is still hear.
Have you checked the Left Back Leg? I am not sure if it is just the picture or is it is Fractured. :dono It just doesn't look right in any of the pictures. :shakehead
If you can catch JuneBugs, and other out side bugs for him to eat. That way he gets a good verity of Protean. Just remember the Meal-Worms are only good and Healthy if you are feeding them. :D I always have mine in Oatmeal. I also put Apple for the fluid, and Broccoli, Kayle Cucumber, any thing that My Flying Squirrel eat. The Worms eat it to. :D I also Feed Wax-Worms to my Flyers. But they are only fresh and good with Protean my Flyer need, if Fresh. Now some are still eating when I get them. So I pick out the young and they eat Apple and a food mix I buy. They will eat each other. :eek:
("Now The ones eating are the best to feed!") I can tell when the Wax-Worms and Meal-Worm are not Good & Healthy. Other than they die.
The Flyers will bite into them and throw them away. Good luck with the Little Bat. I am praying for a quick recovery.
We need a name for him.

PS
Do Bats drink a sugar water mixture like the Humming Birds? :dono
Just a Question I have been wondering about.