Wildlife Removal Company

Bats in Your Home: What to Know and What Not to Do

Bats have long been symbols of mystery, often associated with spooky stories or Halloween décor, but in reality, they are fascinating and highly beneficial creatures. Not only do they keep insect populations in check—consuming thousands of mosquitoes and other pests in a single night—but many species also contribute to pollination and seed dispersal.

However, finding a bat in your home can feel like something out of a horror movie. So, what should you do if a bat decides to drop by for an uninvited visit? More importantly, what should you NOT do? Here’s a guide to handling these winged visitors calmly and effectively, all while keeping safety (for both you and the bat) top of mind.

What NOT to Do When You Find a Bat in Your Home

1. Don’t Panic and Swat at It Seeing a bat fluttering around your living room can definitely spike your adrenaline. However, flailing arms, loud noises, or trying to swat the bat away will only make matters worse. Bats aren’t out to get you—they’re probably just as scared as you are, trying to find a way out. Swatting at them could injure the bat or cause it to fly more erratically, creating further chaos.

2. Don’t Touch the Bat with Your Bare Hands This point cannot be emphasized enough. While most bats are not carriers of rabies, some can be, and it’s impossible to tell just by looking at them. Even a small bat bite could transmit the disease, which is why it’s important to never touch a bat with your bare hands. If a bat is on the ground or cornered, the temptation to “help” it may be strong, but resist. Always use thick gloves or a cloth to handle the bat if you absolutely must, but ideally, avoid direct contact.

3. Don’t Assume the Bat is Alone Where there’s one, there may be more. Bats sometimes roost in attics, chimneys, or within walls, particularly during colder months. If you find one bat, especially during the day when they’re usually inactive, there might be others hiding in the same space. Keep an eye out for any unusual sounds, droppings, or sightings of other bats, and consider getting a professional inspection.

4. Don’t Seal Them Inside If a bat has made its way into your living space, your first instinct might be to shut the door and leave it alone. While closing off the room can be a good idea to prevent it from spreading to other areas of the house, don’t trap the bat without a plan for safe removal. You risk stressing the bat, making it more likely to injure itself or cause more damage to your home.

5. Don’t Exterminate the Bat Bats are protected under various wildlife laws, and killing them can result in hefty fines or legal consequences, not to mention harm an already threatened species. Many bat populations are in decline due to habitat loss, climate change, and diseases like white-nose syndrome. Instead of exterminating, aim for safe removal and exclusion, ensuring they won’t return without causing harm to the species.

What to Do Instead: Safe Bat Removal Tips

Now that you know what NOT to do, let’s talk about how to safely handle a bat encounter. Here are the steps to take if you find a bat in your home:

• Remain Calm: Stay as calm as possible. Bats are not aggressive and will try to avoid you, so there’s no need to fear an attack.

• Contain the Bat: If possible, gently close the doors to the room where the bat is located, keeping it in one area. This will make removal easier.

• Open Windows: Bats usually find their way inside by accident, and they want to leave as much as you want them gone. Open windows or doors to give the bat an easy escape route, turning off any lights to reduce disorientation.

• Call a Professional: If the bat doesn’t leave or if you’re unsure how to handle the situation, your safest bet is to contact a wildlife removal expert. Professionals have the tools and experience to remove bats without harm and can inspect your home for potential entry points to prevent future visits.

Bat Prevention: Keeping Them Out for Good

Bats typically enter homes through small cracks, gaps around windows, chimneys, or vents. To prevent future encounters, consider:

• Sealing entry points with caulk or mesh.
• Installing chimney caps and proper vent covers.
• Avoiding leaving windows open without screens, especially in the evening when bats are active.
• Trimming tree branches near your home, as bats may use them to roost and find entry.

Additionally, if you have a recurring bat problem, it might be worth exploring bat exclusion devices that allow bats to leave but prevent them from re-entering.

Respect and Coexistence

Bats might seem like creepy intruders, but they play an essential role in ecosystems worldwide. By handling a bat in your home with care and respect, you’re not only ensuring your own safety but also contributing to the well-being of these remarkable creatures. Just remember: Stay calm, don’t panic, and let the professionals step in when needed. With the right approach, you can coexist peacefully with nature’s night flyers—even when they happen to stop by unannounced.