I've Found a Bat
Q: Is rabies a concern in bats?
A: Although only a small percentage of bats carry rabies it is very important to exercise caution when handling a bat and to avoid any direct contact. If you or your family members have had any direct contact with a bat, contact your local Health Department immediately.
Q: Should I be concerned if I have bats around my property?
A: No. Bats make a very important contribution to the environment in many ways, not the least of which is keeping insects like mosquitoes on your property under control.
Q: What can I do if I have found a bat in my house from November to late March?
A: If you have found a bat in your home between mid-November and late March do not set it free outside as it will freeze to death. The bat has awakened from its dormant state, likely climbing down from a crevice in your soffit or roof, with the hopes of finding water or food. So, wait until the bat stops flying and then read How do I contain a bat? described below. After containing the bat, as it cannot be released over the winter months, check out an appropriate website such as www.batworld.org for proper care information and to locate a contact that might be able to provide care. If you locate a caregiver, be sure to inquire about what they will do with the bat, will it be cared for, released outside in an unfamiliar location to die, or be put down? If you cannot find humane help for the bat it is better, wearing gloves, to place the bat on the side of the exterior of your house as high as you can reach so that it has a chance to climb back to its crevice. It is a better solution than turning it over to someone where death is the almost certain outcome.
Q: What can I do if I have found a bat flying in my house between the months of April and October?
A: If you have found a bat within this time frame, wait for it to land and contain the bat as described in the next question entitled How do I contain a bat? If the bat appears healthy and is not injured, it should be released outside. In order for it to survive, it must be released in the area which it was found. Bats should be released at night. Very gently tip the container on its side and allow the bat to make its way onto a tree or shrub. Bats cannot lift off from the ground so be sure to place them as high as possible. Gloves should be worn and remember to use caution and avoid any direct contact with the bat.
Q: How do I contain a bat?
A: If you have bats in your attic be mindful that they can have dependent young from late spring until late summer. Young typically do not leave until the middle of August. Therefore it is critical that any kind of bat exclusion and animal proofing be done at the right time otherwise you run the risk of sealing bats inside.
A: Although only a small percentage of bats carry rabies it is very important to exercise caution when handling a bat and to avoid any direct contact. If you or your family members have had any direct contact with a bat, contact your local Health Department immediately.
Q: Should I be concerned if I have bats around my property?
A: No. Bats make a very important contribution to the environment in many ways, not the least of which is keeping insects like mosquitoes on your property under control.
Q: What can I do if I have found a bat in my house from November to late March?
A: If you have found a bat in your home between mid-November and late March do not set it free outside as it will freeze to death. The bat has awakened from its dormant state, likely climbing down from a crevice in your soffit or roof, with the hopes of finding water or food. So, wait until the bat stops flying and then read How do I contain a bat? described below. After containing the bat, as it cannot be released over the winter months, check out an appropriate website such as www.batworld.org for proper care information and to locate a contact that might be able to provide care. If you locate a caregiver, be sure to inquire about what they will do with the bat, will it be cared for, released outside in an unfamiliar location to die, or be put down? If you cannot find humane help for the bat it is better, wearing gloves, to place the bat on the side of the exterior of your house as high as you can reach so that it has a chance to climb back to its crevice. It is a better solution than turning it over to someone where death is the almost certain outcome.
Q: What can I do if I have found a bat flying in my house between the months of April and October?
A: If you have found a bat within this time frame, wait for it to land and contain the bat as described in the next question entitled How do I contain a bat? If the bat appears healthy and is not injured, it should be released outside. In order for it to survive, it must be released in the area which it was found. Bats should be released at night. Very gently tip the container on its side and allow the bat to make its way onto a tree or shrub. Bats cannot lift off from the ground so be sure to place them as high as possible. Gloves should be worn and remember to use caution and avoid any direct contact with the bat.
Q: How do I contain a bat?
- Always wear a pair of gloves.
- If the bat is sitting flat on a surface, use a container with a lid with small air holes to place over the bat, then slip a piece of cardboard under the container to gently scoop the bat inside.
- Place the proper lid on the container and make sure it's well sealed so there is no chance of the bat escaping.
- If the bat is hanging from a structure, place the container under the bat and again use a piece of cardboard to gently move it into the container.
- A cardboard box can be used instead of a container but be certain all sides of the box are well taped and secure as bats can squeeze out of very small places.
- Once contained (as outlined above) keep the bat inside your house in a quiet, dark, draft free room, and obtain help as soon as possible as the bat should not be kept in the container longer than overnight.
A: If you have bats in your attic be mindful that they can have dependent young from late spring until late summer. Young typically do not leave until the middle of August. Therefore it is critical that any kind of bat exclusion and animal proofing be done at the right time otherwise you run the risk of sealing bats inside.
STOP - DO NOT TRAP AND RELOCATE THE ANIMAL - Click here to find out why