Bats

Bats do not show rabies symptoms, so it is important never to handle bats without gloves or a towel. Any time someone has been in a room with a bat and there is the possibility of a bite that was not noticed (child, sleeping or mentally-incapacitated person, etc.) animal control should be called to capture and test the bat. These instances usually occur at night. If the bat cannot be captured and tested, or tests positive for rabies, contact the public health officer immediately.

Occasionally, bats are found behind house shutters when these are moved for painting or repair. These bats should be left alone until just around sunset, when the shutters can be taken down after they leave. If the shutter is left down, the bat will seek an alternate roosting site. If the bat is inside the house, close off doors to stairwells or other rooms to confine the bat(s) to a single room. Turn out all lights including aquarium lights, lights on VCRs, microwaves, etc. Open any windows and doors to the outside and leave the room — they will leave on their own at dusk.

If you don’t want them to return, you will need to close any holes to the outside that are more than 2 inch in diameter, or any cracks of 1/4 x 1/2 inches. Bats can enter through open doors and windows, chimneys, or loose-fitting screens on windows or doors. However, before closing up the area make sure that there are no bats trapped inside, particularly flightless young. Bats are unable to fly for the first 3 weeks after birth. All young bats usually fly by mid-August.

If the bat is found on the ground or on the floor in a house, or appears to be injured, or cannot fly, or it is a baby, refer the caller to a rehabilitator. Secure the bat with a box over it and keep children and pets away. Bats cling to a wall or tree normally; they cannot take off horizontally and must be vertical to fly. If an adult is clinging to a wall or curtain, it may be reluctant to fly because it is daylight, not yet awake, not warm enough, or injured. Do not touch it. Place a cardboard or Styrofoam box with air holes over it, or a coffee can. Slowly insert a piece of cardboard between the bat and the wall or floor. Or use a towel over it and gently roll the bat in the towel, then take it outside. Do not place it on the ground; put it high in a vertical position, if possible. Bats will only fly away at night. If it is still there in the morning, contact the Helpline.

Bats hibernate during the winter. However, during a warm spell, they may wake up and go look for food. When it gets cold again, they may not be able to make it back to the roost. Call the Helpline immediately because they may be quite emaciated.