How to Safely Remove a Bat from Inside Your Home
Written as if for Critter Control® homeowners
Bats are important, protected wildlife, but they can also carry rabies. Your goal is to keep your family safe, avoid direct contact, and remove the bat without harming it.
1. First 60 seconds: Stay calm and think “safety first”
- Pause and breathe: Stay calm so the bat doesn’t panic.
- Keep your distance: Do not swat or grab the bat.
- Remove kids and pets: Move them to another room and close the door.
2. Decide: Is this a possible rabies exposure?
Ask yourself:
- Was anyone asleep in the room with the bat?
- Did anyone touch the bat?
- Did a pet have contact?
If yes or unsure, do not release the bat—capture it for testing and call health authorities.
3. Contain the situation: Isolate the bat to one room
- Close interior doors.
- Block gaps under doors with towels.
- Clear the room of people.
4. Try the “open exit” method first
- Open windows or exterior doors.
- Turn off indoor lights; turn on outdoor lights.
- Give the bat 10–30 minutes to leave.
5. If the bat won’t leave: Safe capture with a container
5.1 Gear up first
- Wear thick leather gloves.
- Wear long sleeves and pants.
- Gather a container, cardboard, and optional tape.
5.2 Wait for the bat to land
Do not chase it mid‑flight. Approach slowly once it lands.
5.3 The container method
- Place the container over the bat.
- Slide cardboard between the wall and container.
- Secure the lid if the bat must be kept for testing.
6. What to do with the bat once it’s contained
6.1 If there was possible contact
- Do not release the bat.
- Call your health department or doctor.
- Store the container safely until instructed.
6.2 If there was clearly no contact
- Take the container outside at dusk or after dark.
- Open it slowly and step back.
7. Aftercare: Clean‑up and health checks
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Clean guano by misting lightly with water first.
- Monitor household members for any recalled contact.
8. Preventing future bat visits
- Inspect your home exterior for gaps.
- Seal entry points at appropriate times of year.
- Repair damaged screens.
9. When to call a professional (like Critter Control®)
- If you’re uncomfortable capturing the bat.
- If multiple bats are present or a colony is suspected.
- If there was possible exposure and testing is needed.
- If you want full home bat‑proofing.