Living With Bat Neighbors
If you find a sick, injured or orphaned bat, learn what to do here!
Often misunderstood because of how the media portrays them, bats are an incredibly important wildlife species — especially here in Pennsylvania. They support our ecosystems by pollinating and controlling insects. But vulnerable populations of bat species need our support. Don’t be afraid of bats. Instead, let us help you understand how incredible they are!
Bats are a Rabies Vector Species (RVS). Any mammal (including humans) can get rabies, but cases are most commonly reported in an RVS like foxes, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs and bats, or even in stray cats and dogs. You should avoid handling RVS, but if necessary, always handle it with caution by wearing thick gloves. An RVS cannot be relocated in PA. If trapping for any of these species, they must be killed or released on the property where it was trapped.
How Do I Trap and Release a Bat That’s Inside My House or Building?
Open a door or window and confine the bat to the room with the exit. Then, leave the room and allow the bat to exit on its own. If this fails, the bat can be captured in a box and released outside. But this method is not preferred since bats can carry the rabies virus or be injured in the process. If the bat is found trapped between October and April, if it appears injured or has had contact with a pet, it should be admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center right away. If the bat has bitten a person or been in the room with a sleeping person, contact your local health department.
Can Bats Transfer Rabies to Me and My Family?
Bats are fairly common animals, although they are rarely seen. They pose little to no threat to humans and pets. Bats are a Rabies Vector Species (RVS), but it’s unlikely that they’ll infect a human or pet unless they’re handled directly. You should always avoid handling any RVS, but you must wear gloves if it is necessary.
How Can I Prevent Bats From Roosting Inside My House or Attic?
During the summer (May-August), bats use roosting locations to raise their young. During the winter (September-May), non-migratory bats may be in hibernation. During these times, bats cannot be excluded from the roosting site. Ensure you provide a new roosting location for the bats, such as a bat house, to help the species and prevent problems for your neighbors. Bat boxes must be placed at least 8 feet off the ground and should receive more than six hours of direct sunlight daily. Bats will often move on their own once a new and suitable location has been found. After the bats leave, you can seal any openings where they were entering. Use a one-way door system if you’re unsure if all bats have left. In August, you can contact a professional humane removal company for exclusion if the bats do not leave or you need assistance sealing any openings.
Do you still have questions after reading the information above? Contact us or a local wildlife rehabilitator!
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Resources
Answering the Call of the Wild by Erin Luther. Toronto Wildlife Centre
Bat Problems and Solutions by Jerry Hassinger. Pennsylvania Game Commission
Rabies. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention