Individual bats that access the living space of a structure can be removed by opening windows or doors and removing any screening that would keep the animal from flying out. If the animal does not exit through these openings, it may be captured after the animal has tired and landed. Approach the animal wearing thick leather gloves and have available a wide-mouthed container with a cover. Working from below the animal, place the cover over it, and then slide cardboard between the bat and the object it landed on to force the animal into the container. If no exposure took place (Please note that exposure to bats is often unknown to the victim. Learn more about the protocols of bat exposure at the links below.) and the weather permits, take the bat outside. Using the reverse procedure, place it on a tree.
If exposure to a person or animal took place, do not release the bat. Seal the container, and contact your local health department as soon as possible.
Bat colonies require a different approach. Some species of bats are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and most all others are afforded some form of state or local protection. For this reason, lethal control is not usually a recommended control measure for problems associated with their presence in buildings. Bats are not rodents and are unable to make their own access points, unlike rats, mice, and squirrels. In order for bats to gain access, existing openings must be present within the structure. Exclusion is the recommended control measure. Inspect the structure, identifying the main entrance points the bats are using. Seal all openings bats may use on the structure from the peak of the roof down to the ground on all sides of the structure except those identified as main entrance points. Install exclusion material over the unsealed entrance points, allowing the bats to leave the structure but not reenter it.
Monitor the exclusion processes, making necessary adjustments as needed. Remove the exclusion material after all bats have left, usually within 3 to 21 days, and seal the main entranceways. Exclusion of bats should not occur from May 1–August 15 for maternity colonies unless pups have been identified as being able to fly.
Online Resources
Bats
