When a bat unexpectedly enters a home, the immediate priority is managing the situation calmly while ensuring safety for all occupants. A composed response is necessary to ensure both human health and the well-being of the animal. The goal is safe and humane removal, which requires adhering to specific protocols for safety, containment, capture, and the necessary follow-up actions related to public health.
Prioritizing Safety and Containment
The immediate concern upon discovering a bat indoors is the potential for rabies exposure, making personal protection non-negotiable. Bats are the most frequently reported source of human rabies in the United States, though the percentage of bats carrying the virus remains low (typically 3% to 10% of those tested). Because a bat bite or scratch may be extremely small or go unnoticed, it is necessary to assume possible exposure if the bat was in a room with a sleeping person, an unattended child, or anyone with impaired awareness.
Before attempting containment, thick leather work gloves must be worn to prevent a bite from penetrating the skin. Single or double layers of cotton are insufficient, as a bat’s teeth can easily pierce them. Once protective gear is in place, confine the bat to a single area, such as the room where it was found, by closing all interior doors and using towels to block the gap beneath the door.
With the bat isolated, the best chance for passive removal is to open exterior doors or windows, creating a clear exit path outside. Bats navigate by echolocation and may be confused by interior spaces. Turning off interior lights while leaving a light on outside can help guide the bat toward the exit. If the bat is actively flying, allow it up to 30 minutes to find its way out on its own.
Step-by-Step Bat Removal
If the bat does not leave on its own, wait until it lands on a surface, as attempting to catch a bat in flight is difficult and can injure the animal. The preferred method for removal is the container-and-cardboard technique, which requires a sturdy container (such as a coffee can or small box) and a piece of stiff cardboard. The container must be large enough to hold the bat without crushing its delicate wings or feet.
Approach the stationary bat slowly to avoid startling it, which may cause it to fly away or become defensive. Gently place the container directly over the bat, pressing the rim flush against the wall or surface where it is resting. Once the bat is secured, slowly slide the piece of cardboard between the surface and the container’s opening.
The cardboard acts as a temporary lid and should be carefully taped to the container to prevent the bat from escaping during transport. Execute the entire process with smooth, deliberate movements to minimize stress to the animal. Once contained, the bat should not be shaken or handled roughly, as this could cause internal injury and render it untestable for rabies.
Post-Capture Actions and Health Concerns
After successfully containing the bat, the next action depends entirely on whether there was any reasonable probability of contact with a person or pet. If a bat was found in a room with a sleeping person, a child, or a person with cognitive impairment, or if a bite or scratch occurred, the bat must not be released. In these scenarios, the container should be immediately secured, and the local public health department or animal control must be contacted to arrange for rabies testing.
If there is absolute certainty that no contact occurred, the bat can be safely released outside. Take the contained bat outside and release it after dusk, as bats are naturally nocturnal. Release the bat by placing the container on a tree trunk or high surface and gently tilting the cardboard lid away to allow the bat to exit at its own pace.
The area where the bat was found needs disinfection, especially if there are visible droppings, known as guano, which can carry fungal spores that cause histoplasmosis. Clean the surface using a 1:10 solution of bleach to water, or an approved disinfectant. Gloves worn during the capture process should also be disinfected with the bleach solution or safely discarded to minimize disease transmission risk.