Help! There's a Bat in My House - What Do I Do?

A bat flying around your living room is a terrifying experience. However, the bat is likely just as scared as you are. It doesn't want to be in your house; it wants to be outside hunting bugs.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Isolate

Don't scream or chase it with a broom. This will only cause the bat to panic and fly erratically.

• Remove pets and children from the room immediately.
• Close interior doors to confine the bat to one room.
• Turn on the lights (bats prefer dark, but you need to see).

Step 2: The Open Window Method

If you are certain no contact occurred (no one was sleeping/unattended in the room):

1. Open all windows and exterior doors in that specific room.
2. Remove screens if possible.
3. Turn off the lights in the room and turn on an outside light (to attract bugs, which attract the bat).
4. Wait quietly near the door. The bat can sense the fresh air draft and will usually fly out on its own within 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: The Box Method (If it lands)

If the bat lands on a wall or curtain and stays there:

1. Put on thick leather gloves. Never touch a bat with bare hands.
2. Get a shoebox, plastic container, or coffee can and a piece of stiff cardboard.
3. Slowly place the container over the bat.
4. Slide the cardboard between the wall and the container, trapping the bat inside.
5. Take it outside and release it (unless testing is needed).

When to Call a Professional

You should call us if:

• The bat won't leave.
• You can't find the bat (it's hiding).
• There was potential contact with a person or pet.
• You see more than one bat (this indicates a colony in your attic).