October 3, 2012
What to Do About Bats
Safely and humanely remove bats from your house—and help them out where they belong
There are more than than 40 bat species in the U.S. and Canada, but only a few kinds of bats ever cause problems for people. No, bats won't suck your blood or get tangled in your hair—but they may take up residence in your attic to raise their young.
Bats in houses can go unnoticed for years. Occasionally, a bat may accidentally find himself inside a home, flying around and landing on curtains or furniture. If you find one in your house, don't panic. Most likely, you can send the bat on his or her way safely and humanely.
A bat or two found hanging under the eaves or the ceiling of a porch or carport are just resting between feeding flights, close to their food: the insects attracted to outdoor lights. They're actually providing a valuable service, as are the bats flying at dusk above the yard—they're simply dining on mosquitoes and other flying insects.
We have more reasons to thank bats than we do to fear them. Whether you want to get a bat out of your house, protect bats and their habitats, or have questions about bats and diseases, we can help.
» There's a Bat In My House!
» Eviction Notice for Roosting Bats: When and How
» Habitat for Bats: Putting Up Bat Houses and Protecting Natural Spaces
» Is That Bat Rabid?: Bats, Rabies, and Public Health
» White-Nose Syndrome: Deadly Disease Is Killing Bats By the Thousands
» If you are located within the D.C. Metro Area, take advantage of our wildlife conflict resolution service
» Purchase a copy of Wild Neighbors, the go-to guide for useful, humane solutions to conflicts with wildlife.