Problems with bats
 The Bay Area is home to thirteen species of bats. They are classified as protected non-game species: they may not be harmed (except under special conditions set by Department of Fish and Game). Bats are very beneficial because they eat a large variety of harmful insects, from mosquitoes to Jerusalem crickets. Some bats roost in trees, others live in colonies and roost in buildings. Most bats do not have rabies; in fact less than one-half of 1% contract rabies.
Do not touch bats. If humans or pets have any contact with bats, the bat may need to be tested for rabies. Be sure your pet has a current rabies vaccination. If you suspect your cat or dog has had contact with a bat, bring the bat to the museum and call your veterinarian to check on the rabies vaccination status of your pet. |
Bat loose in building
Close the interior doors so the bat is contained in just one area. Leave a window or door open at night and the bat will usually fly out. If you know the bat's location during the day, hold a cardboard tube (from a paper towel roll with one end closed) up to the bat. The bat should crawl into the tube. Gently plug the open end of the tube. Place the tube outdoors in a safe place and unplug the tube. The bat will leave at night. Or, carefully cover the bat with a jar or can, gently work the bat into the container, cover it quickly, carry it outside and release it. Make sure you do not touch the bat. Once the bat is gone, you will need to determine how it got in. Possibilities include an open window or door, openings in the wall leading to a roosting site or it could have been brought in by a cat. |
Bats roosting in building
If you suspect bats are roosting in your attic or walls, identify all openings leading to the area. Watch closely from before sunset to at least 30 minutes after sunset to see which entrance(s) the bats are using. Seal all but the most used entrance, usually identified by smudges of droppings below. This remaining entrance can be fitted with a bat excluder or a one-way door. Leave this in place until all bats are gone (visually check the attic space and observe the entrance at sunset); seal this entrance
Never seal a roosting area May through August in case you have a nursery colony with baby bats that cannot fly yet. |
Bats roosting on porch
These bats are usually pallid bats that come at night to roost and eat their meal; insect body parts are usually found below the roost. To deter bats from using the area for roosting, cover the area with smooth, tight-fitting plastic such as Plexiglas or other hard plastic so they can't crawl under or cling to it. |
Bat on ground
Do not touch the bat. A bat on the ground should be considered ill or injured.
Cover the bat with a jar or can. Gently slide a piece of cardboard under the bat, enclosing it in the container. Place a secure lid on the container. Take it to the nearest wildlife rehabilitation organization or call your local animal control for pick up. |
Bat bite or contact with a bat
Immediately wash the wound with soap and water. Contact your local animal control or county health department and seek medical advice. The bat will be euthanized and tested for rabies to determine if you will need the post-exposure rabies injections. |
For more information
California Bat Conservation Fund
Bat Conservation International |
