It’s a quiet evening, maybe you’re watching a movie, reading a book, or winding down for bed… and then whoosh! A tiny winged visitor starts swooping around your living room. Before panic sets in, take a deep breath. If a bat flies into your home, it’s usually an accidental detour, and the situation can be resolved calmly and safely.
Love bats? Our Sleepover Friend Comet the bat is so fun to play with!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you deal with it responsibly:
Step 1: Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance
Bats aren’t out to get you! In fact, they’re shy, gentle creatures that are likely just as surprised as you are. Avoid swinging at the bat or making sudden movements. Instead, quietly clear the room of children and pets.
Step 2: Turn Off Lights Indoors, Open Windows and Doors
Bats use echolocation and are attracted to night skies. Turning off indoor lights and opening your windows or doors to the outdoors may help guide them out. Close doors to other rooms to limit where the bat can fly.
Step 3: Give the Bat Time to Escape
Most of the time, the bat will find its own way out. Especially if it is at dusk or night time. Give it about 15–30 minutes in a quiet room to find the exit. Try not to chase it, it may fly in circles while navigating.
Step 4: If you absolutely need to relocate the bat
If the bat tires and lands on a curtain or wall, you can safely capture it:
-
Put on thick gloves and grab a plastic container or small box.
-
Slowly place the container over the bat.
-
Gently slide a stiff piece of cardboard or thick paper between the container and the surface to trap the bat inside.
-
Take it outside and carefully lift the lid to release the bat at dusk, placing the container sideways near a tree or bush.
🛑 Important! Never touch a bat with your bare hands.
Step 5: Consider Rabies Precautions
If anyone in your household, especially a child or sleeping person, may have come into contact with the bat — even unknowingly — contact your local health department immediately. Bats can carry rabies, though it’s rare. Better safe than sorry.
Step 6: Check for Entry Points
After the bat is out, inspect your home for possible entryways: loose window screens, chimney flues, attic vents, or gaps in roofing or siding. Seal any openings and consider a bat exclusion service if you suspect there may be more.
Bats Are Beneficial!
Bats eat thousands of mosquitoes and play a vital role in our ecosystem. They are also the only flying mammals. Respecting and protecting them, even when they surprise us, is always a good thing.
Quick Summary:
-
Stay calm and keep pets/kids away
-
Open windows and turn off lights
-
Let the bat leave on its own
-
Capture gently with a container if needed
-
Avoid direct contact
-
Seek medical advice if contact is suspected
-
Seal up entry points to prevent future visits
