A bat in a house: What should you do?

Bats are blind - that's why sometimes they accidentally get into people's houses.

While they usually can't cause any harm, they can scare people because of how they look, so it's often hard to concentrate and be rational when it happens.

Here are some tips for you.

Stay Calm

Keep calm and remember that most bats won't hurt you.

Isolate the Area

Close the doors to the room where the bat is. This helps prevent it from flying into other parts of your house.

Turn on Lights

Bats like the dark, so turning on the lights in the room can encourage it to move towards the light.

Open Windows and Doors

Gently open a window or door that leads outside. This gives the bat an escape route.

Clear the Path

Make sure there's a clear and open path from where the bat is to the open window or door. Remove any clutter or obstacles in its way.

Be Patient

Bats might take a little time to notice the open exit and fly out. So, be patient and give it some time.

Protect Your Hands

In case you need to guide the bat, wear gloves or use a thick towel. This helps protect your hands.

Don't Touch with Bare Hands

Avoid touching the bat with your bare hands. Some bats might carry diseases, so it's best to keep your distance.

Get Help if Needed

If the bat doesn't leave on its own and you're unsure what to do, or if you're uncomfortable dealing with it, it's a good idea to contact a local animal control agency or a wildlife expert. 

They have experience in handling bats.

Bats are usually not aggressive, and they play an important role in controlling insects. 

Your main goal is to safely help the bat find its way out of your house without harming it.
 

• Related news:
• bats
• wildlife
• help
• 1 November 2023

---