Bats and Rabies
How to Get a Bat Out of the House and Stay Safe from Rabies
Launch the media gallery 1 player - media #1How to Get a Bat Out of the House and Stay Safe from Rabies
Bats sometimes find their way inside homes, especially through open windows or small gaps. While most bats are harmless, some can carry rabies, so it's important to handle the situation safely.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Protect Yourself
If a bat enters your home, stay calm. Do not try to touch or grab the bat with your bare hands. Wear protective gloves. Bats can carry rabies, which is a dangerous virus that can be spread through bites or scratches. Keep pets and children away from the bat.
Step 2: Help the Bat Find Its Way Out
Close the doors to other rooms, leaving a window or exterior door open. Turn off the lights, and the bat will often fly toward the light source outside. If the bat lands, you can use a container to gently trap it, then slide a piece of cardboard under the container and release the bat outdoors.
Step 3: What to Do if You Are Bitten
If you or someone else has been bitten or scratched by the bat, wash the area with soap and water right away. Rabies is serious and nearly always fatal if left untreated. After cleaning the wound, see a health professional as soon as possible for *Post-Exposure Prophylaxis* (PEP). This is a treatment that can stop rabies from spreading.
What is PEP?
PEP is a series of shots that must be given after exposure to rabies. It includes a dose of rabies immunoglobulin and four rabies vaccine shots over two weeks. This treatment is essential to prevent the virus from causing illness.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re uncomfortable removing the bat yourself or it seems sick or injured, call animal control or a wildlife expert. They can safely remove the bat and check if it might be carrying rabies.
By following these steps, you can safely remove a bat and protect yourself from rabies.
Resources
Preventing Rabies from Bats 🦇
How to Keep Bats Out of Your House Video