Bats and Rabies
Launch the media gallery 1 player - media #1How to Safely Remove a Bat from Your Home and Protect Yourself from Rabies
Bats sometimes find their way indoors through open windows, chimneys, or small gaps. While most bats are harmless, some can carry rabies, so it's important to handle the situation carefully.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Protect Yourself
- Do not touch the bat with your bare hands
- Keep pets and children away from the area
- If you need to be near the bat, wear thick gloves to protect yourself
- Close doors to other rooms to contain the bat
Important: Rabies can be spread through bites or scratches, even small ones you may not notice.
Step 2: Help the Bat Get Out (If There's Been No Contact)
If no one in your home has had direct contact with the bat (bite, scratch, or waking up in the same room with it):
- Open a window or exterior door in the room
- Turn off the lights - the bat will usually fly toward the fresh air and light outside
- Be patient - it may take a few minutes for the bar to find its way out.
If the bat lands and stays put:
- Use a container (like a small box or plastic tub) to gently trap the bat
- Slide a piece of cardboard under to cover the opening
- Release it outdoors, away from people and pets
What If You Can Catch the Bat Safely?
If any person or pet may have had contact with the bat (including waking up with the bat in the room):
- Do not release the bat
- If you can safely capture it:
- Place it in a secure container
- Bring it to a veterinary clinic for rabies testing
- If you cannot safely catch the bat:
- Contact NNPHD immediately to help coordinate rabies testing and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) if needed.
Step 3: If You Were Bitten or Scratched
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and water
- Contact your medical provider
- You may need Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which is a series of shots that prevents rabies from developing
What Is PEP?
PEP is a lifesaving treatment that includes:
- One dose of rabies immunoglobulin
- Four vaccine shots over 14 days
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear - but PEP is highly effective when started early.
When to Call a Professional
- If the bat seems sick or injured
- If it's acting strangely (e.g., flying during the day, unable to fly)
- If you're uncomfortable capturing the bat yourself
Final Reminders
- Never touch a bat with bare hands
- Keep bats for testing if there was possible contact
- Call NNPHD if you have questions or need help coordinating testing ot treatment
Resources
Rabies - CDC
Five Methods to Safely Remove a Bat from Your Home