Tips for Bat Removal

Bats! Horror movies, novels and myths have fueled misconceptions about bats since the beginning of recorded history. The fear of this beautiful creature causes panic when living in areas where there are large bat populations. What people need to remember is that bats aren't going to attack you or your children, they aren't blood suckers (with the exception of the Vampire bat), while they can carry rabies (although most don't unless they are bitten by something that does), they aren't aggressive, and they are a necessity to the ecosystem.

I personally love bats, as do my husband and all four of my boys. The only thing I don't like about bats is when they get stuck in my house. I don't mean bats in the belfry or in the attic, I mean in my living room flying around my family's heads. I live in a place where bats in the house are a very common occurrence. Here's some tips that may help you if you have an overly friendly flying furry population.

1. Remember to be EXTREMELY careful. While most bats don't carry rabies, they do carry other diseases that may end up being equally as bad. Make sure that when going on a bat hunting expedition that you are fully protected. Hats, gloves, long sleeves, the works! These little guys aren't going to try to hurt you, but accidents happen! IF SOMEONE IS BITTEN IN YOUR HOUSE PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDATELY! Bats can carry rabies.

2. If they are flying around your living room (or any other room for that matter) try to get them into an area that has doors leading outside. You can corral them with a broom or a towel. Don't swing at them or try to catch them, simply hold up the object and they will avoid it. The closer that you can get them to a door that leads outside, the easier it is to get them out. If one is already in a room with outside doors, close all of the other doors so it can't get into any other room. If you're brave enough, attempt to corral the bat into an increasing smaller area towards the door. They can't see very well, but using echolocation they sure do know when something large is in the way.

3. Turn on all of the lights! This makes them easier to see when trying to help them find the door. Also, surprise, they're nocturnal animals, they just don't like all the bright and shiny stuff.

4. Make lots of noise. They aren't too big on all the racket. I don't have to worry about the noise, if you can imagine four kids and two adults on a bat hunt , it's a loud place to be! If you aren't blessed to have such a noisy lot, turn on the stereo or the TV.

5. If in you are lucky enough to get the scared little guy to land on the wall, and he is within reach, get the biggest glass jar that you can find that he will fit in. Place the jar around him (make sure that you don't accidentally smash his little feet!) and use a piece of thick cardboard or plastic to slide between him and the wall. Sometimes this is a little difficult because he's scared and he might not want to let go. Try and coax him gently and be careful not to hurt him. This usually only works in the daytime when they are sleeping in a corner or someplace dark.

6. If close to an outside door, open the door, stand outside and throw rocks or something approximately an inch in diameter past the door. After a couple of times, they usually come flying out. Just make sure that you aren't blocking the door or you might end up with a face full of furry and it'll be a trip to the doctor for you! They think that the rocks are bugs and they just take off after them. I don't recommend doing this for more than a couple of minutes, or you might end up with more than one bat in your house!

7. If all else fails, call a professional. There is a reason they get paid the big bucks!

If you live in an area where there are a large population of bats, you might consider building a bat house (you can find plans for various styles on the Internet). I would place it in your garden and away from your house. Bats are very beneficial to gardeners by helping control the insect population. A bat will eat up to 600 insects per hour. Bat houses also encourage the bats to live in their own dwelling and not yours.

Check your house for anyplace they might be getting in. Bats can squeeze themselves into a space as small as a half inch. Make sure that you seal your house properly. Also, consider electronic bat repellants (you should be able to find this online or in hardware stores). Put some mothballs in some nylons and hang them in places where they may be getting in. This should repel them. Please don't place any type of traps that may injure or kill them. They are an important part of the ecosystem and need to be protected to the best of our abilities.

Hopefully, you never find yourself entertaining a room full of these wonderful little creatures. But if you do, just remember to keep calm, they are just as scared as you are!