What if I have bats in my house?

If you have to have to capture a bat, follow these directions to protect yourself:

  • Close the windows, closet doors, and the door to the room.
  • Turn on the lights if the room is dark, and wait for the bat to land.
  • Wear thick gloves and cover the bat with a coffee can or other hard container.
  • Slide a piece of cardboard under the can, trapping the bat.
  • Tape the cardboard tightly to the can.
  • Immediately contact your local health agency to have the bat tested for rabies.

Any live or dead bat that may have had contact with a person should be tested for rabies. If the test results are positive for rabies, if the bat cannot be found, or if the bat has escaped and has had contact with a person, see a doctor as soon as possible.