Ever had a bat fly through your living room at night? It’s a surprising experience that can leave you searching for answers. While bats help control insects, having one inside your home can be unsettling and pose health risks. If you find a bat in your Massachusetts home, act quickly and carefully.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Bats are usually not aggressive and are likely more frightened than you. Assess whether the bat is flying or settled. If it’s flying, avoid swatting or panicking. Most bats are disoriented and looking for a way out, so focus on guiding them outdoors safely.

Open Windows and Doors

Create an easy exit for the bat. Open all nearby windows and doors to give the bat a chance to escape on its own. Turn off the lights in the room and close off any other rooms to limit the bat’s movements. Stay in a separate room while the bat finds its way out. Most of the time, the bat will exit within a few minutes once it senses fresh air and light.

Protect Yourself If Handling Is Necessary

If the bat doesn’t leave on its own and has settled somewhere, you may need to handle the situation. Wear thick gloves and long sleeves to avoid direct contact with the bat. Use a small container, like a box or a plastic tub, to gently trap the bat. 

Once the bat is inside the container, slide a piece of cardboard underneath to secure it. Then, take the bat outside and release it, ideally near trees or wooded areas where it can quickly find shelter.

Seek Professional Help

Stay away from the bat if you suspect an injury or feel uncomfortable. Improperly handling certain protected bats in Massachusetts may be illegal. Contact a professional wildlife removal service for safe handling. If anyone or a pet has been in contact with the bat, seek medical attention to rule out rabies.

Check for Other Bats

Inspect your home for any signs of additional bats after removing the bat. Bats often enter through gaps or small openings in roofs, chimneys, or vents. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior to identify potential entry points. Sealing these gaps can prevent future bat incidents. If you suspect more bats, contact a bat exclusion service for removal.

Prevent Future Bat Intrusions

Here are some effective strategies to keep bats out:

• Set up bat houses away from your home to give bats a designated roosting spot and keep them out of your house.
• Trim trees and shrubs near your home, and eliminate standing water to reduce insect activity, which attracts bats.
• Use yellow or sodium vapor lights to minimize insect attraction. Motion-sensor lights can further reduce constant illumination.

If you have bats in your home or suspect an infestation, trust our team at Ultra Safe Pest Management for professional bat removal and exclusion services in Massachusetts. Our NWCOA-certified specialists provide safe and humane removal, protecting both bats and your family. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.