What to do if you find a bat in your house
Pups more likely to blunder into your personal space
It’s not unheard of to find a bat in your house however these surprise visitors are often the young pups.
“In July and August, pups are learning to fly, and their early efforts may land them in locations where they are more likely to come in contact with humans”, says Paula Rodriguez de la Vega, regional coordinator with the Okanagan Got Bats? B.C. community bat program.
Heat and smoke may also cause bats to use unusual roost sites.
If you find a bat, alive or dead, remember to never touch it with your bare hands. Bats in B.C. are known to carry rabies at a low level; this is why it is important to avoid any contact.
If you must move a bat, use a trowel or similar, and always wear leather gloves to protect yourself from direct contact. Talk to your children to make sure they understand to never touch, play or try to rescue injured or sick-looking bats.
If you suspect a bite or scratch from a bat, immediately wash the area with soap and water for 15 minutes. Also contact your public health or your doctor as soon as possible, or go to the emergency department. For more information on rabies please refer to the B.C.CDC website.
Bats are often found in close association with humans, as some species (such as the Little Brown Myotis) have adapted to live in human structures, and colonies may be found under roofs or siding, or in attics, barns, or other buildings.
Female bats gather in maternity colonies to have a single pup in early summer, where they will remain until the pups are ready to fly. Having bats is viewed as a benefit by many landowners, who appreciate the insect control. Others may prefer to exclude the bats. Under the B.C. Wildlife Act it is illegal to exterminate or directly harm bats, and exclusion should only be done in the fall and winter after it is determined that the bats are no longer in the building.
If you have bats on your property, the B.C. community bat project can offer advice and support.
You can keep bats out of your living space by keeping doors and windows closed and ensuring window screens do not have any holes.
If you find a live bat in a room of your home, open the window and close interior doors until the bat leaves, or follow the steps here: batworld.org/what-to-do-if-youfound_a_bat/#indoors. Always vaccinate your pets against rabies.
For information on safely moving a bat if necessary and to report bat sightings, landowners can visit the Got Bats? B.C. Community Bat Program’s website (BCbats.ca), email Okanagan @B.C.bats.ca, or call 1-855-9B.C.-BATS ext. 13. The B.C. community bat program is supported by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C., the Habitat Stewardship Program, and the Government of B.C.