Bat in Your Home? Here’s How to Remove It and Prevent Future Visits in Tennessee

Finding a bat in your home can be a surprising and potentially stressful experience, especially in Tennessee, where bats are a common part of the local ecosystem. However, it's important to handle the situation calmly and safely, both for your sake and the bat's. Here's a guide on what to do if you encounter a bat inside your house.

Photo byTodd CravensonUnsplash

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First and foremost, don’t panic. Bats are generally not aggressive and are likely more scared of you than you are of them. If the bat is flying around, try to keep an eye on where it lands. This will help when it comes time to safely remove it.

Safely Remove the Bat

1. Isolate the Bat: Close the doors to the room where the bat is located, and ensure any pets or other people are out of the room to avoid unnecessary stress for both them and the bat. If possible, dim the lights and turn off any fans, as this can help calm the bat.
2. Provide an Exit: Open any windows and doors leading outside. Bats use echolocation to navigate, so it may take a moment for them to find their way out, but they will eventually leave if they sense an exit.
3. Use a Container: If the bat has landed and isn't flying around, you can safely catch it using a container, such as a small box or jar. Wearing thick gloves (never handle a bat with bare hands), gently cover the bat with the container, and then slide a piece of cardboard underneath to trap the bat inside. Carefully carry it outside and release it.

When to Call a Professional

If the bat doesn't leave on its own, or if you're uncomfortable handling it, it's best to call a wildlife control professional. In Tennessee, there are services that specialize in the humane removal of bats. This is particularly important if you suspect there may be more than one bat in your home, or if they seem to be roosting in your attic or walls.

Additionally, if the bat appears injured, sick, or if it has had direct contact with a person or pet, contact local animal control or a wildlife rehabilitation center. Bats can carry rabies, so any direct contact should be taken seriously, and medical advice should be sought immediately.

Prevent Future Bat Visits

Bats can enter homes through very small openings, so it's crucial to check for and seal any potential entry points. Common areas where bats can enter include attic vents, chimneys, gaps in the eaves, and spaces around doors or windows. Installing screens over vents and repairing any damage to your home’s exterior can help prevent future visits.

In addition, consider installing a bat house outside your home. This provides a safe place for bats to roost away from your living space while still benefiting from their natural insect control capabilities.

What Not to Do

• Don’t try to catch the bat with your bare hands: Bats can bite if they feel threatened, so always use thick gloves or call a professional.
• Don’t kill the bat: Bats are protected under wildlife conservation laws, and they play a vital role in controlling insect populations.

By following these steps, you can safely handle a bat encounter in your Tennessee home while also taking steps to prevent future incidents.

Sources:

Bat Box Nest Box | State of Tennessee, Wildlife Resources Agency (tn.gov)

6 Things To Do If You Find A Bat In Your House - Pest Pointers