Why You Should Never Try to Remove a Bat Yourself
Bats are common in Connecticut, especially during warm months when they seek attics, rooflines, and buildings for roosting. While a single bat flying through your home is alarming, attempting to catch or remove it yourself can lead to dangerous consequences. Bats are protected under state law, and improper handling may put you and the animal at risk.
A bat inside your home usually enters through a small gap—sometimes less than ½ inch wide—around the roofline, chimney, or attic vents. Once inside, the bat may end up in your living space while searching for an exit. Homeowners often try to swat or trap the bat, but this can provoke it, cause the bat to injure itself, or result in human contact which requires medical evaluation.
Bats are the primary carriers of rabies among wildlife species in the Northeast. While the percentage of infected bats is small, any direct contact—including a scratch or unnoticed bite—requires immediate medical attention. Worse, trying to catch a bat with a towel, net, or container dramatically increases the chance of exposure.
Another common mistake is attempting to seal entry points immediately after seeing a bat. This is very dangerous during the spring and summer maternity season. Blocking holes traps baby bats inside, separating them from their mothers and creating foul odors and structural issues. Connecticut law protects bat colonies during certain times of the year, and only trained professionals can legally and safely remove them.
Professional bat removal is a multi-step process. It begins with guiding the bat out of the living space without harming it. Afterward, a licensed technician inspects the attic and roofline for signs of a colony. Evidence may include droppings (guano), grease marks, chirping sounds, or live bats hanging in hidden areas. If a colony is found, the technician installs one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but not re-enter.
After all bats have safely left, the home is sealed with bat-proof materials such as stainless-steel mesh and heavy-duty sealants. Any contaminated insulation can be cleaned or replaced to restore safe air quality. This approach protects the animals while ensuring your home stays bat-free.
Removing bats yourself is unsafe and illegal in many situations. Relying on a professional ensures proper handling, legal compliance, and long-term protection. If you discover a bat in your home, leave the room, close the door, and call a wildlife expert right away.