How to Remove Bats from Home in CT?

How to Remove Bats from Your Home in Connecticut: A Complete Guide

If you’ve discovered bats in your home, safely removing them is essential to protect your household and comply with Connecticut’s wildlife regulations. Here’s an expanded step-by-step guide to removing bats from your home and preventing them from returning.


Steps to Safely Remove a Bat from Your Home

  1. Close Off the Room with the Bat
    • Confine the bat to a single room by closing all doors and blocking access to other areas of your home.
  2. Open a Window
    • Provide an escape route by opening windows and removing screens. Bats naturally navigate towards fresh air and light.
  3. Move Slowly Towards the Bat
    • Approach the bat calmly and avoid sudden movements to prevent startling it.
  4. Trap the Bat Gently
    • Use a large jar, cardboard box, or similar container to carefully cover the bat.
    • Slide stiff paper or cardboard under the container to create a lid.
  5. Release the Bat Outside
    • Take the bat outdoors and release it gently, ensuring it can fly away unharmed.

Precautions When Handling Bats

  • Wear Heavy Gloves: Use thick leather gloves to protect against bites and scratches.
  • Avoid Direct Contact: Never touch bats with bare hands, as they can carry diseases like rabies.
  • Rabies Testing: If bitten, capture the bat safely for rabies testing and seek immediate medical attention.

Preventing Bats from Returning

Bats often return to their roosts, so prevention is key to keeping them out of your home.

  1. Seal Entry Points
    • Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, chimneys, and vents.
    • Use caulk, steel wool, or weatherproof materials to seal any openings larger than 1/2 inch.
  2. Install One-Way Doors
    • Place bat excluders (one-way doors) on entry points to allow bats to leave but prevent them from returning.
  3. Use Bat Repellents
    • Apply natural repellents like peppermint oil or mothballs in areas where bats are likely to roost.
  4. Eliminate Water Sources
    • Bats are attracted to standing water for hydration. Remove or cover any water sources near your home.
  5. Trim Trees and Bushes
    • Keep trees and shrubs near your home trimmed to reduce potential roosting spots.
  6. Clean Up Fallen Fruit
    • Bats feed on fruits and insects attracted to fallen produce. Regularly remove fruit from the ground.
  7. Create Light Barriers
    • Bats dislike bright light. Install motion-sensor lights in areas where bats frequently gather.
  8. Use Ultrasonic Devices
    • Ultrasonic bat repellents emit high-frequency sounds that deter bats without harming them.

Hiring a Professional Bat Removal Service

If you’re unsure how to safely handle bats or have a large infestation, hiring a professional is the best option. Licensed wildlife control specialists in Connecticut are trained to:

  • Safely remove bats from your home.
  • Identify and seal entry points.
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal wildlife laws.

Why Removing Bats is Important

While bats are beneficial to the environment by controlling insect populations, having them in your home poses risks:

  • Health Concerns: Bats can carry diseases like rabies and histoplasmosis.
  • Property Damage: Bat droppings (guano) can cause odor and structural damage.

By following these steps and precautions, you can safely remove bats from your Connecticut home and keep them from returning. For large infestations or persistent issues, consider contacting a wildlife removal expert for assistance.

Similar Posts