Bats that suddenly appear in living spaces may enter through gaps in window screens, chimneys, ceilings, attic openings, exhaust flues or may even fly in through open garages or doors. If you find a bat in your house, stay calm. Keep in mind that the bat wants out as badly as you want it out and it is probably disoriented and lost. Healthy bats generally try to avoid people, so chasing them in a confined space will simply encourage evasive flight and seeking refuge in the room. Do not do this!

Keep all pets and children away. If there has been no direct contact with people or pets, the best and simplest solution is to confine the bat to a single room and then open windows and doors leading to the outside and let it escape. If the room is brightly lit, lower the lights or shut them off. Bright light may disorient the bat and cause it to seek refuge behind pictures, bookcases, curtains or under furniture. Keep an eye on the bat; it is important to confirm that it leaves. 

If the bat doesn't leave on its own, wait until it lands and try to catch it. Wearing thick protective leather gloves, quickly cover it with a coffee can, waste paper can, plastic tub or similar container.  Carefully slide a piece of cardboard or a magazine under the container, trapping the bat inside. Then, take the bat outside to release it, preferably after dark. It is difficult for bats to take flight from the ground, so tilt the container, or allow the bat to climb a tree trunk or other vertical surface so that it can fly away.

If you have found a bat in your house, it is possible that you have a roost or colony somewhere in your house. Check for bats or evidence of bats along the roof line, behind siding, behind a chimney, inside walls, and the attic. If you find evidence of bats, follow the guidance provided for “How to eliminate and prevent bats from living in your house.”

If you need assistance in capturing a bat, contact a licensed wildlife control professional.