How to remove a bat from my living space in Rhode Island | Bat

How to remove a bat from my living space

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.

State specific info - Rhode Island - Bat

If you have or suspect that you have been bitten by  a bat or any other wild mammal wash the wound with soap and water, seek medical attention immediately and contact the Rhode Island Department of Health at (401) 222-2577.

Any bat that enters a living space where there are people or domestic animals present is a potential candidate for rabies testing. If you cannot conclusively determine that no person or pet has had contact with the bat, the bat should not be released and an attempt should be made to capture the bat for rabies testing. Bats are not aggressive but will bite to defend themselves. Use heavy leather work gloves to capture the bat. Secure the bat preferably in a plastic container with a lid that can be securly sealed. Live bats, in secure containers, are acceptable for testing. Contact the R.I. Department of Health for guidance. It is important that the specimen be in good condition, particularly the head, for accurate results. Carcasses should not be frozen prior to submission.If you are unable or unwilling to attempt to capture the bat yourself contact the local animal control officer, a R.I. licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Specialist (NWCS): www.dem.ri.gov/programs/fish-wildlife/wildlifehuntered/wildlifemanageme… the DEM's Division of Law Enforcement (401) 222-3070. 

Laws and regulations to be aware of

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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