How to Safely Catch a Bat in the House: Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners
Finding a bat flying around your living room or clinging to your curtains can be alarming—but it doesn’t have to be dangerous or chaotic. If you’re wondering how to safely catch a bat in the house, you’ve come to the right place.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain how to remove a bat from your home safely, humanely, and effectively—without harming yourself or the animal. We’ll also cover the best prevention techniques to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
🦇 Why Is There a Bat in Your House?
Bats can accidentally enter homes through:
Open windows or doors without screens
Chimneys or attic vents
Gaps in siding or roofing
Unsuspecting transport (e.g., in stored patio umbrellas or boxes)
They are often just as panicked as you are and are trying to find a way out. Most indoor bat encounters are isolated incidents—not signs of infestation.
⏱️ Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Safely Catch a Bat in Your Home
✅ Step 1: Stay Calm and Keep People (and Pets) Away
Bats are not aggressive and rarely attack humans, but they may bite if they feel cornered or threatened. Most importantly, some bats can carry rabies, so never touch a bat with bare hands.
Keep children and pets out of the room
Do not swat at the bat or throw objects
Turn off ceiling fans and avoid sudden movements
✅ Step 2: Isolate the Bat in One Room
Quickly close all interior doors to prevent the bat from flying into other parts of the house.
Seal off the room it’s in
If possible, place towels under doors to block gaps
Turn off lights in the rest of the house to draw it toward a lit window
✅ Step 3: Create an Exit Route
Open all windows and exterior doors in the room where the bat is flying. Bats navigate using echolocation and may take a few minutes to locate the exit.
Dim the room lights and stay silent to avoid confusing the bat
If the bat is flying, give it 15–30 minutes to find its own way out
✅ Step 4: Wait for the Bat to Land
Bats often tire quickly and will look for a place to rest—commonly on curtains, walls, or furniture. Once landed, it’s easier to catch the bat safely.
✅ Step 5: Put On Protective Gear
Before attempting to capture a stationary bat, wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and pants. Even a frightened bat can bite if mishandled.
✅ Step 6: Capture the Bat Safely
Once the bat is still:
Use a small box, container, or Tupperware
Gently place it over the bat
Slide a stiff piece of cardboard or lid underneath to trap the bat inside
Slowly tilt the container upright and tape the lid loosely to contain it
Avoid using a towel or bare hands. If you must use a cloth, do so with extreme caution and gloves.
✅ Step 7: Release the Bat Outdoors
Release the bat outside at night, ideally on a high surface like a tree branch or elevated deck. If released on the ground, the bat may struggle to fly off.
Open the container slowly
Allow the bat to fly away on its own
If it doesn’t fly off within 15 minutes, contact a wildlife rehabilitator
⚠️ What If You Suspect Contact or a Bite?
Even if there’s no visible bite or scratch, you must take potential exposure seriously.
Contact your local health department or a medical professional immediately if:
The bat landed on or near a sleeping person
It was found in a baby’s or child’s room unattended
There was direct contact with skin or mucous membranes
In these cases, the bat should be captured and tested for rabies.
🔒 How to Prevent Bats from Entering Your Home Again
After removal, take steps to prevent future bat intrusions:
🏠 1. Seal Entry Points
Inspect attic vents, chimneys, soffits, and rooflines
Seal gaps with caulk, wire mesh, or foam sealant
Install chimney caps and attic vent covers
🔦 2. Check Window and Door Screens
Repair any holes or tears
Ensure tight-fitting screens on all windows and vents
🛑 3. Don’t Exclude During Maternity Season
In most parts of North America, bat exclusion is not recommended between May and August, when pups are born. Removing mothers during this time can trap baby bats inside.
🛠️ When to Call a Professional
Call a wildlife removal expert or animal control if:
You can’t safely isolate the bat
The bat is injured or hiding in hard-to-reach places (behind furniture, inside walls)
You suspect a colony may be living in your attic or chimney
Professional bat exclusion is highly recommended for infestations.
🧠 Fun Fact: Bats Are Beneficial!
Although finding one in your house is unnerving, bats are incredibly helpful creatures. They:
Eat thousands of insects per night
Control mosquito populations
Pollinate plants and contribute to ecosystems
If you safely remove and release the bat, you’re helping preserve an important species.
🏁 Final Thoughts: How to Safely Catch a Bat in the House
So, how do you safely catch a bat in the house? Stay calm, isolate the bat, open windows, and patiently wait for it to exit—or use a box and cardboard to contain and release it if needed. Most importantly, never touch a bat with bare hands, and seek medical advice if any exposure occurs.
With these steps, you can protect both yourself and the bat—ensuring a humane outcome for everyone involved.
