Are the bats harmed in any way?

Everything is 100% humane and no bats are harmed during the removal or exclusion process.

Will my family have to leave the house while you do it?

No, with the humane techniques that are used you will not even know that anything is going on.

How long will it take before my home is completely bat-proof?

Getting the bats out is rather quick and won't take long at all, generally 5-7 days.

Are there any chemicals involved?

No. In fact, using pesticides against bats is illegal and can be counterproductive, causing you and your family much unneeded stress. Poisoning bats simply increases the likelihood that they will come in contact with you or your family.

What do the "One Way Doors" actually do?

They allow the bats to leave the structure, but not return. They are only temporary and will be removed when the bats are gone.

Is there anything I can do to get the bats out myself?

It's possible, but keeping them out is another story. In an effort to seal the bats out, people often unknowingly seal them IN, adding unwanted stress to the homeowner.

Do mothballs really work to keep bats away?

In order to keep the bats away, the active ingredient in mothballs, naphthalene, must be used in such large quantities that is poses a significant health hazard to humans.

What about those ultrasonic devices sold for the purpose of keeping bats away? Do they work?

No. Bat Conservation International says, "Ultrasonic devices are ineffective against bats... Exclusion is the ONLY effective solution for permanently removing bats from buildings."

What do I do if a bat attacks me?

The best way to deal with this is through prevention. It is best if a bat never comes near you or your family. If one should enter in to the structure, exit immediately and contact a professional.

Is it true that bats come out at night while everyone's asleep?

Yes, bats are nocturnal. They generally exit the structure at dusk and return at dawn.

What happens to all the bats?

The bat colony is set free. Once they realize they can't get back into your home, they'll go find another roosting place. As part of our complete bat exclusion process we suggest the use of bat houses to keep bats away from humans altogether. This process is what Bat Conservation International recommends most highly since it is both effective and humane.

If they stay on the property, they'll help out with insects. Bats may be a great help in your yard, but NOT IN THE HOUSE!

Do bats really use sonar?

Yes, bats "see" in the dark through a process of emitting sounds and listening for the echo called "echolocation".

How do I get bats out of my house and keep them out?

Contact us at 866-263-WILD and we'll talk about your specific bat problem in detail.

Do bats get rabies?

Yes. Bats are mammals and are susceptible to rabies, but most do not have the disease. You cannot tell if a bat has rabies just by looking at it; rabies can be confirmed only by having the animal tested in a laboratory. To minimize the risk for rabies, it is best never to handle any bat.

What should I do if I come in contact with a bat?

If you are bitten by a bat -- or if infectious material (such as saliva) from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound -- wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical attention immediately. Whenever possible, the bat should be captured and sent to a laboratory for rabies testing. People usually know when they have been bitten by a bat. However, because bats have small teeth which may leave marks that are not easily seen, there are situations in which you should seek medical advice even in the absence of an obvious bite wound. For example, if you awaken and find a bat in your room, see a bat in the room of an unattended child, or see a bat near a mentally impaired or intoxicated person, seek medical advice and have the bat tested. People cannot get rabies just from seeing a bat in an attic, in a cave, or at a distance. In addition, people cannot get rabies from having contact with bat guano (feces), blood, or urine, or from touching a bat on its fur (even though bats should never be handled!).

What should I do if I find a bat in my home?

If you see a bat in your home and you are sure no human or pet exposure has occurred, confine the bat to a room by closing all doors and windows leading out of the room except those to the outside. The bat will probably leave soon. If not, it can be caught, as described below, and released outdoors away from people and pets.

However, if there is any question of exposure, leave the bat alone and call animal control or a wildlife conservation agency for assistance. If professional assistance is unavailable, use precautions to capture the bat safely, as described below.

What you will need:

leather work gloves (put them on)

small box or coffee can

piece of cardboard

tape

When the bat lands, approach it slowly and place a box or coffee can over it. Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside. Tape the cardboard to the container securely. Contact your health department or animal control authority to make arrangements for rabies testing.

How can I tell if a bat has rabies?

Rabies can be confirmed only in a laboratory. However, any bat that is active by day, is found in a place where bats are not usually seen (for example in rooms in your home or on the lawn), or is unable to fly, is far more likely than others to be rabid. Such bats are often the most easily approached. Therefore, it is best never to handle any bat.

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