How to Safely and Humanely Remove a Bat from Your Porch

Dealing with a bat that calls your porch home can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach, you can ensure both your safety and the bat's well-being. Here are some steps to handle the situation effectively:

Identifying the Bat

First, determine whether the bat in question is a protected species. In many regions, certain bat species are protected by law, which means you must not harm or disturb them. If you're unsure, consult a local wildlife organization or your state's wildlife department for guidance.

Avoiding Direct Contact

Safety should always be your top priority. Bats can carry diseases such as rabies. Therefore, avoid direct contact with the bat and do not attempt to touch or handle it. If you must move the bat, use protective gear like gloves and a face mask.

Removing Attractants

To discourage bats from your porch, address the potential sources of attraction. Bats are attracted to areas where insects thrive, so take steps to reduce insect populations:

Eliminate standing water near your home to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Use insect repellents to keep mosquitoes away. Remove any potential shelter nearby, such as piles of debris or old structures.

Sealing Entry Points

Once you've identified and removed any attractants, the next step is to seal any entry points where the bats can roost. This can be done using materials such as caulk or mesh screens. Ensure that the bat is no longer present before sealing entrance points to prevent any possibility of the bat getting stuck inside.

Using Exclusion Techniques

One of the most humane methods of bat removal involves using exclusion techniques. This involves creating pathways for the bats to exit the roost while preventing them from re-entering:

Install one-way doors that allow the bats to leave but not re-enter. You can use tubes or nets that are designed to help bats exit but not re-enter. Perform exclusion techniques during the late summer or early fall when the bats are more likely to leave their young and move to safer locations.

Professional Help

If the bat problem persists, or if you're unsure about handling it yourself, it's wise to seek professional help. Wildlife removal professionals can safely and humanely remove the bat and provide guidance on preventing future issues. They can assess the situation and implement the best practices for bat removal.

Cleaning Up Safely

After the bat has been removed, ensure that you clean the area thoroughly. Wear protective gear, including gloves and a mask, as bat droppings (guano) can carry histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease. Use a disinfectant to clean the area comprehensively as a precautionary measure.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the bat you have on your porch is performing a valuable service by consuming thousands of mosquitoes every night. It's not looking for trouble with humans; you're not the target species. Leave it alone, and enjoy the natural pest control it provides. If you feel the need to remove it, follow the steps outlined in this guide to ensure both your safety and the bat's well-being. Protecting wildlife is a legal obligation in many places, so be sure to comply with local laws.