How to Rid your House or Garage of Bats

Somehow those ungodly little nocturnal rodents with wings manage to find their ways into homes, garages and sheds. The site of one will either have you backtracking or wishing that Dracula himself would emerge and start explaining! Bats are known to carry serious bacterial infections, predominately rabies- which is extremely toxic to human beings- shining a light in their direction, or going all out swinging with a broom is a very bad idea to getting rid of the bat! Bats delight on bug diets and despite want or will are generally good to have around, so try not to kill them if you can. The following lists a few ways you can get the bats out with little hassle.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Only if colonized inside one area: -caulking, weather-strip, sealant for gaps -screen

1. If you locate a colony of bats within a structure look for openings or gaps where the bats may be coming in and out of.
   Seal, weather-strip, or caulk all gaps.
   
   If there are windows with torn screens, replace or repair screens however, leave one opening about ½ inch gap for the time being.

2. Once all but one gap is sealed allow a few days to pass without entering the room. Go in to room quietly about 30 minutes before it gets dark outside. Usually the bats will be out eating at this time, if you notice they've gone, quickly seal the gap you left open so they cant get back in.
   
   If the bats are getting in through a broken window, you will have to replace the window, however, now will not be the time to do it. Immediately put a covering over window that will remain in place until you can repair or replace the window at another time.

3. If you've got a solo bat flying wildly in your living area's (always an exciting experience!) steering it back outside will be easy.
   
   Get everyone into a closed room where the bat is not and close all doors but the exits. If opening the windows in the room where the bat is, will help the bat get outside, open them also.

4. Shut off all lights in the house, the lights from outside will draw the bat outward. Close all doors and windows once the bat is free.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear layers and protect head and hair when dealing with bats. If you are bitten or wounded by the bat seek emergency medical care immediately.