Every day in August there is at least one call for a bat in a home. The most common are little brown and big brown bats. I have only seen one Hoary bat and that was outside. They like woods more than human structures.
The bat problem most often starts with them living behind shutters, in chimneys or attics. They have raised their young and have now sent them off to explore the world on their own. As many teenagers do they don’t always take a straight flight. One may wander through a crack or investigate those bugs attracted to your front door light. When some one enters or exits with an armload of groceries they swoop in unnoticed.
The first questions to ask once you find bats in the house are:
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Was the bat in a room with a sleeping person? They were not awake so cannot rule out that the bat landed on them. You can look for bite marks but are unlikely to see any. Several people had looked and found nothing so assumed there was not any contact. They died months later of rabies. Consider that an exposure has occurred |
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Was the bat in a room with a child under 7 years of age? This is assuming that the child may give you the answer they think will make you happy. Consider that an exposure has occurred. |
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Was the bat in a room with a person with diminished mental capabilities? This would include drunk or on medication that might effect their awareness. . Consider that an exposure has occurred. |
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Did any one feel the bat brush by him or her? They have a claw mid way along the wing and since they groom and lick themselves their saliva can be on that claw. As it flies by it could scratch with that claw. . Consider that an exposure has occurred. |
If no exposure took place you can open doors and windows to let it fly out. If it lands you can use gloves and place an empty cereal box or large cup over it. Then slide a piece of cardboard under it and carry it out side to release it.
If there is any possibility that an exposure occurred or might have occurred then capture it and instead of releasing it, seal the container and call Animal Control or a local veterinarian so it can be sent to the state lab for testing. If you are unable to capture the bat then assume it was positive and call your doctor or a state epidemiologist.
Remember to keep the specimen cool, NOT Frozen, until it can be tested.
If the bat tests negative then every one can relax. If it is positive then both the state and local board of health will be contacting you to determine who may have been exposed and recommend vaccinations.
We have few people in the U.S. die of rabies. Not because there is little exposure, but rather because we test animals and follow up with vaccinations for those exposed.
For information on bats in your home please visit Mass Wildlife Homeowner's Guide to Bats or call Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife at 508-389-6300 and ask for their booklet on Bat Proofing your Home.
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