Finding a bat flapping around your living room can turn an ordinary evening into a scene from a horror movie.
Those tiny winged creatures might seem terrifying, but they’re usually just as scared as you are. Before panic sets in, know that there are simple, humane ways to escort your uninvited guest back outside where it belongs.
1. Open Windows And Doors
Bats naturally want to escape your home. Creating an exit path is your simplest solution – just open windows and exterior doors wide while shutting interior doors to limit the bat’s roaming area.
Turn off all lights inside and, if possible, place a light outside the opening. Bats will instinctively fly toward the outdoor light and away from darker indoor spaces.
2. The Container Capture Method
Wait until the bat lands somewhere and appears to be resting. Grab a plastic container or box and a piece of cardboard. Slowly approach and place the container over the bat, then carefully slide the cardboard underneath.
Keep the cardboard pressed firmly against the container opening while you transport your unexpected visitor outdoors. Release it by placing the container against a tree trunk.
3. Towel Technique
Thick gloves are essential for this hands-on approach. Once the bat lands, gently drape a soft towel over it. The darkness will calm the creature while preventing it from flying away in panic.
Carefully gather the towel’s edges together to create a loose bundle. Take your wrapped guest outside, place the bundle on the ground near a tree, and slowly pull the towel away, allowing the bat to escape.
4. Broom And Bucket Strategy
For a bat that’s landed in an accessible spot, grab a small bucket and a broom. Quietly position the bucket over the bat, then slide the broom handle between the wall and bucket to gently encourage the bat inside.
Once captured, slide cardboard under the bucket opening, flip it right-side-up while keeping the cardboard in place, and carry outside. Remove the cover near a tree for safe release.
5. Create A One-Way Exit
Found a bat during daytime? Fashion a one-way door using a plastic sheet or light fabric. Secure it over the suspected entry point, leaving the bottom loose so the bat can push through when leaving.
The material should be light enough for the bat to exit but will fall back into place, preventing re-entry. This works wonderfully for bats hiding in attics or wall spaces.
6. The Sheet Trap Method
Feeling brave? Hold a bedsheet stretched between your hands like a net and approach the flying bat carefully. When it flies near, quickly raise the sheet to intercept its flight path.
The lightweight fabric will entangle but not harm the bat. Gather the sheet carefully, take it outside, and gently shake it open near trees or bushes. Stand back and watch your visitor fly away.
7. Darkness And Patience Approach
Sometimes the simplest solution works best. Turn off all indoor lights, open a window or door wide, and leave the room completely. Bats navigate using echolocation, not sight.
A quiet, dark environment helps them sense the opening to the outside world. Wait 15-20 minutes in another room, then check if your visitor has found its way out naturally.
8. Tennis Racket Shield
Contrary to what you might think, this isn’t for hitting! Hold a tennis racket (or similar object with a flat surface) as a shield between you and the bat as you guide it toward an open window.
The bat’s echolocation will detect the racket as a solid object to avoid. Slowly move behind the bat, using the racket to direct its flight path toward freedom without making contact.
9. Bathroom Isolation Strategy
Spotted the bat flying from room to room? Try herding it toward your bathroom, which typically has fewer hiding spots and often just one door. Open the bathroom window wide and shut the door behind you.
The confined space makes it easier for the bat to find the exit. Check back after 20 minutes – your winged visitor has likely found its way out through the window.
10. Professional Wildlife Removal
When all else fails or if you discover a colony rather than a single bat, it’s time to call reinforcements. Wildlife removal experts have specialized equipment and training to handle bat situations humanely.
They’ll not only remove the current visitors but can identify and seal entry points to prevent future encounters. This option costs money but provides peace of mind and permanent results.