Misconceptions about bats can lead to unnecessary or poorly managed exclusions of bats from property. Bats are important components of healthy ecosystems, and provide tremendous benefits to people. Their slow reproductive rate makes bat populations slow to recover from human caused mortality. Bats in buildings typically pose little threat to the safety of people or animals provided they are not allowed to enter living spaces and are not handled. In some cases, harming bats may be illegal.

Protect human health by preventing bats from entering human living spaces. Seal gaps (e.g. with caulking, aerosol foam, weatherstripping or screening) where guano and bats can enter living quarters, particularly around chimneys. Entry and exit points can be as small as 15 mm (5/8”) round or 6 mm (1/4”) wide and 19 mm (3/4”) long. Sealing living spaces can be done at any time of year, but ensure bats are able to leave the building through exterior exits.

Identify any space large enough for a bat to enter walls or the roof of the house. Look for areas of disrepair, such as where siding or flashing leaves gaps in walls or attics. Inspect your attic during the daytime to see if any daylight is visible through the roof. Watch your house for an hour, starting at sunset, to see where bats are exiting the building.