See a bat around your home? Don’t panic, here’s what to know
Most bats, including those in Idaho, consume large quantities of insects, such as moths, flies, and mosquitoes.
Photo courtesy IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME
Fall is a crucial time for bats as they migrate or prepare for hibernation. It’s not uncommon to find a bat roosting on the side of buildings or homes. However, there’s no need to panic; they are often just resting to conserve energy while passing through.
Bats are frequently misunderstood. They are not the blood-sucking, frightening creatures depicted in movies. In reality, they play a vital role in our ecosystem.
Most bats, including those in Idaho, consume large quantities of insects, such as moths, flies, and mosquitoes. They provide free pest control by eating the insects that harm crops, saving U.S. farmers over $3 billion annually. In Idaho, bats are worth an estimated $313 million dollars annually to farmers.
All bats in Idaho are protected nongame species, making it illegal to harm, harass, or kill them. The best way to protect bats is to avoid disturbing them, ensuring they continue to thrive in Idaho’s environment.
What to do if you find a bat
Throughout the year, Idaho Fish and Game receives calls from concerned homeowners about bats. Here’s what to do if you see a bat in or outside your home:
Never handle a bat with bare hands.
If you find a bat inside your home and are certain you haven't had a rabies exposure, refer to this instructional video or call Idaho Fish and Game for guidance on safely capturing and releasing the bat outside.
If you have a bat colony in your home (e.g., attic, garage, or shop), contact Idaho Fish and Game for advice on safely evicting and excluding them. Unless there’s a public health threat (e.g., bats entering living spaces), the best time to evict bats from structures is early September to mid-October — after bat maternity season and before hibernation.
If you find a bat outdoors roosting (hanging upside down) on a wall or any other surface (e.g., tree, shrub, garden plant, firewood pile or inside a patio umbrella), leave the bat alone and keep people and pets away from it.
If you find a bat outdoors on the ground that appears weak, sick or injured and is unable to fly, do not handle it with bare hands. Ensure the bat is safe from people, pets and natural predators, then contact Idaho Fish and Game for guidance. Sometimes, the energy demands of migration or the inexperience of young bats leave them dehydrated, weak or disoriented.
If you have had any direct contact with a bat (especially if bitten or scratched), or you find a bat in the same room as someone who may be unaware of a bite (e.g., a sleeping person or a child), safely capture the bat without handling it with bare hands, and contact your healthcare provider or local Public Health District for a risk assessment.
If you find five or more dead or sick bats at the same time in the same location, contact Idaho Fish and Game for guidance.
Lastly, please ensure your pets are vaccinated for rabies.
Sara Cassinelli is a digital content creator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.