Bat in the House? You Got This!

Picture this: it’s a chilly October evening, and your family is setting up the pumpkins and string lights when suddenly, a bat swoops into your home! While bats fit the spooky theme, finding one inside can be unsettling, especially with kids and pets around. Don’t worry! Here’s a quick guide to keep everyone safe.

Step One: Stay Calm and Keep Everyone Away
Bats can carry rabies, but thanks to decades of stringent public health measures, the disease is now fairly uncommon in Ontario. That being said, you should still act with extreme caution. If possible, isolate the bat in a room with an open window so it can leave on its own. Otherwise, contain pets in a separate room and ensure kids steer clear until the bat can be safely removed.

Step Two: Contain the Bat (If You Can)
If you find a deceased bat or your cat brings one home as a “gift”, don’t dispose of it! Public health authorities may need it for rabies testing. Instead, cover the bat with a container, slide cardboard underneath, and seal it. If the bat is still alive and won’t leave, call animal control for help.

Step Three: Call the Pros
Immediately report the incident to public health and/or your veterinarian if anyone in your household had direct or potential contact with the bat. This includes situations where:

• A person or pet touched the bat
• The bat was in a room where children or pets were unattended
• The bat was in a room where someone was sleeping

Step Four: Get Checked Out
Seek medical advice for anyone who might have had contact with the bat. If a pet was involved, contact your veterinarian without delay. They will file a report with the proper public health authorities, who will advise the best next steps considering your pets’ vaccine statuses and the circumstances in which the bat was found.

Step Five: Bat-Proof Your Family
Start by always keeping your pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date. Additionally, seal cracks and gaps in your home to keep bats outdoors, where they play an essential role in controlling pests and pollinating plants!

This autumn, take time to appreciate bats’ crucial role in nature (and in “spooky season”) while keeping your home bat-free and your family safe. Remember, October should be about fun scares, not real ones!

 

Dr. I. Wonder is here to answer your questions regarding your furry family members. If you have a question, email it to us at danielle@NeighbourhoodPetClinic.com. Our team at Neighbourhood Pet Clinic will tap into their collective experience to answer your various questions.