Coexisting with Bats

Bats are critical to the health of natural ecosystems and human economies around the world, providing seed dispersal, pollination, and pest control services. Unfortunately, bats are often viewed in a negative light, stuck in a stigma that has been created and reinforced by literary and cinematic culture. In truth, bats are harmless and highly beneficial, and coexistence between bats and humans is critical to maintain the ecosystem services bats provide.

Like most wild animals, bats prefer to be left alone and avoid human contact. However, there are times when bats and humans cross paths and conflict or questions arise.  The below resources are provided to help in such situations.

Bats in Buildings

The most effective solution to remove unwanted bats from a building is exclusion. This method involves placing one-way exclusion devices over the main access point(s) of the building. In Ohio, bats may only be excluded at certain times during the year. The below restriction periods exist to protect flightless bat pups during the maternity season (1) and to protect bats during hibernation during winter (2).

There are two restricted periods for bat exclusion in Ohio:

  1.  From May 16th through July 31st, when 5 or more bats are present;
  2.  From October 15th through March 31st, if any bats are present.

It is unlawful to perform an exclusion during the above restriction periods without first obtaining written permission from the chief of the Division of Wildlife or their designee.  In situations where human health and safety is at risk, a property owner/designee may seek written authorization from the Chief of the Division of Wildlife to perform an exclusion during the restricted period. Visit here for more information and to seek authorization, if needed.

Why is exclusion the recommended method to remove bats from homes?

  • Exclusion is effective if done properly, and also protects bats from harm. Due to white-nose syndrome, populations of several bat species have experienced significant declines, some of which roost in buildings. Exclusion provides a solution that safely removes bats from a building/home.
  • It is illegal to use glue traps to catch or kill bats; to use chemicals, toxicants, or foggers to kill bats; to seal all entry/exit points while bats are inside the structure; and to otherwise kill bats. Bats may not be intentionally killed or harmed unless human rabies exposure is suspected.

For more information on bats in buildings, please visit the below resources:

What to do if you find a bat:

During the summer, bats are out flying almost every night hunting insects. Seeing bats flying around at dusk and throughout the night, especially under lights, is normal behavior. If you find a bat on the ground that appears sick, injured, or in need of care, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals that care for wildlife until they can be returned to the wild.

Bats and Diseases

Bats are meticulous groomers and should never be mistaken for dirty animals. However, bats, like most mammals, can contract the rabies virus (though few ever do). Bats are also not alone from other wild animals in being a potential source of human disease. Please visit the below sites for more information on bats and diseases.