1. Identify their Entry and Exit point
The first thing you need to do is observe the bat – where they are coming from and going to. Locate the entryway or exit point and then close all other doors or windows in the room to prevent the bat from flying into other areas of the house. You can also turn off the lights to encourage the bat towards the exit.
2. Provide them an Escape Route
Install a cardboard box or shoebox near the entry or exit point supported by a ruler or stick to create a makeshift ramp. Bats usually crawl during the daytime and can use it as an escape route. You can also create a small path using cardboard boxes to help them find their way out. Ensure that there is no ceiling fan or any other obstacle that can pose a risk to them.
3. Use a Window Screen
If you already know their entry and exit point, you can use a window screen to prevent them from entering the house again. Bats are not good at navigating through narrow spaces, and thus, a window screen can be an effective solution. You can also use a mesh screen to keep the bat from flying into other rooms. However, ensure that the mesh size is adequate, and it doesn’t suffocate them.
4. Create a Disturbance
Bats are active at night and sleep during the day, so creating a disturbance in the room during the day can force them to leave. For instance, playing loud music or banging pans can encourage them to leave the house quickly. Ensure that you don’t hurt them in any way while creating the disturbance.
5. Use a Bat House
If you’re unable to make the bat leave, you can create a bat house outside the house. A bat house is a wooden box that replicates the natural habitat of the bats. It is essential to place it above the ground and near a water source. Put some wood shavings inside the house to make it more attractive for the bats. Ensure that the bat house is located in a place that is away from predators.
6. Analyse the Situation
If the bat is injured, weak or sick, don’t attempt to handle it on your own. Call a certified wildlife rehabilitator to ensure that the bat is given the proper care and treatment. You can use gloves and a towel to catch the bat and place it in a secure box.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to be humane while making a bat leave your house. Bats have a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance and must be handled with care and respect. Identifying the point of entry and exit, installing a window screen, creating a ramp and providing a disturbance are some of the ways to make the bat leave. If the bat is injured or weak, it is advisable to call a wildlife rehabilitator to ensure that it is given the right care. We hope that these tips will help you make a bat leave your house safely, without harming them.