How to Catch a Bat

Imagine you are sitting around your house, enjoying a quiet evening when you hear a strange noise in the attic or another room. What would you do if you found out a bat had found its way indoors? This is the problem many people face as these nocturnal fliers seek warmth and food in human domains.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather work gloves
  • Long sleeved shirt
  • Bath towel
  • Coffee can or bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wear a thick pair of leather work gloves and long sleeves. Bats are notorious carriers of rabies. While you will not turn into a vampire from a bite, rabies is a serious disease that will require a doctor’s visit and medication. Thick gloves and sleeves will help prevent the bat from making contact with your skin.

    • 2

      Open a window near the bat. At this point the bat is more frightened than you are and is simply looking for a way to escape. Its sharp detection skills will lead it toward fresh air when it is available and it may simply fly out on it own.

    • 3

      Find a bathroom towel that you are not fond of if the bat does not fly out the open window. Locate the bat if it is on the floor and quickly throw the towel over the bat. This will prevent its wings from flapping and will allow you to safely trap and release this animal.

    • 4

      Use a coffee can or bucket to trap the bat if it is on a wall or the ceiling. Cover the animal until it detaches from the wall and cover the open end with the towel. This will prevent it from flying further.

    • 5

      Take the bat outside and set the towel or bucket on the ground. Remove the top of the bucket or turn the towel over so the bat can fly away on its own.