Chicago, IL – As cooler weather settles across the Midwest, residents may start finding unexpected houseguests — bats seeking warmth and shelter inside homes. While these small flying mammals play a vital role in the ecosystem by eating insects, health experts caution homeowners to handle bat encounters carefully.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), bats are one of the primary carriers of rabies in the region, making it essential to avoid direct contact. If a bat enters your home, officials recommend containing it in a safe manner rather than attempting to release it immediately. The safest method involves trapping the bat in a room, or covering it with a box or container while wearing thick leather gloves to prevent bites or scratches.
Once the bat is safely contained, residents should contact their local health department for further instructions. Health officials will determine whether the bat needs to be tested for rabies. If anyone in the home may have had physical contact with the animal, they should wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical evaluation right away. Rabies exposure requires immediate attention, and post-exposure vaccination may be recommended.
Exclusion remains the most effective long-term solution to prevent bats from entering a house. Wildlife experts suggest sealing entry points such as vents, gaps near chimneys, or cracks in roofing and siding. Specialized one-way exits can be installed so bats can leave the structure but cannot re-enter. However, these measures should only be performed outside of maternity season, which runs from May through August, to avoid trapping young bats inside.
Public health departments across Illinois, Indiana, and neighboring Midwestern states stress that bats should never be handled barehanded. Residents unsure about how to safely manage an encounter are urged to reach out to local animal control or public health agencies for guidance.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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