What to do if you come across a bat

Did you know that South Africa is home to 56 different types of bats? Sadly, sometimes we humans unintentionally hurt or even kill these incredible creatures. If you ever find a bat in your home or garden, it’s important to take action and seek help.

I want to tell you about the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital’s important message: if you discover a bat, please get in touch with the authorities right away.

The Hospital explained on Facebook, “It’s BAT SEASON, and we’ve been receiving questions and even admitting a few bat patients. As cities grow, bats struggle to find suitable homes like caves, dead trees, and natural hideaways. This forces them to search for new roosting spots, and roofs and ceilings become the next best option for many bat species.”

‘Bats are incredibly important for our environment. Some bats eat insects, which helps control pests naturally, while other bats help pollinate crops, making them essential for agriculture.’

‘Removing bats from your roof, also known as bat exclusions, should only be done by experts who understand the intricacies of bat behavior. It’s crucial to note that bats are currently in their breeding season, so it’s unethical to disturb or remove bat roosts between October and March. If you need guidance on bat exclusions or if you want to create a bat-friendly environment, reach out to EcoSolutions Urban Ecology for more information.’

‘If you come across an injured or baby bat, refer to this flow chart to know what steps to take. And if you’re unsure, you can always contact the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital at 071 248 1514.’

Did you know that there are 74 species of bats in southern Africa? Amazing, right? Some of these bats are in danger and may even face extinction in the wild. So what should you do if you find a bat in your house? Well, according to the NSPCA, here’s a step-by-step guide:

First off, try to contain the bat in one room by closing any doors you can. This will make it easier to guide the bat outside. Once the bat is contained, it’s time to open up all the doors and windows in that room. The more exits, the better!

Now, here’s a pro tip: turn on the outside lights, like the porch light. Bats are attracted to light, so this can help guide them out. And remember, you’ll want to turn off or dim the lights in the room where the bat is, to make it less enticing for the bat to stick around.

Following these simple steps can make a big difference for our bat friends. So the next time you find one in your house, don’t panic. Just follow this guide and send that bat back into the night where it belongs!

– So, here’s what you need to do: Just stay in the room, sit down, and relax while you keep an eye on the bat. It’s important because if you don’t, you won’t know if it actually left or if it’s resting somewhere.

– Oh, and don’t even think about trying to guide the bat with a broom or tennis racket. You don’t need to worry about covering your head either. The bat doesn’t want to get in your hair.

– Here’s the thing. If you let the bat be, it will find its way out on its own. It’ll use the light outside and the draft created by an open window or door. This might take about 20 minutes. Now, if the bat has landed somewhere, you can gently capture it and release it outside after sunset. But remember, approach it slowly and quietly.

– Now, here’s an important rule: NEVER TOUCH THE BAT with your bare hands. Instead, get a can or a box and gently place it over the bat. Then, slide a piece of cardboard underneath to safely move it. Finally, release your little visitor outdoors at dusk. Just make sure you put it on a high surface where it can easily take off.

Picture: Wikimedia Commons

Picture: Wikimedia Commons