Bats

Bats are an important part of our ecosystem and provide valuable pest control by eating millions of insects, such as mosquitoes. Three of Canada’s bat species are listed as endangered under the Species at Risk Act. Remember these tips:

  • Never approach or touch bats, even if they appear tame, sick or injured.
  • Bats are a high-risk species for rabies; learn more about Rabies Prevention & Control
  • Bats are protected wildlife, and it is illegal to kill, harm or keep them in captivity.
  • August is the busiest time for bat activity in Ontario.

If a bat has previously entered your home:

  • Examine your home for holes that may allow bats entry.
  • Caulk any openings or holes that may allow bats entry into your home.
  • Install window screens, chimney caps, and/or draft-guards under doors to attics.
  • Fill electrical and plumbing holes with steel wool or caulking.
  • Make sure all exterior doors close tightly.

Learn more about wildlife proofing your home.

Most bats are not aggressive and will not harm you, but keep your distance and avoid approaching or touching the bat.

What to Do If a Bat Is Inside Your Home

Do not touch or try to capture the bat.

Attempt to contain the bat in a room by closing door(s), window(s) and any openings to prevent it from escaping.

If the bat has not had any direct contact with a person or pet, and was not found in a room where a person sleeps, then it can be released outside.

  • You can try to encourage the bat to leave by opening a window, allowing it to exit, and then closing the door behind you.
  • You can also hire a reputable wildlife removal company to assist you if the bat has not made contact.

Sick or Injured Bats

If you find a bat that is sick or injured – such as one unable to fly or exhibiting unusual behaviour, especially seizure-like symptoms – do not touch or handle the bat. Contact 311 and place a service request for Toronto Animal Services to remove the bat. The bat may be sent for rabies testing or rehabilitation.

For a sick, injured or dead bat in your home:

  • Do not touch or try to capture the bat.
  • Keep people and pets away from the bat.
  • Attempt to contain the bat in a room by closing door(s), window(s) and any openings to prevent it from escaping.
  • Contact Toronto Animal Services by calling 311 or submitting a form online to request for pick-up
    • The bat may be sent for rehabilitation, or rabies testing.

If you or a pet have had contact with a bat, call 311 and place a service request for Toronto Animal Services to come and remove the bat.

A wound inflicted by a bat can be mild or even go unnoticed, but should be taken seriously due to the risk of contracting rabies. Anyone who has had direct contact with a bat, or if you find a bat in a room with a child or adult who cannot provide a reliable history of contact with the bat:
should:

  • Immediately wash the bite or wound, or where the bat touched you with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
  • Apply an antiseptic to the wound.
  • Seek medical attention from a healthcare provider to assess your risk and discuss treatment options.
  • Immediately wash the exposed skin with soap and water for 15 minutes.
  • Seek medical attention from a healthcare provider to assess your risk and discuss treatment options.
    • In Ontario, contact TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000, or see a doctor
    • In Toronto, contact 311. City staff will be able to guide you on next steps for bat removal if necessary and connect you to Toronto Public Health if direct contact with the bat was made.
  • If your pet has come into contact with a bat or ended up in the same room without supervision, you should contact your veterinarian.

Learn more about Animal Bites, Scratches or Other Exposures