Austin Area Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc.

info@austinareawildliferehab.org

Bats

Bats are nocturnal and may be seen at dusk and dawn. Some bats live in colonies, while others roost singly in trees. There are seven species of bats in the Austin area, all of which are insectivores (feed solely on insects). They are never aggressive and are extremely beneficial, as a single bat can consume thousands of mosquitoes in just one night!

Since many bats must have a vertical drop to start flying, many that have fallen to the ground are unable to fly away. Also, babies born in May to June may weigh mothers down so much that the mother may be unable to get off the ground.

Bats are considered to be a high-risk for rabies. However, since the presence of rabies can only be determined in a laboratory, do NOT handle any bat with bare hands! Email AAWR for assistance at info@austinareawildliferehab.org.

To eliminate bats from roosting in your house, seal off the access points. Exclusion devices, such as hardware cloth or rough cardboard, should be placed loosely at the sides and bottom of the access point. The bats will be able to crawl out of the hole and drop free to fly off. Upon return, the bats will be unable to locate the hole because their sonar will bounce off the covering material. This will have to be repeated as many nights as necessary until all the bats are gone. After all the bats have vacated, it is imperative that all openings are sealed. Do not use this method from May through August when there are likely to be babies left behind. They will die and smell up your home.

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