Grand Rapids homeowner guide
Bat removal questions, answered.
Clear next steps for the questions that come up at home.
Call 616-348-8910Helpful answers
Start with the question on your mind.
What should I do if I find a bat inside?
Keep your distance and keep children and pets away. If contact may have occurred, or you are unsure, seek advice promptly from your local health department or medical professional. Do not try to handle the bat or release it before receiving that advice.
Indoor bat and attic concerns →Can I tell whether a bat has rabies by looking at it?
No. Do not use appearance or behavior to rule out possible exposure. A public-health or medical professional should assess the situation; a wildlife service call does not replace that guidance.
CDC exposure guidance →Why might bats use an attic?
Buildings can provide shelter and stable roost conditions. That does not establish that bats occupy your attic. Repeated observations and a property assessment are more useful than assuming every sound indicates a colony.
Attic signs and observations →Can bat work start immediately?
Ask about availability and the appropriate next step. An assessment and exclusion are different things; current conditions and applicable Michigan rules can affect what work is suitable.
Exclusion and seasonal decisions →Should I plug the opening where I saw a bat?
Have the activity assessed before sealing an opening. Ask how the proposed plan accounts for bats that may remain inside and any seasonal limitations.
Entry-point assessment →What does a one-way exclusion device do?
It allows bats to leave while limiting re-entry. Whether and when such an approach is appropriate must be assessed for the structure and situation. This website does not promise a specific method.
Understand bat exclusion →Can I clean suspected guano myself?
Avoid disturbing suspected bat droppings while arranging appropriate advice. For substantial accumulations, CDC recommends professionals specializing in hazardous-waste removal. Ask about the condition and scope before deciding on cleanup.
Guano and cleanup information →Who performs the work after I call?
Work is arranged with an independent wildlife control specialist. Discuss availability, scope, terms, and any property-specific limitations directly before agreeing to service.
How it works →What information should I have ready?
Your location, where activity was noticed, when it happened, and whether anyone or any pet may have had contact with a bat. Existing photos may help, but do not approach bats or climb onto a roof to take them.
Prepare for the conversation →