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> Rabies Control
Bats and Rabies
Bats are capable of carrying the rabies virus. They are a concern because a bat can expose a human or animal to rabies. Bats often enter peoples’ homes so being prepared and knowing what to do if you find one in your home is important.
One bat in 2009 tested positive for rabies, as well as three bats in 2008. People may become infected with rabies when bitten by a rabid bat or when a rabid bat's saliva comes into contact with broken skin or moist tissues of the mouth, nose or eyes. If left untreated, rabies is fatal in humans.
Bat activity
Bats are active in the summertime because the females and their babies (called pups) are feeding heavily to prepare for hibernation. Rabid bats rarely become aggressive. A bat may be rabid if it is active by day, is found in a place where bats are not usually seen, and/or is unable to fly. These bats are often easily approached, but should never be touched.
What is a Bat Exposure?
It is considerred human exposure when a bat bite or scratch has occured,
OR
when there is a direct contact (1) with a bat AND either of the following cannot be eliminated;
- a bat bite or scratch (2),
or
- saliva from a live bat entered an open wound or mucous membranes (2).
(1) - Direct contact means that the bat should be observed to touch or land on the person.
(2) - An exception to administering PEP would be if the bat lands on the clothing of a person who can be sure that a bite or scratch did not occur and that the bat's saliva did not contact an open wound or mucous membranes.
It is NOT considered an exposure if:
- a person awakens to find a bat in the room
- a bat is found in the room of a sleeping unattended person or a person unable to report contact, such as an infant
- a bat is flying nearby
- you see a bat (or bats) in the attic
- you find bat guano (feces), blood or urine
- if a bat touches an object like a lampshade or tabletop and then you touch that object.
What to do if an exposure to a bat occurs
If there has been human exposure, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and get medical advice immediately. Try to safely capture the bat and contact the Health Unit immediately at 519-271-7600 ext 280. Listowel area residents call 1-877-271-7348 ext 280. After a human exposure has occurred, the bat should be safely captured, if possible, and sent to the laboratory for testing. The Health Unit will make arrangements to submit the bat for rabies testing. If there has been no exposure, you can release the bat.
How can I safely capture a bat in my home?
You will need:
- heavy gloves
- a box, can or other wide mouthed container
- cardboard
Place the box or can over the bat and slide a piece of heavy cardboard under the container to prevent the bat’s escape. When the bat has been captured safely, call the Health Unit. If you capture a bat in your home and you are sure that no human or pet exposure has occurred, release the bat outside away from people and pets.
Testing bats for rabies and treatment
Once the Health Unit sends a bat for testing, results often come back within 24-48 hours. If the bat is rabid, treatment is recommended which includes a series of vaccine given by injection.
How can I keep bats out of my home?
The best way to keep bats out of your home is to cover any outside entry points. Observe where the bats exit at dusk and keep them from re-entering by hanging loose plastic sheeting or bird netting over these areas. After the bats have left, the openings can be permanently sealed.
Most bats leave in the fall or winter to hibernate, so these are the best times to “bat-proof” your home. This involves caulking holes in your home’s exterior, even those as small as one-quarter to one-half inches in diameter. It’s also important to tighten screens, cap the chimney, place draft guards under doors leading to the attic and outside, and fill plumbing fixture holes with steel wool or caulk. For assistance with “bat-proofing” your home, contact a wildlife conservation agency or a pest management company.
Where can I learn more about bats and rabies?
Bats (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources)
Effective Control of Bats (Health Canada)
Bats and Rabies (U.S. Centre for Disease Control)
Bat Conservation International
White Nose Syndrome in Bats (PDF)
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If you have a concern about access to our services, please let us know. We want to help!
For more information, contact Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267.
Listowel area residents call 1-877-271-7348.
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