Westchester County, N.Y. residents have been inundated with bats after an increase in the bat population, CBS New York reported. August has seen nearly 50 cases of bats roosting in homes.
Bats are nature's way of controlling the mosquito population and the animals have been returning in large numbers. Ray Hartley, from the Intrepid Wildlife Services, said bats should be kicked out of homes, but not killed. They need to be able to remain in the environment.
If Westchester residents see a bat in their home, they should catch it and bring it to the health department to be tested for rabies, the County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said.
Almer said that most bats are not rabid when they're tested so humans who may have touched the animals don't need to be treated for rabies. But without a bat to test, anyone who has come in contact with a bat should probably get a rabies shot. They can be scooped up with a coffee can or a bag, according to Gawker.
"We don't want anybody taking a rolled up magazine or their shoe and smashing the bat because we need the head of the bat intact so we can test it," Westchester County Health Department Assistant Commisssioner Peter DeLucia told CBS.
Other tips for capturing bats include turn on the lights in the room and close any windows, close the room and closet door, and wait for the bat to land. Always handle the animal with gloves on and make sure to seal any container that has a bat in it. The animals often roost in attics and barns, but they can also be found inside closed patio umbrellas, according to the Westchester County Health Department.
To avoid bat exposure, secure doors and windows and close off any small openings that will give them an entrance.
