Colorado is home to 18 species of bats. They live in every environment throughout the state and all species eat insects. They are a common sight in the summer evenings as they fly around catching mosquitoes and other insects. Bats also play a role in pollination. 

 

Concern #1 - Bats Living Within Homes 

Resolution: Older homes are often attractive to bats because they tend to have gaps in siding, attics, open ventilation, and chimneys. Once it's been identified that bats are residing in your home it is important to seal as many openings as possible to prevent them from returning. Once you have sealed off most of the entryways you will want to install a bat excluder. There are multiple different forms of exclusion devices, even just screen hung over the entry that allows the bats to leave but not re-enter can be effective. Check the external resources below for some of these devices. After all of the bats are gone you should permanently seal the entry.  Exclusion devices should only be used January-April and August-October. Bats have their babies in the summer months and they are flightless as they grow. Once bats have moved on carefully clean the area they were living in to remove guano (feces) and wear a mask while doing so to prevent illness.  If a single bat has been trapped inside your home use a cardboard box to scoop it up and gently take it outside. If you still want the benefit of having bats eating insects near your home you can place "bat boxes" outside for them. These are similar to bird houses but designed specifically for bats and are available commercially. 

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Concern #2 - Rabies

Resolution: Bats are a vector species for rabies, meaning that rabies can infect them without showing symptoms. Most bats, however, are not infected with rabies but still should be treated with caution. They have extremely small teeth and bites can sometimes go unnoticed. Never handle bats bare handed or with thin latex gloves and teach children the importance of not touching them if they find them. Keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations as a curious dog or cat might catch a bat that is grounded or stuck inside the home. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife if you find a deceased bat.