Don’t be surprised if you find some uninvited house guests squeaking in the attic and hanging out in the garage over the next few weeks.
Lincoln Animal Control (LAC) is advising the community as the spring time means bats are coming out of hibernation… and some residents may encounter some unexpected house guests. LAC Field Supervisor Officer Nick Finelli told KLIN News, in 2023, their office receieved about 1,000 calls related to bats — and over 100 already this year.
If you encounter a bat outside, Finelli says “leave them alone.”
“Educate your children to stay away from them and keep your pets away from them if you find a bat on the ground,” Finelli said. “If you had contact with a bat or it appears to have injured you, contact Animal Control immediately.”
You can reach LAC anytime at 402-441-7900. However, if a bat makes it into your house, Finelli says its important to “keep an eye on it.”
“If it disappears in your are very difficult to find. If you can place a container over it, do so, but do so safely. If you need it removed, call Animal Control, and contact Animal Control first before you make a decision to release the bat outside,” he explained.
When residents come into contact with critters like bats, Animal Control officers need to determine if the animal needs to be tested for rabies. If there appears to be a colony of bats in your house, Finelli suggests contacting a wildlife removal service.
Finelli also offered several proactive methods to help keep bats from sneaking inside:
- Examine your home for holes where bats could enter. Caulk any openings larger than a dime.
- Use window screens, chimney caps, and make sure there are draft guards beneath doors to attics and basements.
- Fill electrical and plumbing holes with stainless steel wool or caulking.
- Ensure that all doors to the outside close tightly.
“If a bat can fit their head through a hole, they can squeeze their bodies through there. Similar to rodents like mice, that can flatten out and squeeze into tight spaces,” Finelli added.
While LAC does not handle incidents with generic rodents like mice, Finelli says you’ll want to contact them if your bitten by any wildlife.
“We can have that animal tested… A lot of people will use generic traps available from the store to safely remove them. I recommend wearing gloves or scooping them into a container. Definitely don’t put your hands on wildlife. They will defend themselves,” he urged.
Lastly, as residents can anticipate a higher likelihood of wildlife contact, Finelli reminds the community to make sure household all pets are current on their rabies vaccinations.
“That will protect your pet if they have contact with a bat. So please vaccinate your dogs, cats, and ferrets for rabies,” he reminded.