Removal of Bats in Structures Disclaimer

If the answer is Yes. You absolutely need to remove bats from a structure to protect human health and prevent property damage. Bats can carry rabies, and the buildup of their droppings (guano) can cause serious respiratory illnesses like histoplasmosis.

However, because bats are a protected species, removal must be done legally. You must use humane, non-lethal exclusion methods (like one-way doors) and properly time the removal to avoid maternity season so flightless pups are not trapped inside the building.

If you answered yes, your situation qualifies for bat removal under Michigan DNR regulations. We will proceed with a safe, non-lethal exclusion to remove the bats and protect your family’s health and safety.

If you have encountered a bat in the house or feel you are in danger, we can remove bats during maternity season. 

Keep in mind- Non-lethal exclusion methods, such as one-way doors, allow bats to leave a structure without killing them. Please be advised that non-lethal exclusion of adult bats in the maternity season may result in pups that can't fly yet being left behind, and they may die or make their way into the living space looking for food. 

Be advised that the ESA's implementing regulations (50 CFR part 17) include a take exemption pursuant to the defense of human life (for endangered species, see 50 CFR 17.21(c)(2)): ''any person may take endangered [or threatened] wildlife in defense of his own life or the lives of others''). The regulations at 50 CFR 17.21(c)(4) require that any person taking, including killing, listed wildlife in defense of human life under this exception must notify our headquarters Office of Law Enforcement, at the address provided at 50 CFR 2.1(b), in writing, within 5 days. If you think take of listed bats was reasonably certain, we advise you to contact the Office of Law Enforcement as outlined above. If you determine an emergency exists, however, and human life is in imminent danger, do not delay action.

If bats are euthanized, the bat must be identified to species, and federally listed bats must be reported to the following address within 5 days:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: OLE
5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803

Michigan State Endangered Species Law:

Part 365 of NREPA 324.36505(5) Upon good cause shown and where necessary to alleviate damage to property or to protect human health, endangered or threatened species found on the state list compiled pursuant to section 36503 and subsection (3) may be removed, captured, or destroyed, but only pursuant to a permit issued by the department.

If a human or domestic animal may have been exposed to a bat, the euthanized carcass must be submitted to the County Health Department. If no human or domestic animal has been exposed to a bat, submit photos of the bat for identification to eastlansing@fws.gov, and dispose of the carcass by placing it in the garbage.