August 4, 2026, 9:01 am | Read time: 3 minutes
On warm summer nights, a bat might accidentally fly into a house through an open window. For many people, this can be a moment of shock. But how should you react if a bat suddenly flies through the room?
Bats are not following any plan, writes the German Nature Conservation Association: “The animals have no bloodthirsty intentions but get lost while searching for new roosts.” This happens more frequently in late summer when the animals are on the move and accidentally enter living spaces while looking for suitable shelters.
How to Get a Bat Out of the House
If a bat gets lost in a room, it often flies around disoriented at first. In many cases, the animal finds its way back outside on its own. You can help by opening windows or balcony doors wide and turning off the lights. This makes it easier for the bat to recognize the exit and leave.
As quickly as they come, they usually leave just as fast. If you’re unsure whether the uninvited guest has flown away, you should search the house.
Tip: Check curtains and drapes! Bats like to make themselves comfortable in the folds of fabric.
Rabies Risk from Animal Saliva
When searching for lost bats, you should definitely wear thick gloves, preferably leather ones. Frightened animals seek shelter behind picture frames, in vases, or even in bags. Reaching in unprotected risks a bite. And that can not only hurt. The saliva of wild animals can be dangerous to humans. For example, rabies can be transmitted this way.
Warning: If bitten by a bat, immediately clean the wound thoroughly with water and soap and disinfect it. Then see a doctor right away! Without treatment, there can be a risk to life, even if you have been vaccinated against rabies beforehand.
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Warning: Pathogens in Bat Droppings
In general, the droppings of wild animals can harbor nasty pathogens like viruses or bacteria. If you need to clean up bat droppings, never use a vacuum cleaner. The device stirs up air and thus spreads the disease-causing viruses.
It’s better to use a broom to remove the excrement—and wear gloves! Before sweeping, the room should be well ventilated. Very important: Wear disposable gloves and a fine dust mask with FFP3 standard! These are essentially the same measures as when removing rat or mouse droppings.
What to Do if You Find a Bat on the Street?
The same rule applies here: Only pick it up with the thickest gloves possible. Better yet, don’t touch the animal at all; instead, use a dustpan or shovel to lift it and place it in a box or another sturdy container. Where to take it? It’s best to contact the local veterinary office. Here is a list of all veterinary offices in Germany. Advice is also available from Nabu via the nationwide bat hotline: 030 2849 8450 00.