Got bats? Mass. removal season starts soon -- Here's what to know

Massachusetts is approaching its bat-removal season, and homeowners are being reminded that evicting bats requires strict legal procedures. Call of the Wild Animal Control, based in Wales, said in a Facebook post Friday that trapping bats is illegal in the state, and that wildlife experts must use specific nonlethal methods to remove bats from homes and outbuildings. Under Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife guidance, removals can be carried out only in May or from Aug. 1 to mid-October, while June and July are protected due to maternity season. Evictions are also prohibited in winter because big brown bats may hibernate in attics. Professionals typically use one-way door devices or clear eviction tubes at main entry points, sealing other gaps beforehand since bats can fit through openings as small as half an inch. One-way doors must remain in place for at least five nights, including three consecutive nights of suitable weather. For a single bat indoors—or if there’s a bite or scratch—the state advises safely capturing it and contacting health officials for rabies testing.