Encounters between bats and people increase in the spring and summer as bats become more active. These encounters pose a health risk because bats can transmit rabies, a deadly viral disease.
Bats are the animal most often found to have rabies infection in our region. Most bats don’t have rabies, but rabid bats are found every year in Washington. Seven bats have tested positive for rabies in Kitsap County since 2013.
Bats don't always show signs of rabies, and it is impossible to know whether a bat is infected without laboratory testing, so people should avoid all contact with bats and never handle a bat with bare hands.
“Most bat encounters reported to us occur inside people’s homes,” Kitsap Public Health District public health nurse Anna Gonzalez said. “It’s important to keep bats out of your house.”
Bat-proofing your home
Keeping bats out of your home is the easiest way to prevent encounters. Simple bat-proofing steps include adding screens to windows and doors, and covering any openings on the exterior of your home that could allow bats to crawl inside.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has detailed information about common entry points for bats and strategies for humanely excluding bats.
Tips for preventing rabies exposure
Avoid contact with bats and never touch a bat with bare hands.
Teach children to never touch bats and to tell an adult if they find a bat at home, at school or with a pet.
Keep bats out of your house by bat-proofing your home.
Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance. Do not approach or attempt to feed or touch wild animals.
Do not attempt to pick up a sick or injured bat, or other animal.
Visit kitsappublichealth.org/bats for more information about bats and rabies, including steps to follow if you or a pet comes into contact with a bat, and resources for medical providers and veterinarians.
Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer Kitsap Public Health District 345 6th St., Suite 300 | Bremerton, WA 98337 (360) 728-2330 Office | (360) 728-2235 Main pio@kitsappublichealth.org | kitsappublichealth.org
