How to capture a bat

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says homeowners should call for professional help to capture a bat so that health officials can determine if it has rabies.

If no help is available, CDC suggests putting on leather work gloves and using a small box or coffee can, a piece of cardboard and tape.

When the bat lands, approach it and place the box or coffee can over it. Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside.

Tape the cardboard to the container securely, and punch small holes in the cardboard so the bat can breathe. Then make arrangements to have the bat tested.

If a bat is seen in the home and you are certain there has been no exposure to humans or pets, close all doors or windows to the room except those to the outside. If the bat doesn't leave, it can be captured using the box/coffee can, cardboard and tape, and released away from people and pets.

SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention