Bat-related calls are rising sharply around Pittsburgh as young bats born in the spring begin flying on their own — and, in some cases, into people’s homes, turning a typically beneficial backyard animal into an indoor nuisance and, at times, a public health concern.

Here’s what to know

The Allegheny County Health Department had recorded 17 bat-related calls in August, after 19 in July, compared with six in June, according to CBS News Pittsburgh. That puts both July and August at about three times June’s total.

Bryan Fichter of Critter Control of PGH NW said the pace has been nonstop for the Pennsylvania city and its surrounding area: “Even today, we had five inspections; they were all bats.”

Wildlife crews said that kind of workload is typical for the part of the year when pups born in the spring begin flying independently.

The Allegheny County Health Department said certain situations can count as exposure, including a bat circling in a room with a sleeping person, unattended children, or someone with cognitive impairments.

More background

Retired Pennsylvania Game Commission warden Gary Fujak said bats do not need much space to slip into a house.

“They flatten their body, and they crawl in. So, yeah, you don’t need a big opening at all,” he said.

Wildlife removal crews said the reports are coming from across the region, rather than from one specific neighborhood or hotspot.

What can be done?

Officials said residents should call the health department for guidance after any situation they consider a potential exposure, such as a bat flying around a room where someone was asleep, where unattended children were present, or where a person with cognitive impairments was staying.

Experts also recommend contacting a professional for removal whenever possible. Bats are protected animals, and trying to handle one can make the situation worse and increase the risk of being bitten.

Fichter said, “If you have a bat inside the house and you can’t get in touch with anybody you know, a heavy towel or something, try to get it onto the floor, and just, you know, take it outside with a heavy towel if you desperately need it out of your house.”

After removal, the key is preventing bats from getting back in through the same small gaps.

Fujak said bats still play a useful role outdoors: “They’re helping us out a lot, especially all the mosquitoes that they gobble up every evening.”

Where can I learn more?

Bats are showing up elsewhere, not just in Pittsburgh, including in Washington, Illinois, and California.

• In Washington’s Snohomish County, a rabid bat flew into a home, sending three residents for treatment.

• In Illinois’ McHenry County, a rabid bat was found inside a home, exposing a resident.

• In California’s San Diego County, rabid bats are turning up at the Zoo, Safari Park, and elsewhere.

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