Be Bat-Aware this Summer

Published on July 24, 2025

GO Health Reminds Residents to be Bat-Aware this Summer

With August marking the peak of “bat season,” the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are reminding residents to be alert for bats in and around their homes. While bats are vital to the ecosystem, they can also carry the deadly rabies virus, making prompt action and awareness essential.

Bats often enter homes, especially older ones that may not be properly sealed, during warm summer nights. “If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it and immediately contact the health department,” advised Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “We can assess whether there was potential exposure and if the bat needs to be tested. If you cannot capture the bat, call the health department for guidance on the next steps to take.”

Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appears, but is entirely preventable with prompt medical attention after exposure. However, bat bites can be very small and go unnoticed. If a bat is found in a room with someone sleeping, an unattended child, or a person unable to communicate (due to intoxication or disability), assume exposure occurred. Call the health department right away. “By avoiding contact with wild or stray animals and reporting any incidents involving bats or bites to your local health department, you can prevent unnecessary and costly medical treatments,” says Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Prevention and awareness are key to staying safe.”

How to Safely Capture a Bat for Rabies Testing

  • Turn on room lights and close all the windows.
  • Close the room and closet doors.
  • Wait for the bat to land.
  • While wearing thick leather-like gloves, place a coffee can, pail or similar container over the bat (Never handle a bat with your bare hands).
  • Slide a piece of cardboard under the container to trap the bat.
  • Firmly hold the cardboard in place against the top of the container, turn it right side up and tape the cardboard tightly to the container.
  • If you do not feel comfortable capturing the bat or cannot do it safely, contact your respective health department during regular business hours.
  • If it is after regular business hours, contact your local county dispatch.
    • For Genesee County, call (585) 343-5000
    • For Orleans County, call (585) 589-5527

To watch a short video on how to safely capture a bat, check out this GO Health Minute.

Additional Rabies Prevention Tips

  • Love your own, leave the rest alone: Do not touch, feed, or handle wild or stray animals, including raccoons, foxes, bats, or unfamiliar cats or dogs. Even baby animals can carry rabies.
  • Vaccinate your pets: Keep rabies vaccinations current for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. This is not only to protect your pets but also acts as a safeguard for your family.
  • Follow leash laws: Keep your pets secured on a leash or inside a fenced area to reduce the chance of contact with potentially rabid animals. Avoid letting pets approach wildlife or unfamiliar animals.

Rabies Vaccination Clinics with GO Health

GO Health will be holding drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets in both Genesee and Orleans Counties. These clinics are free and help ensure the health and safety of your pets and your family.

Genesee County Rabies Drive-Thru Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020)

  • Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 04:00 PM - 06:30 PM
  • Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 04:00 PM - 06:30 PM

Orleans County Rabies Drive-Thru Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY 14411)

  • Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 04:00 PM - 06:30 PM
  • Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM

For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.

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Bat Awareness Press Release(PDF, 148KB)

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