Ohio Bat Laws: Understanding the Rules
At Frontline Animal Removal, we care about not only removing nuisance wildlife from your home but also following the laws that protect wildlife.
Today, October 15, marks the end of the general bat removal season in Ohio.
This is an important date for anyone dealing with bats, as the laws regarding bat removal are designed to protect these essential creatures.
Understanding Ohio’s bat laws can help homeowners know what to expect when managing bat intrusions and ensure that removal is done legally and humanely.
Why Are Bats Protected in Ohio?
Bats play a crucial role in Ohio’s ecosystem by controlling insect populations, including pests like mosquitoes.
However, several bat species are declining in numbers due to habitat loss and diseases like white-nose syndrome, which is devastating to bat populations across North America.
For this reason, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has established laws that regulate how and when bats can be removed from structures.
These laws aim to protect bat populations while balancing the needs of homeowners dealing with nuisance bats.
The General Bat Removal Season
In Ohio, bat removal is regulated for homeowners and nuisance wildlife removers like Frontline Animal Removal.
The general “bat removal season” for us consists of two periods. The first is spring season which runs from April 1 to May 15. The second and most prominent time we do bat removals and exclusions is from August 1 to October 15.
During these time periods, homeowners and licensed wildlife control operators, like Frontline Animal Removal, are generally allowed to exclude bats from buildings.
From May 15 to July 31, bat removal is generally prohibited. This is because bats are raising their young during the summer months.
Young bats, or pups, are unable to fly for several weeks after birth, meaning that excluding adult bats during this period could trap baby bats inside your home, leading to their death. This not only harms the bats but can also result in unpleasant situations for homeowners as the young bats decompose.
As of today, October 15, the bat removal season is over, and further bat exclusions are restricted until April 1 of next year.
Though it may seem a little confusing, reference to the State of Ohio’s rule and this page from the Division of Wildlife make it pretty clear. As you’ll read there are some exceptions too.
Here are some important screenshots from that page:
Exceptions to the Bat Removal Season
While general bat exclusion is not allowed outside the permitted dates, Ohio law does provide some exceptions in emergency situations.
For example, if bats are found in living spaces—like bedrooms or common areas of a home—immediate removal may be necessary for the safety of residents.
In these cases, bat removal can be carried out, but it’s important to work with a licensed wildlife control professional to ensure compliance with state laws.
Additionally, the law allows for removal if there is an immediate public health concern. Bats, though generally not aggressive, can carry rabies.
If a bat has been in contact with people or pets, especially in sleeping areas, there may be a risk of rabies transmission. In these situations, contacting local health authorities and a wildlife professional is crucial.
However, even under these exceptions, the law mandates that bat removal must be done in a way that does not harm the bats, emphasizing the use of humane exclusion techniques whenever possible.
What Does Bat Exclusion Involve?
When the removal season is open, bat exclusion involves installing one-way doors or exclusion devices that allow bats to leave but prevent them from returning.
This method ensures that bats are not trapped inside and that they can safely find a new roost elsewhere. Once all the bats have left, the entry points are sealed to prevent future infestations.
Outside of the general bat removal season, we at Frontline Animal Removal are still available to help with inspections and planning for when bat removal becomes legal again.
Identifying potential entry points now can help prepare for exclusion as soon as the season reopens. Additionally, we offer advice on how to manage bat activity during the off-season, particularly if bats are in parts of your home where they aren’t directly interfering with daily life.
Frontline Animal Removal for Expert Bat Help
If you’re dealing with bats in your home, understanding Ohio’s bat laws is the first step toward responsible removal. Now that October 15 has arrived and the exclusion season has closed, it’s important to know what can and cannot be done in terms of bat removal.
At Frontline Animal Removal, we take bat laws seriously and always follow the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ guidelines. We work closely with homeowners to ensure that bat removal is done responsibly and in accordance with state regulations.
If you suspect bats are in your home, contact us at Frontline Animal Removal for a consultation. We’ll provide expert guidance on the next steps and ensure that any bat-related issues are handled safely, legally, and humanely.
Bats are an important part of our ecosystem, and with the right approach, we can protect both your home and Ohio’s bat populations.
