A Bat Got Into the House in Lakeland: What To Do
A single bat indoors
One bat in a living room usually means either a young bat from a roost elsewhere in the building has taken a wrong turn, or a bat has come in through an open door. It does not on its own confirm a colony, though it is often the first sign that one exists.
Do not try to catch it by hand. Shut the interior doors to contain it to one room, open an exterior window or door in that room, turn the lights down and give it space to leave on its own.
When it becomes a health question
Bats have small teeth and a bite can be difficult to feel or see. If a bat is found in a room with someone sleeping, with a young child, or with anyone unable to say reliably whether contact occurred, that is treated as a potential rabies exposure and the bat should not be released. Contact the Florida Department of Health for advice on testing and next steps.
This page is general information about handling the situation and is not medical advice.