New York is experiencing a surge in bat encounters this summer, with many residents discovering these nocturnal mammals inside their homes.

Bats, known for their incredible sonar navigation, are swooping into attics and walls across the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, prompting an increase in pest control requests. 

Remarkable Adaptations of Bats

One of the most fascinating aspects of bats is their ability to navigate using echolocation aka sonar navigation. This advanced sonar system allows them to emit high-frequency calls and interpret returning echoes. It helps them locate prey and avoid obstacles in complete darkness. 

This adaptation makes bats highly efficient hunters of insects at night, but it also enables them to slip through tiny openings—some as small as a quarter-inch—into homes and buildings. 

The Summer Baby Bats Boom

Mid-June marks the beginning of maternity season for New York’s nine native bat species. 

During this time, hungry mothers seek out warm, dark places to raise their pups. They often choose attics, walls, or other secluded spaces.

 As they give birth and care for their young, these bats can turn homes into year-round shelters, especially as white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease, continues to threaten bat populations across North America.

Health Risks and Precautions

 While more reports of bats inside homes have been noted, experts caution that this doesn’t necessarily mean there are more bats overall. However, large populations can pose health concerns, particularly related to rabies.

According to Ashley Meyer, a wildlife biologist with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the actual risk of rabies transmission from bats remains low. Only about 2% of bats tested in some counties showed positive results in 2025. 

Still, if a bat is found inside a residence or if there has been direct contact, authorities advise contacting local health departments or animal control immediately. 

Preventing and Managing Bats in a Home

Wildlife officials recommend sealing cracks and holes with caulk, steel wool, or heavy mesh, and covering attic vents and chimneys with secure wire screens. If a bat enters a home or if anyone is bitten or comes into contact with one, prompt action is essential to ensure safety.

 For more information on dealing with bats and protecting your home, visit CDC’s Bat Safety Guidelines.