Illinois has thirteen species of bats, all of which eat insects. Bats are a protected species and should be treated with care and consideration. However, bats can carry rabies, a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous system. Rabies is spread by bites or saliva from infected animals. If you find a bat in your home, Do Not Touch the bat with your bare hands.
If you are able to do so without putting yourself at risk you can attempt to contain it by placing a cardboard box, bucket, or blanket over it and then closing the door to that room. Do not kill or release the bat outdoors until after speaking with animal control and public health officials to help determine if you, your household members, or pets could have been exposed to rabies and need preventive treatment.
All animal bites to humans that occur in DuPage County must be reported to DuPage County Animal Services at (630) 407-2800; fax reports to (630) 407-2801. All potential human rabies exposures must be reported to the DuPage County Health Department at (630) 221-7553 or after hours at (630) 682-7400. Learn more.