Bat Exclusion in Nassau County
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Trust Steve's Wild Life for Humane Bat Exclusion in Nassau County, New York
Seasonal Bat Exclusion in New York
When bats in New York roost inside attics, walls, chimneys, or outbuildings, they can create health hazards, cause property damage, and leave behind unpleasant odors. Keep in mind that they are important to New York’s ecosystem, consuming thousands of insects nightly and keeping mosquito populations in check.
Steve’s Wildlife provides humane, legal, and effective bat exclusion services throughout Nassau County, New York. Our licensed team follows all New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service regulations. As a result, we ensure safe removal, protection of endangered species, and long-term prevention for your property.
Seasonal Behavior of Bats in New York
Timing is critical. Wildlife exclusion is only legal during specific periods of the year:
Maternity Season (June–August): Adult females give birth and raise flightless pups. Wildlife exclusion is not permitted during this time.
Hibernation Season (November–March): Many bats hibernate in caves, mines, or structures, and homeowners must avoid disturbing them.
Best Time for Removal: April–May (before pups are born) and September–October (after pups are flying but before hibernation).
House bats such as Big Brown and Little Brown typically leave summer roosts in the fall to hibernate in caves or mines, while tree bats often migrate south.
How Human Bat Exclusion Works
In New York, the only legal and humane method of bat removal is exclusion — a process that lets bats leave on their own and prevents them from returning. At Steve’s Wildlife, we begin with a thorough inspection to locate all active and potential entry points. We then install one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit naturally but block them from re-entering. After a brief waiting period to ensure the roost is empty, we seal and secure all access points to prevent future infestations. New York law prohibits trapping, relocating, poisoning, or killing bats and Steve’s Wildlife uses only exclusion methods approved by state and federal wildlife authorities.
Types of Bats in New York that can be found
They fall into two main categories: “house bats” that roost in buildings and “tree bats” that live in trees and rarely require removal. In addition, understanding which species are present helps set realistic expectations.
House Bats (Structure-Roosting Species)
These bats often roost inside attics, chimneys, barns, or wall cavities and are the most frequent reason homeowners in Nassau County and across New York contact Steve’s Wildlife.
Big Brown Bat
The Big Brown Bat is one of the most common bats in New York, frequently roosting in Nassau County homes. Medium-sized (4–5” long, 12–13” wingspan) with dark brown fur. Often overwinters in buildings and returns to the same roost yearly.
Little Brown Bat
Small (3–4” long, 8–11” wingspan) with glossy brown fur and swift, fluttering flight. Frequently roosts in attics and outbuildings during summer.
Tri-colored Bat
One of New York’s smallest bats. Rare in homes but vulnerable to disease-related population loss.
Eastern Small Footed Bat
Small and uncommon, usually found in rocky crevices but occasionally roosting in structures.
Indiana Bat
Federally endangered. Rare in Nassau County and fully protected by law.
Northern Long-eared Bat
Federally threatened. Occasionally roosts in structures. White-Nose Syndrome has sharply reduced populations.
Tree Bats (Outdoor and Migratory Species)
Tree-roosting bats rarely require removal. Nevertheless, they play an important role in controlling insect populations.
Eastern Red Bat
Reddish fur with white shoulders, roosting in tree canopies. Solitary and migratory.
Hoary Bat
Large (5–6” long, up to 16” wingspan) with frosted gray fur. Solitary and tree-roosting
Silver-haired Bat
Dark fur tipped with silver, roosting under loose bark. Uncommon in Nassau County.
🛑 Important: Protected species such as the Indiana Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat are fully protected under state and federal law. They cannot be captured, relocated, excluded, or disturbed while roosting or raising young. Steve’s Wildlife strictly follows all NYSDEC and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service regulations to ensure legal and humane solutions.
What to Do If You Suspect Bats Indoors
If you notice scratching or fluttering sounds at dusk or dawn, find small dark droppings near rooflines, or see bats exiting your home at sunset, you may have a colony roosting inside. Here’s what to do — and what not to do:
✅ Stay out of the attic or roosting space. Avoid disturbing the colony.
✅ Do not seal any openings. Trapping bats inside can cause serious problems.
✅ Contact Steve’s Wildlife. Our licensed specialists will inspect your property and guide you through the next steps.
❌ Do not attempt trapping or relocation. These methods are illegal and often fatal to bats.
📞 Call Steve’s Wildlife today to schedule a professional inspection and restore safety to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bats are not aggressive, but they can carry rabies. Most human rabies cases in the U.S. are linked to bats. Their small teeth can leave tiny marks, so contact your health department if there’s any chance of exposure.
No. Only about 3% of bats tested in New York have rabies, but you cannot tell by looking. Avoid handling bats and contact professionals if one is found indoors.
No. Removal is restricted during maternity and hibernation seasons. Legal exclusion is typically done in April–May or September–October.
Relocating bats is illegal and often fatal to them. They rely on specific roosting and feeding areas. Exclusion — allowing them to exit and sealing re-entry points — is the only legal, humane method.
White-Nose Syndrome is a fungal disease devastating bat populations. It has led to federal protections for species like the Northern Long-eared and Indiana bats, which means strict rules govern when and how exclusions may occur.
Even if you don’t see a bite, contact your local health department immediately. They will determine if rabies post-exposure treatment is needed.
Contact your veterinarian and contact us to capture the bat so it can be tested for rabies.
Rabies is primarily spread through bites. Because bat bites can be tiny, you might not notice them. Contact health authorities if there’s any chance of contact.
Big Brown and Little Brown bats often roost in attics, behind shutters, or inside barns and outbuildings from spring through fall. They use these roosts to give birth and raise young.
Not if exclusion is performed correctly. Steve’s Wildlife thoroughly seals entry points and offers prevention strategies, including installing bat boxes and modifying habitat.
Information about rabies prevention and bat safety is based on guidance from the New York State Department of Health.
Call Steve’s Wildlife for Bat Removal in Nassau County
Bat removal requires specialized knowledge, legal compliance, and humane techniques. Steve’s Wildlife provides professional bat removal and exclusion services throughout Nassau County, including Oceanside, NY, that prioritize safety, protect endangered species, and help you reclaim your property.
Serving Oceanside, Hempstead, Long Beach, and surrounding Nassau County communities.
Contact Steve’s Wildlife today to schedule an inspection and discuss your bat exclusion options.
Steve’s Wildlife is your trusted partner for humane, legal, and effective bat removal in Nassau County, NY.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and experience the difference our friendly and professional team can make in preserving the balance between urban living and the wild.
Installing Bat Boxes
Bat Box Benefits
Install bat boxes away from homes, patios, or play areas so they provide alternative roosting sites while keeping bats outdoors.
- Natural pest control: A single bat can consume thousands of mosquitoes nightly.
- Reduces re-infestation: Encourages bats to roost outside instead of seeking shelter indoors.- Supports conservation: Helps populations recover from White-Nose Syndrome.
Download instructions for building a bat box from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
