Bat removal in Westchester has one hard timing rule. Do not seal a roost from late May to mid-August.
NYS Department of Health says the best time to batproof is late fall through winter. Sealing in summer can trap baby bats inside.
The same page says no chemicals or pesticides are legal to use on bats. Exclusion is the only route.
When You Can Seal Bats Out
House bats are mostly adult females. NYS DOH says they raise young in the roost from early June through late August.
Sources differ at the edges. Penn State puts the no-seal window at late May through mid-July. Use the stricter New York date.
Amber months have no stated DOH date. Ask a bat-certified operator to judge the roost.
Who Can Legally Do the Work
Some New York bats are protected. Two species have federal and State endangered species status. DEC names the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat.
DEC tells homeowners to contact a DEC Wildlife Office or a nuisance wildlife control operator. It advises hiring one who is "bat certified."
DEC also says moving wildlife off your property is illegal. A standard operator license does not cover endangered species without a separate DEC license.
How Bat Exclusion Works
NYS DOH says to close openings larger than 1/2 by 1/2 inch. Some house bats can pass through cracks as thin as a pencil.
Close one or two large exits first. Seal the last openings while the bats are away. One-way valves let bats leave and block their return.
One-way valves usually clear a colony in a few days, per Wildlife Help. It also advises a chimney cap with 3/8-inch mesh. That source is not an official New York guide.
Wildlife Control · Scarsdale & Westchester
Bats in the Attic? Get the Timing Right.
Our wildlife control partners inspect the roost and plan exclusion for the right season. Pristine Pest connects you with licensed providers.
Call (877) 938-6799Found a Bat in the House? Check for Exposure
Westchester County says to capture the bat after possible contact with a person or pet. Then call the county health department.
A bat in a room with a sleeping person needs testing, per the county. Sleeping people, young children and people with disabilities may not know they were bitten.
Bat in the House? Exposure Check
How to use this: Answer both questions, then press the button. This follows Westchester County guidance. It is not medical advice.
General guidance only. Call a doctor or the county health department for medical questions.
The county tested 377 animals last year, and 13 were rabid. Eight of them were bats. Our bat rabies news report covers the local data.
Bat Removal Cost: National Ranges
Prices below are national, not Westchester quotes. Guano cleanup and repairs drive the high end.
| Source | Date shown | Average | Typical range | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HomeAdvisor | Jun 20, 2026 | $490 | $232 to $754 | Inspection up to $300. Sealing $100 to $1,500. Guano cleanup $500 to $8,000. Repairs $2,500 to $5,000. |
| Angi | Sep 7, 2026 | $490 | $232 to $754 | Single bat averages $430. Full colony $1,600 or more. Sealing $150 to $1,500. Guano cleanup $500 to $8,000. |
Ask whether the quote includes sealing and guano cleanup. Those lines can double the bill.
Guano and Histoplasmosis
Droppings can carry the fungus that causes histoplasmosis. Large amounts call for a pro. The CDC says to hire companies that specialize in hazardous waste removal.
For small amounts, wear a respirator and gloves. Do not sweep dry. The CDC histoplasmosis page has the steps.
Why Bats Show Up Inside in Summer and Fall
Penn State says single bats most often enter on summer evenings in mid-July and August. Many are young bats learning to fly.
Colonies break up and swarm in late summer and early fall. That is when roosts and stray bats turn up. Our wildlife control page explains how Pristine Pest matches you with a licensed provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I seal bats out of my house in New York?
NYS Department of Health says the best time is late fall through winter. It says not to batproof between late May and mid-August so you do not trap baby bats in the roost.
Is it legal to kill bats in New York?
NYS Department of Health says killing bats without a good reason is not humane and that no chemicals or pesticides are legal to use. Two bat species, the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat, are protected under federal and State law.
Who can remove bats from my house?
DEC says to contact a DEC Wildlife Office or a nuisance wildlife control operator. It advises hiring an operator who is bat certified.
What do I do if a bat is in my bedroom?
Westchester County says a bat in a room with a sleeping person should be tested for rabies. Capture it without touching it and call the county health department at 914-813-5000.
How big a gap can a bat use?
NYS Department of Health says to close openings larger than 1/2 by 1/2 inch. Some house bats can pass through cracks as thin as a pencil.
How much does bat removal cost?
HomeAdvisor and Angi both list a national average of $490 with a typical range of $232 to $754. Guano cleanup can add $500 to $8,000. These are national ranges, not Westchester quotes.
Is bat guano dangerous?
The CDC says droppings can carry the fungus that causes histoplasmosis. Large amounts should be cleaned up by professional companies that specialize in hazardous waste removal.
Does Pristine Pest remove bats?
No. Pristine Pest is a referral service. We connect Westchester homeowners with licensed providers. Call (877) 938-6799 to be matched.