Bat Exclusion Laws in Wisconsin: What Every Homeowner Should Know

If you’ve ever heard faint scratching or chirping coming from your attic late at night, you’re not alone. Here in Wisconsin, we get a fair number of calls every spring and summer from homeowners dealing with bats who’ve decided their house is the perfect roost. And while getting rid of bats might sound simple—just seal the holes and move on—it’s not that straightforward. In fact, doing it the wrong way, or at the wrong time, can get you in legal trouble. 

Let’s walk through what you need to know about bat exclusion laws in Wisconsin, how they affect your options during the summer, and why acting early—or with the right help—is your best move. 

Why Bats End Up in Homes in the First Place 

Bats aren’t trying to be pests. In fact, they do a lot of good by eating mosquitoes and other insects. But they’re also opportunistic. If they find a cozy, sheltered spot—like the eaves of a house, attic vents, or small gaps under siding—they’ll move in. 

A lot of Wisconsin homes, especially older ones, have the kind of structure that bats love: a little drafty, hard-to-reach, and undisturbed for most of the year. It’s not uncommon for folks around Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, or the more rural parts of the state to discover bats in their attic during late spring. 

What Is Bat Exclusion, Really? 

Bat exclusion is the process of safely guiding bats out of a home and making sure they can’t get back in. This usually involves identifying their entry points, installing one-way exit devices (so they leave but can’t return), and then sealing everything up after they’re gone. 

What it’s not: killing or trapping bats. Not only is that ineffective—it’s also illegal in Wisconsin. Bats are protected animals here, and handling them incorrectly can lead to fines or worse. 

June to Mid-August: A Strict No-Go Zone for Bat Work 

From June 1st to August 15th, bat removal and exclusion work is mostly off-limits in Wisconsin. Why? Because that’s when bats are raising their pups. Baby bats (called pups) are born during this period and can’t fly for several weeks. If you block off their access points during this time, the adults might get out—but the babies are left behind to die inside your walls or attic. 

This is why Wisconsin enforces a “blackout period” for bat exclusions. It’s a protective measure that supports bat conservation and keeps homeowners from unintentionally creating bigger messes—like having dead bats in the walls or worsening health risks. 

Violating these bat exclusion laws can result in penalties and further damage to your property. 

Are There Any Exceptions? Yes—But They’re Limited 

There are times when bats pose a serious health risk. If they’ve gotten into a bedroom, made contact with someone, or are nesting somewhere that puts people or pets in danger, you might qualify for what’s known as a health exemption. 

This is a formal process where a licensed pest control provider (like us at 1st Choice Pest Solutions) works with state authorities to get permission to perform exclusion work during the blackout window. It’s not instant, but it can be a lifeline in urgent cases. 

Real Stories From the Field 

We recently helped a family just outside Menomonie who had no idea they were hosting a maternity colony in their attic. The scratching at night? That was a mother bat checking on her pups. Luckily, they called in May, and we were able to install one-way devices before the blackout period kicked in. 

In another case, a homeowner near Chippewa Falls called in mid-June after a bat made its way into a child’s bedroom. That was a situation where a health exemption was appropriate, and we were able to proceed legally with the proper paperwork in place. 

What You Can Do Right Now 

Here’s the bottom line: if you think you might have bats in your home, don’t wait. The earlier you act, the more options you have. Inspections can be done any time of year, and planning ahead helps avoid the blackout window. 

If you’re reading this during the summer and worried you’ve missed your chance—don’t panic. Contact a pro. We’ll assess your situation and determine if a legal workaround exists. Either way, we’ll help you prepare for a full exclusion as soon as it’s allowed. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I just seal up the entry holes myself? 
Not if there are bats inside—and definitely not during the blackout period. You could trap live animals and violate state laws. 

How do I know if I qualify for a health exemption? 
If bats are getting into living areas or creating conditions that could spread disease, you might qualify. We can evaluate and help with the paperwork. 

Is bat guano dangerous? 
Yes. Bat droppings can carry fungal spores (Histoplasma) that cause respiratory illness. It’s best to avoid direct contact and call professionals for cleanup. 

Can’t I just wait until fall? 
You could—but that means dealing with noise, smell, and potential health issues for months. Also, by fall, bats may start preparing for hibernation, complicating removal further. 

Don’t Let a Bat Problem Linger 

Whether you’re dealing with bats now or just want peace of mind before the blackout ends, 1st Choice Pest Solutions is here to help. We understand bat exclusion laws, know how to protect your home and the animals, and offer solutions that are humane, legal, and effective. 

Call us today to schedule an inspection or to discuss your options. 
Let’s make your home bat-free—safely, legally, and permanently.