New York State Bans Homeowners From Killing Bats After May 15

It sounds crazy, but if you have bats in your attic, even if it seems like an infestation, you cannot kill or even get rid of the bats for that matter in New York State.

It seems crazy because that is your home, but unless the bats make it to your living space, you cannot get rid of the bats because they are in "maternity season" and you can get a fine for doing so. Exterminators will not come (at least they should not come) over to your house to get rid of bats after May 15.

When are bats protected from extraction in New York State?

Bats are protected during a certain time frame in New York State typically during breeding season, which is in the Summer, so if you have bats that are active usually in the summer, you can't get rid of them. You can not only NOT kill them, but you can't even remove them alive from your house. May 15 to August 15 is when you can not exterminate bats in New York State.

These species are listed as endangered, and it is illegal to harm or kill them. Special habitat protections are also in place to safeguard their roosting and foraging areas."

If you have a bat problem in your attic, there is a chance it could become a disaster in the Summer months. After all, all the bats will be going to the bathroom all over your insulation and your attic and then heating up in the summer temperatures. So, if you smell something it could possibly be bat pee. The law is the law, but it does seem pretty ironic. You have the New York State Department of Health who has so many rules and laws yet, you also have New York State saying you have to keep bats living within your house. It is something that is gaining national attention.