Michigan Says If Bats Move Into Your Attic, You’re Basically Stuck With Them

Well, here's some fun news: If you've got bats living in your attic, barn, or backyard bat house, congratulations. You've accidentally become a Michigan landlord.

RELATED: How to Safely (and Legally) Remove Bats from Your Michigan Home

According to a recent Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) newsletter, the Michigan Bat Roost Monitoring Program is returning for a second summer, asking residents to report places where bats are spending the warmer months.

Michigan Needs More Bat Data

Community scientists submitted 130 bat roost reports from 52 Michigan counties during the first year of the Michigan Bat Roost Monitoring Program in 2025. Map provided by Michigan Natural Features Inventory.

The program collected more than 130 bat roost reports from 52 counties during its first year in 2025. Researchers use those reports to better understand where bats raise their young and shelter during the summer.

Reporting a roost is simple. Residents can submit information about where the bats are, what they're using as a roost, and approximately how many are living there.

The Catch? You're Pretty Much Stuck With Them

birds on sky

Before you start Googling "How to evict bats," there's something you should know: Bats are a protected species in Michigan. The DNR says lethal control is generally not permitted, except in certain human safety situations. Even removing them isn't always legal.

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During maternity season, typically May through mid-August, young bats can't fly. So if you were to kick the parents out, that would trap the pups inside, and that is against state law. To put it simply, if bats move into your attic in June, you now have roommates until late summer.

Why Bats Are Good For Michigan Homes

brown and black cat in water

Michigan is home to nine bat species, five of which are listed as threatened or endangered. Populations have been devastated by white-nose syndrome, a disease responsible for killing millions of bats across North America.

RELATED: Is It Illegal to Kill Bats in Michigan?

The upside? Bats consume enormous numbers of mosquitoes and agricultural pests. They're basically tiny, winged exterminators working the night shift for free.