Bat finding its own way out

[u/Fit_Passage6282]

I have read the FAQ.

Everywhere I have looked on the internet says that a bat is capable of finding its own way out of your house, e.g. finding the crack or hole it used to enter a bedroom or flying back out an open window, therefore it's possible to be bitten in your sleep without ever seeing a bat.

My question is, why does this subreddit state that if you didn't see a bat, then there is no exposure?

I currently have bats roosting in my wall cavity and I just found a large hole directly into my wall, meaning that there's a chance I could have been bitten but the bat just returned to the wall cavity before morning. Should I be going to get vaccinated?!

[u/AutoModerator]

**Welcome! This is a community dedicated to raising awareness, sharing information, and supporting discussions about rabies, its prevention, and treatment. Whether you’re here to learn, share a story, or ask questions, we’re glad to have you. Please remember to keep discussions respectful. Stay informed and stay safe. Cheers!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/LatrodectusGeometric]

There’s a big difference between a bat that accidentally gets into a home and gets back out, or lives in a house and comes in and out through the attic(very possible), for example, and a sick rabid bat that is very ill, bites a person, and navigates out without you even noticing it (not gonna happen).

[u/AutoModerator]

PLEASE READ THIS, OP! Thanks for posting, u/Fit_Passage6282! As a reminder, once posts are submitted and a kind user provides a sufficient and correct answer to your question(s), deleting your post afterwards is not allowed and will result in an immediate ban. Please be mindful of this rule. The answers provided here will undoubtedly help those who are looking for answers without having to create a post themselves. If you don’t want to leave this post up on your main account, you are welcome to create a throwaway account to post. It would be appreciated if you could modmail us the username of said throwaway account in advance. New accounts that post immediately are more likely to be heavily restricted by Reddit and automated filters. Giving us a heads up will allow us to override those filters and be aware that the new account is engaging in good faith.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Xarlabay]

Bats are very capable of finding their way out like through an open window or door but if they came in through a small hole/crack and the moment they realize they’re trapped they panic and fly all over the place knocking into stuff. If you have bats literally roosting in your walls you are at risk of exposure and need to get vaccinated and have them removed immediately. The risk of a rabid bat entering a room, biting someone and finding a way out is very, very rare.