Bats are a common occurrence in nature during the summer months, and recently the nocturnal creatures have found their way into several Milton homes.

Animal Control Officer Nancy Bersani responded to four different homes with a bat inside, just this week. She said she has collected eight bats this summer and been on numerous other calls when the animal hasn’t been caught.

“If a bat is in a home and the resident did not see the bat come in, then the state recommends it be tested for rabies,” said Bersani, adding the bats are euthanized for the testing.

Collected bats are sent to the Department of Public Health lab in Jamaica Plain. Of the eight bats tested from Milton, none have tested positive for rabies, Bersani said.

The animals have entered homes all around Milton, through various entry points.

“They enter houses through uncapped chimneys, ripped screens, spaces around air conditioners and open doors,” said Bersani.

Residents with bats in their homes can call the Animal Control Officer at 617-698-0455 during business hours or the Milton Police Department business line at 617-698-3800, during nights or weekends. Bersani said residents could also contact a pest control company with bat issues.