Bats play an important role in Florida ecosystems by consuming large numbers of insects, but they can become a concern when they begin roosting in a home or other structure. Because bats are protected in Florida, removing them requires a careful approach that does not harm the animals or leave them trapped inside the building.
Sorko Lawn and Pest Control provides professional bat abatement and bat control services throughout Central Florida. Whether you have noticed bats entering your home or want to prevent them from establishing a roost, identifying potential entry points and addressing them at the right time can help protect your property.
How Do You Know If You Have Bats?
Bats may be difficult to spot because they often remain hidden in attics, wall spaces, rooflines, and other protected areas during the day. Signs that bats may be using your property include:
- Bats flying from your roof, attic, soffits, or other areas around dusk.
- Small piles of bat droppings beneath potential entry points.
- Dark staining around openings where bats enter and exit.
- Chirping or scratching sounds coming from an attic or wall space.
- Bats occasionally appearing inside living areas.
- Repeated bat activity around the same portion of your home.
One of the best ways to determine whether bats are using a structure is to watch the exterior around dusk and look for bats emerging from potential entry points.
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Common Florida Bats and Where They Roost
Florida is home to 13 resident bat species, including the Brazilian free-tailed bat, evening bat, and southeastern myotis. While many Florida bats naturally roost in trees, caves, and other protected areas, some species also use human-made structures such as attics, barns, sheds, bridges, and commercial buildings.
The Brazilian free-tailed bat is particularly noteworthy because it is Florida’s most common bat and frequently roosts in structures. Other species may also take advantage of buildings and other man-made areas when suitable roosting locations are available.
Bats can be found around homes and other properties throughout Central Florida, but their preferred roosting locations vary by species and the features of each property. Identifying where bats are entering a structure and where they are sheltering is an important part of effective wildlife control and can help determine the appropriate approach to bat abatement.
Are Bats Harmful to People, Pets, or Property?
Bats generally avoid people and pets and provide valuable insect control. However, bats that roost inside homes or buildings can create potential health concerns, particularly from accumulated droppings and possible contact with an infected bat.
Histoplasmosis is a respiratory illness associated with fungal spores that can develop in areas where bat guano accumulates. Disturbing dried droppings can cause spores to become airborne. Bats can also carry rabies, although this is uncommon. Any bat that appears sick, is found on the ground, or allows close contact should be approached with caution.
Bats may also create property concerns when they establish a roost inside a structure. Droppings and odors can accumulate, and bats may eventually enter living spaces. Anyone who may have been bitten or scratched by a bat should seek medical attention promptly.
What Is Bat Abatement?
Bat abatement is the process of addressing bats that are using a structure while preventing them from returning. Rather than simply trapping or relocating bats, professional bat exclusions use specially designed devices that allow bats to leave the building but prevent them from getting back inside.
A proper exclusion begins by identifying the locations bats are using and inspecting the surrounding structure for additional openings. Other potential entry points can then be sealed while active bat exits are handled appropriately. Once the bats have left, the remaining openings can be permanently sealed to help prevent future access.
This approach is important because Florida law prohibits harming or killing bats. Relocation and other methods that can injure or trap bats are not appropriate.
When Is the Best Time for Bat Exclusions?
Timing is especially important when dealing with Florida bats. Florida’s bat maternity season runs from April 16 through August 14. During this period, excluding bats from their roosts is generally prohibited because young bats may be unable to fly and could become trapped inside the structure.
Exclusions without a permit are allowed from August 15 through April 15. This is why homeowners should not wait until bats are already established before thinking about bat abatement. Homeowners can take steps such as:
- Inspecting the exterior of your home for potential bat entry points.
- Watching for bat activity around the roofline and other openings.
- Repairing damaged screens, vents, soffits, and other areas that could allow entry.
- Scheduling an inspection before maternity season begins.
- Addressing existing bat activity during the appropriate exclusion period.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission specifically recommends checking homes and other buildings for roosting bats before maternity season and making necessary repairs before exclusions become restricted.
Professional Bat Control in Central Florida
Finding bats around your Central Florida home does not necessarily mean you have a large colony, but recurring activity deserves attention. Attempting to seal an opening without knowing whether bats are using it can trap animals inside and may make the problem worse.
Sorko Lawn and Pest Control can help identify potential entry points, evaluate signs of bat activity, and determine whether professional bat abatement or exclusion is appropriate for your property. Addressing potential access points before bats establish a roost can also make future problems easier to prevent.
If you are seeing bats around your home or want to take steps to prevent them from getting inside, contact Sorko Lawn and Pest Control to learn more about professional bat control and abatement.
