Bats are misunderstood. Despite their relatively unsettling appearance and association with all things scary, they contribute greatly to a healthy ecosystem by limiting pests, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. However, these fascinating creatures can occasionally find their way into buildings and shelter, causing concern for homeowners. If you suspect that bats have taken up residence in your home, it’s important to address the situation promptly and safely.
Signs your home may have bats
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
Noises: One of the first indicators of an infestation is hearing unusual noises in your attic or walls, particularly during the evening or early morning. If you hear scratching, squeaking or fluttering sounds during these times, it could be a sign that these creatures are present.
Droppings: Bat droppings, known as guano, are another telltale sign of their presence. Guano resembles mouse droppings but are often slightly larger and black and dry in appearance. Piles of it are usually found under the main entrances and exits bats use to travel in and out of a building. Keep an eye on these access points to see if you have any guano piled up.
Stains and Smells: Look for stains or smudges around entry points, like attic vents or chimneys. Bats secrete oils and can leave dark streaks on surfaces they frequently encounter. Additionally, the smell of ammonia from accumulated guano alone can be a strong indicator of a bat problem.
Visual Sightings: Bats are most active at from dusk until dawn. If you see any bats near your home during these times, it is an indicator that they have access indoors.
Removing bats from your home
If you are trying to remove a colony from your home, eviction is the only legal and appropriate method. In Florida, bat evictions are only permitted during a select time of the year outside of their maternity season. This ranges from April 16 to Aug. 14.
The most common, efficient way of removing bats from your home is through an exclusion device, which can be purchased online or in stores. A bat exclusion device is a one-way passage that is installed over their access point to your home. This allows bats from indoors to easily exit a house but not return back through. For any additional support or guidance throughout the process of evicting these creatures from your home, consult a local pest control service provider. They are equipped with the knowledge and resources to help keep your home clean while protecting our flying friends.
Recognizing the species in your area
There are several bat species found throughout the state. Let’s explore some of the most common ones we are most likely to see in our local counties
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