‘Tis the season for bat protection in Florida! Whether you find them adorable or terrifying, one thing is certain—bats don’t belong in your home. If you suspect bats are roosting in your attic or eaves, you need to understand that bat removal in Florida is a serious matter. Bats are a protected species, and removing them while they are raising their young is illegal between April 15 and August 15. Let’s walk through what you need to know about bats in Florida, how to identify signs of an infestation, and what to do if you’re sharing space with these winged mammals.
Types of Bats in Florida
here are 13 bat species native to Florida. According to UF/IFAS Extension, eight of those species prefer to roost in homes and buildings. Among them are two endangered species: the Florida Bonneted Bat and the Gray Bat. The Tricolored Bat is also being considered for endangered status.
With so few bat species and such a high rate of endangerment, it’s critical to know what you’re dealing with and why humane bat removal in Florida is essential.
Of the 13 species native to Florida, 2 of them are listed Endangered, the Florida Bonneted bat and the Gray bat, and the hopes of having the Tricolored bat added this year. That may not seem like a lot, but considering that there are over 160 species of butterflies in our state, 3 out of only 13 species of bats endangered is a lot.
Signs You May Need Bat Removal in Florida
Wondering if bats have made a home in your attic? Here’s what to look for:
- Squeaking or scratching sounds during dusk and dawn
- Guano (bat droppings) near entry points or on windowsills
- Strong ammonia odor from urine and guano
- Visible movement near roof lines or vents at sunrise/sunset
Avoid entering the attic or disturbing bat droppings yourself. Guano can carry spores that cause Histoplasmosis, a potentially dangerous respiratory infection. According to CDC guidelines, this can lead to severe flu-like symptoms, especially in those with weakened immune systems or preexisting conditions.
Do I have bats living with me?
Keep a watchful eye around your home, especially at sunrise and sunset, as these are high traffic times for the nocturnal bats’ hunting. They could be nesting in your attic so you might hear some squeaking or scratching around. You might see visible signs around possible entry points such as the guano (bat poo) or urine. Their guano has an ammonia-type smell that may get your attention at some point.
But if you suspect something is in your attic, or you feel confident it is in fact bats, do NOT Indiana Jones it and make the trek to investigate. Their guano can be quite harmful! As the guano dries, disturbed spores can travel through the air and into your lungs, causing Histoplasmosis. Inhaling small amounts might go unnoticed, but larger amounts can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, chest pain, or lethargy. If someone develops flu-like symptoms after being exposed to bat guano, seek medical attention right away. People with weakened immune systems, infants or those with pulmonary disorders can be severely affected, sometimes fatal.
Why bats are so important
It may be hard to see bats as beneficial after hearing about Histoplasmosis, but bats play a vital role in Florida’s ecosystem. They:
- Pollinate plants and support natural food systems
- Disperse seeds essential for reforestation
- Consume pests like mosquitoes, beetles, and flies
A study from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found that bats help save over $1 billion annually in U.S. crop damage and pesticide costs. Without them, we’d face serious agricultural and ecological issues.
Safe and Legal Bat Removal in Florida
So, what should you do if bats are roosting in your home?
Do NOT try to remove bats yourself, especially during protected months. Instead, contact a licensed professional. At LydyBug Pest Control, we offer bat and rodent exclusion services in Orlando and Central Florida. Our exclusion work identifies and seals off all possible entry points while complying with Florida wildlife laws.
We prioritize safe and humane removal, ensuring no bats are harmed and your home is secured against future intrusions.
Let us help!
LydyBug Pest Control offers preventative treatment in Orlando for bat and rodent exclusions. Exclusion work can assess what’s going on in and around your home and safely and lawfully manage the habitat issues with bats by sealing up all possible entry points for the bats. We also ensure that the safety of the bats is of utmost importance. Our experts are fully trained and certified in pest control exclusions, so you can be sure they will safely and effectively take care of the problem. Contact us for assistance with bats today!
