Humane multifamily bat removal and exclusion in Florida.
Bat removal and exclusion from multifamily homes and properties is a sensitive process, and can be performed carefully by a professional under Florida guidelines. WellTech Pest Solutions has the multifamily expertise and the knowledge of humanely removing bats without killing, harming, or harassing these beneficial creatures. We invite you to call us if you have questions or need clarification on proper handling of bats. We will begin removal and exclusions August 15th.
The Benefits and challenges of bats
Bats play a vital role in Florida’s ecosystem, acting as natural pest control by consuming thousands of insects, including mosquitoes, every night. These Floridian bats differ from the widely popularized vampire bats seen in many Hollywood productions. Floridian bats do not feast on people or animals.
While these insect-eating flying mammals are beneficial, their presence in multifamily residential homes and properties can pose challenges for residents and property managers. Understanding Florida’s specific regulations are crucial for addressing bat infestations responsibly and legally.
Florida’s Bat Protection Laws and Maternity Season regarding Bat removal and exclusion
Florida is home to 13 native bat species, all of which are protected by state law. It is illegal to kill, harm, or harass bats. The only legal and humane method for removing bats from structures is through exclusion. A critical consideration in Florida is the bat maternity season, which runs annually from April 16 to August 14. During this period, female bats give birth and raise their flightless young (pups). It is strictly illegal to block bats from their roosts during maternity season without a special permit, as doing so would trap the pups inside, leading to their death. This is why timing is paramount for any bat exclusion efforts.
Why Bats Choose Multifamily Properties
Bats seek safe, dark, and secluded places to roost, raise their young, and escape predators and harsh weather. Multifamily properties, with their numerous nooks, crannies, attics, soffits, eaves, and wall voids, offer ideal shelter. Common entry points can be as small as 3/8 to 3/4 of an inch, making older buildings or those with minor structural imperfections particularly susceptible. Signs of a bat presence often include:
- Noises: Squeaking, scratching, or fluttering sounds, especially at dusk and dawn.
- Guano (bat droppings): Accumulations of dark, crumbly droppings, often found on exterior walls below entry points or in attics. Guano can be mistaken for rodent droppings but crumbles easily when touched.
- Stains: Oily rub marks around entry and exit points from the bats’ fur.
- Sightings: Observing bats flying in or out of specific areas of the building around sunset or sunrise.
Humane Exclusion: The Only Legal Method
The most effective and humane way to remove bats is through a process called exclusion. This involves installing one-way devices that allow bats to exit the building but prevent them from re-entering. This method ensures the bats can safely leave to forage but cannot return to their roost within the structure.
Key steps in a humane bat exclusion process include:
- Thorough Inspection: Identify all potential entry and exit points. This often requires observing the building at dusk to pinpoint active roosts. For multifamily properties, this means inspecting every unit’s exterior, shared attic spaces, and common areas.
- Seal Non-Active Openings: Before installing exclusion devices, seal all other potential entry points that bats are not currently using. Bats can squeeze through incredibly small gaps, so meticulous sealing with appropriate materials (e.g., caulk, mesh, weather stripping) is vital. This prevents bats from simply moving to another part of the building once their primary entry is blocked.
- Install One-Way Exclusion Devices: These devices, often made of netting or specialized tubes, are affixed over the active entry/exit points. They create a funnel-like system that allows bats to drop out and fly away but physically blocks their return. The device must be securely fastened at the top and sides, with the bottom left open, hanging several feet below the opening.
- Allow Time for Exit: The exclusion devices must remain in place for a minimum of four consecutive nights when the overnight temperature is at least 50°F, and there is no rain or high winds. Bats may not forage every night, so this duration ensures all bats, including any latecomers, have ample opportunity to exit. For larger colonies or during periods of inconsistent weather, the devices may need to remain longer. It is recommended between seven to fourteen days.
- Permanent Sealing: Once it’s confirmed that all bats have left, the exclusion devices are removed, and the openings are permanently sealed. This final step is crucial to prevent bats from re-entering in the future.
Special Considerations for Multifamily Properties
- Coordination: Bat exclusion in multifamily properties requires careful coordination with residents, property management, and potentially a professional wildlife removal service. Clear communication about the process, timing, and temporary inconveniences is essential.
- Scale of the Problem: A bat infestation in one unit might indicate a larger colony utilizing shared attic spaces or multiple entry points across the building. A comprehensive inspection of the entire property is often necessary.
- Professional Expertise: Given the legal complexities, the need for thorough inspections, and the specialized nature of exclusion devices, hiring a licensed and experienced wildlife removal professional is highly recommended, especially for multifamily properties. They are knowledgeable about Florida’s specific regulations, bat behavior, and effective humane methods.
- Post-Exclusion Cleanup: Bat guano can accumulate and, in large quantities, may pose health risks (e.g., histoplasmosis). After exclusion, professional cleanup and sanitization of affected areas, particularly attics, may be necessary.
Prevention and Long-Term Solutions
Once bats have been humanely excluded, proactive measures can prevent future infestations:
- Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the building’s exterior for new cracks, gaps, or deteriorating materials.
- Seal and Repair: Promptly seal any new openings larger than 1/4 inch.
- Install Bat Houses: Consider installing bat houses on the property, away from the main buildings. This provides an alternative, safe roosting site for the displaced bats, encouraging them to stay in the area and continue their beneficial insect control without inhabiting the structures.
WellTech provides harmless removal of bats from multifamily structures, and excludes them from returning. WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC adheres to Florida’s regulations. We create the ideal programs so that multifamily property owners and managers can effectively resolve bat issues while contributing to the conservation of these valuable creatures.
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