WellTech begins Humane and Legal Bat Exclusions for Florida Multifamily Properties on August 15th
As of tomorrow in two weeks, Welltech Pest Solutions will commence bat exclusion work in Florida, adhering strictly to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines. This is a critical service for multifamily properties, where bats can become an unwelcome nuisance, posing potential health risks and causing structural damage. However, due to bats’ protected status in Florida and their vital ecological role, their removal must be handled with care, precision, and strict adherence to legal mandates.
Exclusion is a non-lethal method that allows bats to exit a structure and prevents their re-entry. It is illegal to conduct bat exclusion from April 16th to August 14th. This period is designated as bat maternity season, during which female bats give birth and raise their young, called pups. Excluding bats during this time would trap flightless young inside the structure, leading to their death, which is a violation of state law.
For multifamily properties, the process of successful and legal bat exclusion involves several key steps:
1. Thorough Inspection and Identification of Entry Points: The first and most crucial step is a comprehensive inspection of the entire building exterior. Bats can squeeze through incredibly small openings, as little as 3/8 of an inch, making it imperative to identify all potential entry and exit points. This often involves looking for tell-tale signs such as brown staining from their body oils around crevices, and scattered bat guano (droppings) on the ground below. Evening observations around sunset are highly effective, as bats emerge from their roosts to forage. For larger properties, multiple teams or consecutive nights of observation may be necessary to pinpoint all active points.
2. Sealing All Non-Active Openings: Once the active entry/exit points are identified, all other potential access points on the building’s exterior must be sealed. This pre-emptive measure prevents bats from simply relocating to another part of the building once the exclusion devices are in place. Materials like caulk, flashing, screening, or heavy-duty mesh should be used. It’s vital not to use expandable foam, which can trap bats and degrade over time. Interior openings that connect potential roosting areas (like attics) to living spaces should also be sealed to prevent bats from entering occupied units.
3. Installation of One-Way Exclusion Devices: This is the core of the exclusion process. One-way devices, typically in the form of tubes or netting, are installed over the identified active entry and exit points. These devices are designed to allow bats to fly out of the structure but prevent them from re-entering. The specific type of device may vary depending on the nature of the opening, but common solutions include PVC pipes or flexible plastic tubing. The devices must be securely fastened to prevent dislodging.
4. Allowing Sufficient Time for Exclusion: FWC regulations mandate that exclusion devices must be left in place for a minimum of four consecutive nights when the overnight temperature is forecast to be at least 50°F. This timeframe allows all bats, especially those that might be less active due to weather or individual behavior, to exit the roost. If the weather turns cold or rainy, the exclusion period must be extended, as bats tend not to forage in adverse conditions. Continuous monitoring ensures the devices remain effective and no bats are still exiting.
5. Permanent Sealing of Entry Points: Once all bats have successfully exited the property through the one-way devices, these devices are removed, and the openings are permanently sealed. This final step is critical to prevent future re-infestations. Durable, weather-resistant materials should be used for sealing.
6. Post-Exclusion Cleanup and Monitoring: After successful exclusion, a thorough cleanup of bat guano and urine is often necessary, especially in attics, as it can accumulate and create unsanitary conditions. Regular follow-up checks are also recommended to ensure no new entry points have developed and the exclusion remains effective.
By contacting WellTech Pest Solutions for their bat exclusions, multifamily property managers in Florida can ensure a humane and legal resolution to bat infestations.