Spooky Season? Florida Bats Shouldn’t be a Fear Factor.

Myths About Florida Bats Contribute to Misconceptions.

Myth: Bats are blind.
Fact: Bats are not blind. They have the same five senses as humans, including sight, and many species can see quite well, especially in low light. They also use echolocation (sonar) to navigate and hunt in complete darkness.

Myth: All bats are blood-suckers.
Fact: All native Florida bats are insectivorous, meaning they primarily eat insects like mosquitoes, beetles, and moths. There are only three species of “vampire bats” in the world, and they live exclusively in Central and South America, not in the United States or Florida.

Myth: Vampire bats live in Florida.
Fact: There are no vampire bats in Florida.

Myth: Bats will fly into your hair or try to build nests in it.
Fact: Bats are agile, skillful fliers and do not want to get tangled in hair. If a bat swoops near your head, it’s likely trying to catch an insect that is attracted to your body heat or breath. Also, bats do not build nests; they roost in existing structures like caves, trees, or buildings.

Myth: Bats are flying rats.
Fact: Bats are not rodents. They belong to their own unique order of mammals called Chiroptera (meaning “hand-wing”). They are actually more closely related to primates than to rats.

Myth: All bats carry rabies.
Fact: The vast majority of bats do not have rabies. Studies show that only about less than one-half of one percent (0.5%) of bats in a typical population carry the disease. However, bats that are found on the ground or acting strangely are much more likely to be rabid and should never be handled.

Myth: Bats are pests and are not important to the ecosystem.
Fact: Bats are extremely beneficial. Florida’s insectivorous bats are vital for natural pest control, eating enormous quantities of agricultural and nuisance insects, including mosquitoes. They save farmers billions of dollars annually in pest control services.

Myth: Bats will attack people.
Fact: Bats are generally timid and will avoid humans. They will not attack unless they feel threatened or are provoked, such as if you try to handle one. The risk they pose is primarily related to potential rabies transmission if a sick bat is handled.

Myth: Bats are dirty.
Fact: Bats are clean animals that spend a lot of time grooming and cleaning themselves.

Florida Bats

Florida’s native bats are vital for our ecosystem. They are incredible natural pest controllers and pollinators. While we should appreciate their role, having them take up residence in your multi-family property is a definite concern for health and safety.

The Health Concerns

Bats leave behind unsanitary deposits like urea, guano (feces), and dander. When these materials accumulate, they can create a hazardous environment, potentially leading to:
Allergy flare-ups in residents.
Worsened symptoms for those with breathing difficulties or respiratory conditions.

More Than Just Bats

A bat entry point isn’t just a bat problem. It’s a sign that your building’s structural integrity is compromised. Gaps and unsealed areas that allow bats in can also serve as access points for other common pests, making effective exclusion and sealing crucial for overall pest management. Despite their environmental benefits, the sight of bats indoors can cause fear and anxiety among residents.

Florida Multifamily Harmless Bat Removal Services

#florida; #floridawildlife; #bats; #eviction; #exclusion; #propertymanagement; #welltechpest

September 11, 2025September 11, 2025

Lakeland Florida Multifamily Pest Control, Wildlife Removal and Special Services

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC provides dedicated service to Lakeland, Florida area property managers and leasing agents. We offer comprehensive pest control and wildlife removal services for multifamily communities. WellTech is a proud member of both the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) and the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando (AAGO).

Our Approach to Multifamily Pest Management

WellTech Pest Solutions specializes in managing pests and wildlife in multifamily environments. We work in tandem with property managers, leasing agents, and maintenance teams in Central Florida, including Polk County, to provide a comfortable living space for residents who have made Lakeland their seasonal or permanent home. We also assist in educating properties about pest and wildlife prevention practices, which is crucial in a city with a warm, humid climate that supports year-round pest activity.

Lakeland’s unique environment, with its abundant lakes and green spaces, makes it an ideal habitat for pests like roaches, ants (including the painful fire ant), and mosquitoes. These pests can be particularly challenging to manage in multi-unit buildings where they can easily move from one residence to another. Our expertise in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is designed to address these specific challenges. This includes routine inspections, targeted treatments using the least toxic options first, and ongoing monitoring to prevent re-infestations. WellTech provides weekly, quarterly, and customized pest management plans to fit the unique needs of each property.

Specialized Wildlife Removal and Exclusion

attic with bats — Although unseen from the ground many forms of wildlife find gaps to reach the attic areas of properties. This gap above the entryway is easy access for bats.

In addition to pest control, WellTech provides wildlife management services. In Lakeland, it’s not uncommon for nuisance animals like raccoons, bats, and squirrels to seek shelter in attics or other vulnerable areas of buildings, creating safety concerns and causing damage. Our special services are dispatched when these issues arise. We prioritize the ethical and legal removal of wildlife and adhere to all Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission guidelines. Following removal, we inspect and seal entry points such as soffit gaps and other vulnerabilities to prevent future access and ensure the long-term safety of the property and its residents.

Pest and Wildlife Resources on the WellTech Pest Solutions website:

September 10, 2025September 10, 2025

Gold Medallion Finalists are WellTech Pest and Austin Matteson

Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) will announce winners October 24, 2025

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC is pleased to be honored by Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) as Finalists for the upcoming Gold Medallion Awards.

For the individual awards, WellTech Pest Solutions’ Vice President of Account Management and Marketing is also a finalist. Matteson joined WellTech Pest Solutions in 2019 as a technician. He now has a portion of ownership of WellTech with founders Jay Wells (President) and John Wells (VP of Client Services).

WellTech is in good company with property managers and management companies whom are also in the running for the Gold Medallion Award.

WellTech, a proud member of BAAA, would like to thank those multifamily managers who nominated us for this prestigious award.

Winners will be announced by BAAA on October 24, 2025 at the Hilton in Downtown Tampa.

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC exclusively serves property managers and leasing agents to management pest control, wildlife and special services at multifamily properties. WellTech uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to best serve each multifamily lifestyle. The Bay Area coverage for these services include multifamily housing in the Florida counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota.

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025

St. Cloud Florida Multifamily Pest Control and Wildlife Removal Expertise

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC has dedicated service to St. Cloud Florida area property managers and leasing agents by providing pest control, plus wildlife removal and exclusion for St. Cloud multifamily communities.

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC is a company that specializes in managing pests and wildlife in multifamily living environments. WellTech Pest works in tandem with multifamily property managers, leasing agents, and property maintenance in Central Florida including Osceola County to provide a comfortable living space for residents who have made St. Cloud their seasonal or permanent home. WellTech also assists in educating properties about pests and wildlife, and best prevention practices.

WellTech Pest can effectively manage seasonal pest variations and specific challenges inherent to a multi-unit environment in St. Cloud. WellTech adheres to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in a multifamily environment. This includes routine inspections, targeted treatments (using the least toxic options first), and ongoing monitoring to prevent re-infestations. WellTech provides weekly, quarterly and customized pest management for multifamily living.

WellTech’s special services and wildlife management are dispatched when raccoons, bats, or squirrels create nuisance or safety concerns. Then ethical, legal removal and exclusion are necessary. WellTech inspects and seals entry points such as soffit gaps and other vulnerabilities to prevent future access. WellTech follows Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission laws and guidelines on the ethical and legal removal and exclusion of wildlife.

Here are pest and wildlife resources for reference:

About Multifamily Housing

Central Florida Multifamily Bat Removal and Exclusion

Termite Control Services

Rodent Control

https://welltechpestsolutions.com/general-household-pests

https://welltechpestsolutions.com/stinging-insect-control
https://welltechpestsolutions.com/roach-management
https://welltechpestsolutions.com/spider-control

I HAVE A PEST OR WILDLIFE ISSUE

SCHEDULE A MONTHLY SERVICE

SCHEDULE AN ESTIMATE

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC is a proud member of the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando

Other Affiliations

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025

Kissimmee Multifamily Communities—Pest Control and Wildlife Removal

WellTech serves Kissimmee Florida area property managers and leasing agents by providing pest control, plus wildlife removal and exclusion for Kissimmee multifamily communities.

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC is a company that specializes in managing pests and wildlife in multifamily living environments. WellTech Pest works in tandem with multifamily property managers, leasing agents, and property maintenance in Central Florida including Osceola County to provide a comfortable living space for residents who have made Kissimmee their seasonal or permanent home. WellTech also assists in educating properties about pests and wildlife, and best prevention practices.

WellTech Pest can effectively manage seasonal pest variations and specific challenges inherent to a multi-unit environment in Kissimmee. WellTech adheres to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in a multifamily environment. This includes routine inspections, targeted treatments (using the least toxic options first), and ongoing monitoring to prevent re-infestations. WellTech provides weekly, quarterly and customized pest management for multifamily living.

Here are pest and wildlife resources for reference:

About Multifamily Housing

Central Florida Multifamily Bat Removal and Exclusion

Termite Control Services

Rodent Control

https://welltechpestsolutions.com/general-household-pests

https://welltechpestsolutions.com/stinging-insect-control
https://welltechpestsolutions.com/roach-management
https://welltechpestsolutions.com/spider-control

I HAVE A PEST OR WILDLIFE ISSUE

SCHEDULE A MONTHLY SERVICE

SCHEDULE AN ESTIMATE

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC is a proud member of the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando

Other Affiliations

July 31, 2025August 22, 2025

August 15th Begins Humane and Legal Bat Exclusions in Florida

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.

July 25, 2025October 16, 2025

WellTech Rolls Out New Customer Portal

Welltech Pest Solutions, LLC has implemented FieldWork to increase efficiency and accuracy for customers

The new field service portal, aka Field Service Management (FSM) Software, called FieldWork at FieldWorkHQ.com had been activated a few weeks now, and a number of staff and customers are excited about the ease of use of the new software.

Features are presently being added for property management accounts and leasing agents who directly work in coordinating multifamily pest control and wildlife management. Once the property is configured, property managers and leasing agents will have access to the dashboard, work orders, pest control prep sheets, service sheets and tasks. The property managers will also have access to invoicing.

The new portal is accessible on nearly any screen and any device, which means whether using a desktop, laptop, pad or smart phone, property managers and leasing agents are able to access their account. The login portal for the new FSM is labeled “NEW Customer Portal” and is located at the top left side menu of this webpage. In order to operate the portal on a mobile or smart device, save the webpage as a widget on your mobile device.

WellTech Pest Solutions is in the process of bringing all customers aboard as soon as possible to create a better system for everyone. WellTech encourages current property or leasing managers to contact WellTech Pest Solutions to obtain login details. WellTech Pest is also contacting accounts via quality assurance calls to provide instructions on accessing the portal.

Additionally, WellTech is requesting those multifamily properties in Florida who want an easy online service portal, along with consistent and predictable pest management to consider WellTech Pest Solutions for their 2026 budget. WellTech is offering a free budget planning summit for your team!

WellTech also provides a free bid for services ranging from general multifamily pest services, multifamily special services, and multifamily wildlife management.

Additionally, from now until October 31st, WellTech’s Four Fears promotional offer is available for a first time service of fifteen percent savings on rats, bats, bees, and termites. This offer is available by navigating to here or clicking on the page on the above menu.

July 15, 2025July 15, 2025

Are Bats Driving Your Multi-family Properties Batty?

August 15th BEGINS BAT Exclusions (One month from today)

Bats are a protected species in Florida and can occasionally roost in your multi-family buildings. Read this article to learn about the differences of bats in Florida. Also, learn why August 15th is when WellTech can begin exclusion services at your property.

There are over 1,400 known bat species, but only three of them are vampire bats. The differences between vampire bats and most other bats are quite significant, mainly due to their specialized diets and the adaptations that come with them:

1. Diet:

Vampire Bats: Exclusively feed on blood (sanguivorous). The common vampire bat primarily targets mammals (like livestock and occasionally humans), while others feed on birds. They don’t “suck” blood but rather make a small incision with specialized teeth and then lap up the flowing blood.
Regular Bats: The vast majority of bats are insectivores, meaning they eat insects. Other common diets include fruit (frugivores), nectar and pollen (nectarivores/pollinivores), and some larger species are carnivorous, preying on small vertebrates like frogs, lizards, or even other small mammals.

2. Teeth:

Vampire Bats: Have razor-sharp upper incisor teeth specialized for making precise cuts in skin, and their back teeth are much smaller than in other bats. Their incisors lack enamel, which helps keep them permanently sharp.
Regular Bats: Have teeth adapted to their specific diets, such as sharp, pointed teeth for crushing insect exoskeletons, or flatter, blunt teeth for mashing fruit.

3. Locomotion (Movement on land):

Vampire Bats: Are highly agile on the ground. They can walk, run, and even jump using their strong hind limbs and specially adapted long thumbs on their wings. This allows them to approach sleeping prey without disturbing them and to take off from the ground even after a heavy meal.
Regular Bats: Most bats are not adept at terrestrial movement. They typically roost by hanging upside down and launch into flight by dropping from their perch.

4. Sensory Adaptations:

Vampire Bats: Possess specialized heat-sensing “pit organs” on their noses that allow them to detect areas of their prey where blood flows close to the skin. They also have an inferior colliculus (part of the brain that processes sound) highly adapted to detecting the breathing sounds of sleeping animals.
Regular Bats: Many insectivorous bats heavily rely on echolocation (emitting high-frequency sounds and interpreting the echoes) to navigate and locate prey in the dark. While vampire bats also use echolocation, their specialized heat-sensing and sound detection for prey are unique.

5. Saliva:

Vampire Bats: Their saliva contains powerful anticoagulants (like “Draculin”) that prevent the blood from clotting, allowing it to flow freely while they feed.
Regular Bats: Do not have these anticoagulants in their saliva.

6. Size and Appearance:

Vampire Bats: Are relatively small, with a body length of about 2-3.5 inches and a wingspan of 7-16 inches. They often have a short, conical muzzle and lack a prominent nose leaf, instead having naked pads with U-shaped grooves at the tip.
Regular Bats: Exhibit a wide range of sizes, from the tiny bumblebee bat (weighing less than a penny) to large flying foxes with wingspans of up to 6 feet. Their facial features, ear shapes, and nose structures vary greatly depending on the species and their specialized needs (e.g., large ears for echolocation, prominent nose leaves for directing echolocation calls).

Most Common Bats in Florida

The most commonly encountered bat species in Florida, especially in urban areas and residential buildings, include:

Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis): This is by far the most abundant bat in Florida’s urban areas and is often found in large colonies in man-made structures like buildings and under bridges.
Southeastern Bat (Myotis austroriparius): Also found in structures, though they often prefer caves for maternity colonies.
Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis): Commonly found in hollow trees and behind loose bark, but also frequently roosts in buildings and attics.
Seminole Bat (Lasiurus seminolus): Similar in appearance to the Eastern Red Bat, they are often found in trees with Spanish moss but can also be found in buildings.
Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis): Solitary bats that typically roost in trees, but can occasionally be found in buildings.
Northern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius): Another solitary bat that prefers roosting in dead palm fronds but may also be found in structures.
Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus): A larger colonial bat that frequently roosts in attics, barns, and other buildings.

When Can a Pest Control Company Begin Bat Exclusions in Buildings?

Florida has strict regulations regarding bat exclusions to protect bat populations, especially during their maternity season.

The legal window for bat exclusion in Florida is from August 15th to April 15th.

It is illegal to exclude bats during bat maternity season, which runs from April 16th to August 14th.

Here’s why and what it means for pest control companies:

Maternity Season (April 16th – August 14th): During this period, female bats give birth and raise their young (pups). Bat pups are flightless for several weeks. If exclusion devices are installed during this time, the flightless pups can be trapped inside the building and die, which is illegal and inhumane.
Exclusion Process: Bat exclusion involves identifying all entry and exit points bats are using, installing one-way devices (like netting or tubes) that allow bats to leave but prevent them from re-entering, and then, once all bats are confirmed to be out, permanently sealing those entry points..

Therefore, as of today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, pest control companies in Florida cannot legally begin bat exclusion in buildings without a special permit. They would need to wait until August 15, 2025, at the earliest, to start the exclusion process.

Source; https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/bats

July 10, 2025August 22, 2025

Four Fears Offers

SAVE on MULTIFAMILY WILDLIFE EXCLUSION and SPECIALTY SERVICES.

GET A 15 Percent Savings on any removal or exclusion!

Choose a removal or exclusion service from one of the “four fears” listed above: rats, bats, bees, or termites. Receive 15% off of your service! This offer is good for any one first-time service. Use promo code BEAGO for Apartment Association of Greater Orlando, promo code BETPA for Bay Area Apartment Association or promo code SWFAA for the Rent-Chella Trade Show. Offer expires October 31st, 2025.

RATS

The first of the four fears, these destructive rodents cause significant damage and health risks. They gnaw on wood, plastic, and electrical wires. They also carry diseases to humans through their droppings, urine, bites, or through parasites like fleas. They also have rapid reproduction and a small rat problem can escalate into a full-blown infestation, quickly.

BATS

The second of the four fears of multifamily residential nuisances actually is a benefit to a property. Florida is home of 13 native bat species, all of which are insectivores, and illegal to kill, harm, or harass. Bats feast on mosquitoes and other insects, consuming hundreds per night. They are adaptable to urban environments making them a nuisance for multifamily properties. WellTech follows Florida state guidelines on bat exclusions. Please click here for more information.

BEES

The third of the four fears of multifamily nuisances benefit Florida’s ecosystem and agriculture. Florida is home to over 300 native bee species. Honeybees are protected by Florida laws and federal guidelines. These bees do not become aggressive unless they are provoked. Honeybees and other bees sting when they feel threatened or a nest is disturbed. Africanized honeybees are even more aggressive and more sensitive to threats.

TERMITES

The fourth and final fear of multifamily isn’t just a nuisance. It is destructive. Florida hosts more than 20 native termites and is considered the “termite capital of the U.S.” Among the most destructive termites are the Formosan subterranean termite, the Asian subterranean termite and a variety of drywood termites. Termites are known to cause a continuous, substantial drain on property owners valuable investments due to ongoing, hidden damage.

GET A 15 Percent Savings on any removal or exclusion!

Choose a removal or exclusion service from one of the “four fears” listed above: rats, bats, bees, or termites. Receive 15% off of your service! This offer is good for any one first-time service. Use promo code BEAGO for Apartment Association of Greater Orlando or promo code BETPA for Bay Area Apartment Association. Offer expires October 31st, 2025.

June 3, 2025August 29, 2025

32266 Neptune Beach Florida Multifamily Pest Control and Wildlife Management

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC serves Jacksonville Beaches including Atlantic Beach, Florida Jax and Neptune Beach property managers and leasing agents. WellTech provides pest control and wildlife management for multi-family properties located in all of Duval County. We look forward to assisting you in keeping your multi-unit dwellings pest and wildlife-free.

Our managers utilize scheduling and mapping systems to provide pin-point efficiency in treating large numbers of multi-family properties. We have also implemented quality assurance and safety procedures into our teams’ continuing education and weekly training.