Professional Bat Removal Services in Orlando, FL
Bats
Bats are ecologically and economically beneficial to the state of Florida. Although they are part of healthy ecosystems, bats are frequently found in homes and buildings, causing issues. Before taking any precautions yourself, you should know that bats are protected in Florida and it is unlawful to exclude them during the bat maternity season.
Bats eat bugs, pollinating flowers, dispersing seeds, and honestly, they benefit us in so many ways. These are all outdoor bat activities, but when it comes to the inside of our homes, they can be pretty restrictive
How Do Bats Get in Our Homes?
Bats never make holes to get inside buildings, but they use only entry points. If you spot a bat in
your home, it has most probably entered through an open window or door. However, if you start
seeing bats frequently, you could have an infestation. The most common bat entry points are:
- half-inch cracks and gaps around windows and utility vents
- damaged or missing roof shingles or tiles
- gaps in bricks
- attic openings
- unprotected chimneys
When Is Bat Maternity Season & Are Exclusions Unlawful?
The bat maternity season begins April 15 and runs through August 15. If you are to conduct bat removal, you should do it before or after the maternity season. Since bats are protected, the exclusions can only be conducted when there are four forecast days when the temperatures are above 50 degrees.
Signs of a Bat Infestation
Bats do not make holes or cause destruction to properties in order to enter them, but once they get comfortable inside, they cause workplace issues such as:
- a foul odor emanating from the walls or ceiling
- guano (bat droppings)
- stains on the floor or ceiling panels
- screeching or fluttering bat noises
Bats are usually active during the night, and you can spot them leaving a few minutes before sunset.
Are Bat Infestations Dangerous?
Although bats are beneficial to the environment, bat colonies are breeding grounds for a variety of infectious diseases, including rabies. Other inconveniences related to your property are:
- damage in drywall, ceilings, insulation
- soiled inventory
- loss of revenue
The Solution – Bat Exclusion
The only safe and effective way to remove bats is bat exclusion. This is a process where a one-way valve is put up and the bats can exit the valve but are not able to return. After bats are excluded (whether from the attic or another roost site) a residual insecticide is necessary in order to kill the mites and bat bugs which may be there. Also, inhaling fungal spores can be dangerous, so this should also be taken care of.
We, at Total Pest Services, can handle the entire exclusion, including the preparation and after-exclusion processes. Get in touch with us for a professional bat removal service, today!