Thank you to Trutech Wildlife Service for sponsoring this post about bat removal. All opinions are our own.
Over the summer months, homeowners in Jacksonville, Florida may have heard some strange noises or even smelled something amiss coming from their attic. The culprit? It might be bats. Luckily, there are experts who can help with the bat removal process.
How Do I Know if I have Bats?
Florida has 13 species of bats living in the state, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee. These tiny flying mammals often make their way into small holes within a home, from the soffits, to roof vents, and the chimney. In fact, bats only need to find a dime-sized hole to make their way into a house. Once inside, homeowners will commonly find bat infestations in the attic. But how to get rid of bats in the attic is not always easy, and experts are required to help navigate local laws and necessary safety precautions.
According to the experts at Trutech Wildlife Service, located in Jacksonville, Florida, the bat population plays an essential role in the local environment by eating pesky mosquitoes, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. During the spring months when it’s mating season, bats will often look for shelter in a warm, dry space to roost or to give birth to their pups. This is often when bats make their way into tiny openings alongside a house, and eventually end up in the attic.
Can Bats Be Removed?
Bats are a protected species in Florida, and removal of the bats is prohibited from April 15 to August 15, ensuring the bats that did give birth to their pups can stay long enough for the pups to grow in order to survive in their natural habitat. That often means Jacksonville residents may be living with these new wildlife roommates for the entirety of the summer.
Luckily, the experts at Trutech can assist with a home inspection, safe removal, and support preventative measures ahead of the next bat mating season.
“Untrained individuals should not attempt to get rid of bats on their own,” said Derrick Clay, District Manager of Trutech Wildlife Service in Jacksonville. “Bats can carry diseases, such as rabies, so they should only be handled by trained professionals with the use of proper personal protective equipment. Additionally, bat guano in an attic can spread histoplasmosis, a fungal disease contract through airborne spores. It is best to let the professionals, who have the qualifications, tools, and skill sets to safely and humanely remove bats from the home.”
Will the Bats Come Back?
Once removal is complete it’s time to consider options to guard against bats returning the following Spring. Trutech’s team of wildlife experts also help with the particulars of preventative measures in the home, including sealing all holes big enough for bats to fly through with screens, caulk, or grates.
For residents of Jacksonville looking for assistance on bat removal, Trutech Wildlife Service is available to provide free home inspection services and share their expert opinion on what’s needed to get rid of bats in the attic or other places. Save their number for the free home inspection throughout the end of the year (844) 202-9994.
