If you live in Central Florida, it is crucial to check your attic for bats during the winter months. Unlike other regions, the bats in Central Florida are less likely to go into hibernation due to the warm climate. However, during the cooler months they do look for cozy places such as attics to roost. If it seems like there is any sign of bat presence in your house or attic, reaching out to a professional bat control service would be beneficial.

Understanding Bat Behavior in Central Florida

All over Florida, there are numerous species of bats that are common due to the favorable weather. Bats primarily feed on bugs such as mosquitoes and moths which makes them helpful for insect control. Many Floridians believe that bats go into hibernation like their counterparts in the North do, but the truth is, bats thrive in the warm Florida weather. The absence of cold temperatures and an abundance of insects makes it easier for bats to stay active throughout the year.

Due to the weather in Florida, bats don’t go into hibernation. Instead, they are active throughout the whole year but during colder months, bats tend to enter a state called torpor. Torpor is when an animal reduces its activity and metabolic process. It is a great way for the body to conserve energy and bat’s heart rate slows down which allows the body to use less energy. Attics provide the perfect cozy area for bats to roost.

Signs of a Bat Infestation in Your Attic

Checking for signs of bat activity in your attic will help reduce health risks and damage to your property. Take note of the following tips:

1. Droppings (Guano)

The feces of bats, known as guano, are typically small dark and dry pebbled-shaped pellets, that easily break apart and are often found near the entrances or below their roosting spots. Once bats enter a space, they typically create a mess that can be costly to repair. Guano can amass in large quantities over time, resulting in messes that can damage insulation and flooring. These droppings may also contain harmful fungal spores that, when airborne, can pose a significant health risk to humans and pets. If accumulated guano is spotted, it usually indicates an extensive bat infestation, and it is best to call a professional bat control service.

2. Noises

Bat activity can be identified by high pitched squeaking or scratching noises, especially during dawn and dusk. These sounds are very common when bats either leave or return to their roost, and if there is a colony present, they can be heard while the bats reposition themselves. Bats are known to be slightly noisier when their colonies are larger, so if you are in a house/building where there is a bat infestation, it may be quite persistent. If there is constant noise coming from your attic, then it would be best to get bat exclusion services.

3. Stains and Odors

If you can identify a strong aroma mingling with oily stains around the entry points and an ammonia-like smell, it suggests a higher possibility of the presence of bat(s). These oil stains develop from the physical exertion that bats undergo while squeezing through tight areas while the ammonia smell dominates from the accumulated guano and urine in the surrounding living space. These stains, if not dealt with properly, can leave a permanent mark on the wall and overpower the area with an unbearable scent. But rest assured, the wildlife removal specialists will handle it during the clean up.

4. Presence of Bats

If you witness bats flying around your house at dusk, there’s a big chance they may be roosting in close proximity. Consumed activity around the roofline or the attic vents is an increased indicator of a bat infestation. A sign of concern is when bats continuously leave the same area and come back. It means there’s an established roost which needs to be taken care of on an urgent basis. Such circumstance can be dealt with through professional bat removal services.

If caught at an earlier stage, the problem could easily be contained and, in essence, never amount to the concern of a full scale infestation. Take action as soon as the problem has been pinpoint arise to curb the risk that could be emitted from the bats.

Dangers of a Bat Infestation

While an animal like bats is useful to the environment, its presence at places it should not be is incredibly risky. Here are some problems that can occur upon an animal like bat infesting your home:

1. Health Hazards

Bat excrements, also known as guano, contain spores of a fungus that can cause a severe lung disease such as histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis causes cough, fever, and chest pain among other respiratory problems. Histoplasmosis is not the only risk posed by bats, as rabies which is even more dangerous can be present within bats as well. Rabies can be transferred through a bite or scratch, making it hard for a person to handle an infested bat without protection. A professional would be able to provide solutions with minimal exposure to risk. Employing a professional wildlife removal service will ensure safety while managing the issue.

2. Structural Damage

Within a short time frame, the bat infestation within a home can cause structural damage and weaken the entire building. The presence of bat guano can corrode wood, drywall, and even insulation causing expenses to mount and leading to costly repairs. Not only this, but deterioration could lower the premise’s worth if the damage is not treated in time. Bat control services can offer repairs to prevent damage from mounting further.

3. Strong Odors

A foul smell arises when bats infest a dwelling; this foul smell can spread into the living quarters and impact the air quality of the household. Such smells are indeed pungent, and they may also lure other unwanted animals such as insects that depend on guano for survival. These living conditions can persistently make family members and guests very uncomfortable and unwelcome in the premises. The ultra high quality level of living can be brought back by a wildlife removal expert service’s deodorizing services.

4. Parasites

Bats can introduce a home to parasites such as, but not limited to, fleas and mites; if unchecked, these annoying parasites can replicate in huge numbers and deem a threat to both the human occupiers and pets. There is no denying the fact that these pests can outlive the bats and cause utter worry for cleanliness and pest control. Certain species of these pests can even bite and cause skin rashes and other forms of irritation. Secondary Issues, however these can be managed easily by pest control for wildlife.

The dangers associated with bat infestations clearly delineate that measures should be taken as soon as a bat infestation is discovered. The next step is deciding on which method will allow for the safe and effective removal of the bats.

Why You Should Call Professionals

Trying to oust bats from your house all by yourself can often be dangerous and illegal. Hiring a professional bat removal service is necessary because of the following factors:

1. Legal Compliance

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulates laws that protects and bans the killing of many species of bats. Experts are trained to operate under these legal restrictions. There are also rules against removing bats in a certain period from April 15th to August 15th known as maternity season. Attempts to do so will result in fines and penalties. Professionals help design a plan for removal without running afoul of these restrictions. Wildlife professionals know the ins and outs of these laws and help come up with legal solutions which are not cruel to the animals.

2. Humane Exclusion Techniques

Professionals use humane exclusion techniques which allow bats to exit a house without undergoing any kind of physical harm. Once the bats have left a house, these methods ensure that bats do not reenter. No baby bats are left behind which could be even more disastrous. Bats know no borders and the methods help keep them safe. Bat exclusion devices and seals are postulated with and at entry points while having a one way release for the bats. Bat exclusion services are all about protecting the beauty of your home and the bats.

3. Comprehensive Cleanup and Repairs

Cleaning of guano, disinfection, and filling the entry holes to avoid re-infestation are included in the comprehensive services. This is done to mitigate the health dangers posed and to put the attic back in shape. Removal efforts combined with replacement of the old insulation, adds to energy conservation. These measures are put in place to secure a level of protection that will prevent any future infestation.

4. Expertise and Experience

Qualified personnel complete the task properly because they have the necessary equipment, knowledge, and best practices to manage bats, taking into account the well being of the animal and the structure. Their work experience ensures that an infestation has been dealt with in a thorough manner without causing any further damages or neglecting to close the holes. They should also be able to find any loopholes or weaknesses in your house that could be used by the bats after an infestation. There is also a ongoing bat control service with which you can protect your house.

So, by engaging a professional service, you remove the risks posed to your house and wildlife legislation that you have to comply with. By knowing what else needs to be done and what steps to undertake, it can save your time, resources and stress.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Bats in Your Attic

In the event that you suspect there are bats living in your attic, make sure you take the following actions:

Step 1

You need to refrain from taking any actions which can trigger panic among the bats. Trying to disturb a colony will most likely cause some bats to spread out to other areas of the house or amplify some stress-induced behavior. All this may lead to increased activity in the bats where the risk of accidental contact or bites increases. Therefore, wildlife control professionals need to be sought out to avoid these dangers.

Step 2

Check in from afar at dusk or dawn at possible spots the bats are coming in and out of the colony. Bats can be at vents, chimneys and rooflines, and when you see them there, it confirms your suspicion. So, hidden entry points should not be blocked off until the professionals examine it. In addition to observing the entry, proper observation can help find out the colony’s strength. Most bat exclusion techniques start with this.

Step 3

Take the help of professional services of wildlife removal so that an evaluation can be done and action can be taken. Experts can provide infested areas which will assist them in putting a removal strategy into play and counsel on how to avoid the problem in the future. They will also take an assessment which will give prevention tips and repair any damage done by the bats. You can rest assured that your home is in safe hands with the removal experts.

Following these instructions removes bats carefully and permanently. The assistance of professionals not only captures the bats but ensures that bat populations do not come back by removing the welcoming conditions.

Protect Your Home and Family

Bats form a vital component of Florida’s natural balance. However, their invasion into your house can create various problems. These problems can be avoided by routinely checking your attic for bat infestations and nests. The most viable option is to trust experts in bat control to do the job.

Once it is confirmed that there are bats living in your attic space, the next step is to get in touch with Wildout Animal and Pest Removal for the efficient, professional, and humane removal of the bats. Make the call today to prevent further damage and preserve the existence of these important animals.

Contact Us:

Wildout Animal and Pest Removal

Lakeland

863-315-WILD (315-9453)

Orlando

407-465-WILD (465-9453)

Tampa

813-WILDOUT (945-3688)

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