At Rodent Solutions, we know much about bats and how to handle them safely. We offer bat exclusion services in Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, and surrounding areas.
You might wonder, “Why are bats protected in Florida?”. Let’s dive into this topic and learn more about these fascinating creatures.
The Importance of Bats
Bats play a big role in our environment. They eat tons of insects, which helps farmers by reducing pests. This means fewer bugs and less need for pesticides. Bats also help with pollination and spreading seeds, which is great for our plants and trees. Without bats, our ecosystem would be off-balance.
Legal Protections for Bats in Florida
Bats are protected by both state and federal laws. These laws exist because many bat species are threatened or endangered. It’s illegal to harm or disturb bats, especially during April 15 through August 15. If you have bats roosting in your home or building, it’s important to call professionals like Rodent Solutions to handle the situation legally and safely.
Common Bat Species in Florida
In Florida, we have several types of bats. Some of the bats that live in Florida include:
- Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat: These bats are fast flyers and often found in large colonies.
- Evening Bat: Smaller and common in urban areas.
- Big Brown Bat: Larger and often found in buildings.
- Florida Bonneted Bat: The largest species of bat in Florida. Only give birth to 1 offspring per breeding season. These bats are rare.
Each species has its own habits and preferred habitats.
What Attracts Bats to Homes and Businesses?
Bats are attracted to places where they can find food, water, and shelter. Here are some common attractions:
- Food: Bats eat insects like mosquitoes and moths. If your area has a lot of bugs, bats will come.
- Shelter: Bats like dark, quiet places to roost. Attics, eaves, and barns are perfect for them.
- Water: Nearby water sources, like ponds or swimming pools, attract bats because they drink water too.
Bat Behavior and Activity Patterns
Bats are most active at dusk and night. They come out to hunt for insects and drink water. In Florida, some bats migrate, while others stay and may hibernate in the winter. Understanding their behavior helps in managing and excluding them from your property.
The Life Cycle of Bats
Bats have interesting life cycles:
- Mating Season: Bats mate in late fall or early winter.
- Gestation: Female bats carry their young for a few months.
- Raising Young: Bats form nursery colonies where mothers raise their pups. Pups are born in spring and grow quickly. A single bat can have up to 5 pups.
How to Safely Exclude Bats from Your Property
Excluding bats from your property must be done carefully and humanely. Here’s how we do it at Rodent Solutions:
- Inspection: We check your property to find where bats are entering.
- Identification: We identify the species and plan the best way to exclude them.
- Exclusion Devices: We use one-way devices that let bats leave but not re-enter.
- Sealing Entry Points: After all bats are out, we seal the entry points to prevent their return.
It’s important to avoid exclusion during the maternity season (April 16th through August 15th) when baby bats can’t fly yet.
The Role of Professional Pest Control Services
DIY bat exclusion can be dangerous and often doesn’t work. Professional services like Rodent Solutions ensure the job is done right. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Expertise: We know how to handle bats safely and legally.
- Legal Compliance: We follow all laws and regulations to protect bats.
- Safety: We ensure your home or business is bat-free and safe.
Conclusion
Understanding “Why are bats protected in Florida?” helps us appreciate these amazing creatures. At Rodent Solutions, we’re here to help you manage bat issues safely and legally.
You may see bats flying around your home, or smell dead bats around your home. If you need bat exclusion services in Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, or nearby areas, contact us today!
Additional Resources
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Pest/Wildlife Control 15 Years
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