Bats

Did you know that there is only one mammal that can fly? It's not cute or cuddly. We don't want to pet it, feed it, or domesticate it like we do birds or even squirrels sometimes. It's a creature that has been inspiring fear and revulsion in us for eons—the bat. In truth, bats are not the world's worst animals to have around in certain situations. They are excellent at reducing mosquito populations. A single bat can eat 1,200 mosquitoes in just one hour. They also help pollinate our crops. Over 300 fruits depend on them, including bananas, mangoes, and avocados. As beneficial as they may sometimes be, they are nothing but a frightening and dangerous pest when they invade our homes.

Bats can squeeze through a hole as small as a quarter. They find their way in when looking for a dark, quiet place to roost. Unfortunately, our homes' attics and walls provide the perfect environment where they can get out of the weather. They also appreciate the same living temperatures that humans typically do, neither too warm nor too cold. A cool, dry, cozy attic is just as attractive, and perhaps more so than a drafty, damp cave. Once they've found their ideal place to roost, they habitually return to that same spot throughout their lives—which can be a long time, considering that bats can live as much as 40 years.

There are over 1,300 different bat species known today, at least 13 of which are found in Florida. This includes the Brazilian, Southeastern, Evening, and Seminole Bat, among others. None of these breeds are very big or as scary as the Vampire Bats of South America that feed on blood, but they will bite if they feel threatened, and they do spread vermin and disease. Bats excrete urine and guano wherever they roost and are well-known carriers of rabies and histoplasmosis. You don't have to be bitten to contract histoplasmosis, as that spreads from airborne particles in guano, which may even infiltrate your home's air circulation system.

Bats pose big problems for residents of the Sunshine State. Alarmingly, bat populations have been exploding in the state lately. In October 2020, nearby Lakeland was overrun with thousands of bats; 2,000 had to be removed from a local apartment complex. There are some signs to watch out for that may indicate you have a bat problem. You may see droppings, especially near an entry point. You may notice stains on the walls from their urine or. smell ammonia, which comes from their excrement. Then there is the scratching or squeaking noises coming from the attic or within your walls, or you may see some bats. Even if you only see one, it is not safe to assume it is just a single, lost animal that found its way there by accident, as it is more than likely part of a colony roosting nearby—and possibly right inside your home.

So, what do you do about it? It is dangerous to attempt to handle a bat yourself. For health reasons, you do not want to be bitten or scratched. Also, it is illegal under state law. Florida considers the bat a protected species and has specific rules and regulations regarding how they must be dealt with. Your wisest option is to contact a professional pest control company for assistance.

In North Port, Florida, and the surrounding areas, the most experienced pest control expert when it comes to dealing with bats is Over-A-Cheever Pest Control. We are not just a run-of-the-mill "chain" exterminator; we are an affordable, caring member of your local community and well versed in the exact types of bat issues we are all facing right now. We'll know exactly how to take care of your bat problem, and we'll have them gone in no time. Please give us a call today.