If you’ve noticed bats flying around your roofline at dusk, strange noises in your attic, or dark staining around gaps in your soffits — you may have a bat colony living in your home. As a pest control professional with over 20 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of Florida homeowners deal with bat problems safely, legally, and for good. Here’s everything you need to know about Florida bat control.

Why Bat Control in Florida is Different

Florida is home to 13 species of bats, and all of them are protected under Florida state law. That means you cannot simply trap or kill bats to get rid of them. The only legal and humane way to remove bats from your home is through a process called exclusion — sealing up entry points and using specialized netting to let bats leave on their own without being able to return.

This is not a DIY job. Done wrong, you could trap bats inside your walls or attic — which creates a much bigger (and smellier) problem. Done right, exclusion permanently solves the issue without harming a single bat.

For more on Florida’s bat protection laws, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Signs You Have Bats In Your Home

Many homeowners don’t realize they have bats until the problem has been going on for a while. Here are the most common signs to look for:

– Bats flying around your roofline at dusk or dawn

– Dark, greasy staining around gaps, cracks, or vents on your home’s exterior

– A strong ammonia smell coming from your attic

– Guano (bat droppings) on your porch, driveway, or inside your attic

– Scratching or rustling sounds from the attic, especially at night

– Seeing a bat inside your living space

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to call a professional for a Florida bat control inspection.

Our Florida Bat Control Process — Step By Step

At Prodigy Pest Control, we follow a proven, humane process that’s fully compliant with Florida law. Here’s exactly what to expect when you hire us.

Step 1: Free property inspection

We start with a thorough, no-cost inspection of your home. Our technician will inspect your roof, attic, and the full perimeter of your home to locate every possible bat entry point. We photograph all entry points and any signs of bat activity — things like guano buildup, staining, or worn edges where bats are squeezing through.

Step 2: Quote and photo report

After the inspection, we give you a clear, upfront quote. We also email you all the photos we took so you can see exactly what we found. No surprises, no hidden fees.

Step 3: Sealing secondary entry points

Once you decide to move forward, we seal up all the secondary entry points around your home — every gap, crack, and crevice except for the main entry point the bats are using most. We use professional-grade materials that hold up against Florida’s heat, humidity, and rainfall.

Step 4: Installing bat exclusion netting

Over the main entry point, we install a specialized bat exclusion net. This net is designed to let bats fly out — but not fly back in. It’s a one-way door for bats. Once they leave at night to feed, they simply can’t return. This is the most important part of the Florida bat control process, and it has to be done correctly to work.

Step 5: Return visit and final seal

We leave the exclusion netting in place for about one week to make sure all the bats have had time to exit. Then we come back out, remove the netting, and permanently seal that final entry point. Your bat problem is officially resolved.

What About Bat Mating Season in Florida?

IMPORTANT: Florida bat maternity season runs April 15 through August 14.

During this time, female bats give birth to their pups, and the young bats are flightless for several weeks. Florida law prohibits the use of exclusion netting during maternity season because it would trap the pups inside with no way out.

If you call us during bat mating season, here’s what we can still do:

– Perform a full free inspection and document all entry points

– Seal all secondary entry points so bats can’t spread further into the home

– Give you a full quote and plan for the work ahead

– Schedule a return visit after August 14th to install the bat netting and complete the exclusion

We know it’s frustrating to wait, but this protects you legally and ensures the job is done right. The good news is we can handle a big part of the work right away, and we’ll be back to finish the job as soon as the season lifts.

For more information on bat safety, visit the CDC’s bat safety resources.

WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL FOR FLORIDA BAT CONTROL?

Bats are legally protected

As mentioned earlier, all Florida bat species are protected by state law. Attempting to trap, poison, or kill bats is illegal and can result in serious fines. Professional bat exclusion is the only legal removal method.

Guano is a health hazard

Bat droppings (guano) can harbor a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum, which causes a respiratory illness called histoplasmosis when spores are disturbed and inhaled. A professional knows how to safely assess and address bat guano in your attic.

Improper sealing makes things worse

If you seal entry points without proper exclusion netting, bats trapped inside will look for new ways out — including through gaps into your living space. A licensed professional makes sure every step is done in the right order to avoid this.

Permanent results

Our professional-grade sealing materials are built to last. Once we’re done, bats cannot find a way back in.

Frequently Asked Questions About Floridda Bat Control

How much does bat removal cost in Florida?

The cost depends on the size of your home and the number of entry points. That’s why we offer a free inspection first — so you get an accurate quote before committing to anything. Contact us to schedule your free inspection.

How long does bat exclusion take?

The process takes about 7-10 days from start to finish. The first visit covers the inspection and sealing, and we return about a week after installing the netting to remove it and seal the final entry point.

Will bats come back after exclusion?

Not if the job is done correctly. When all entry points are properly sealed with professional materials, bats have no way back in. We stand behind our work.

What if I find a bat inside my house?

Don’t handle it with your bare hands. Open a window or exterior door to let it find its way out if possible. If you can’t get it out safely, call us. A bat inside your living space may also indicate a larger colony in your attic. Learn more on our bat control services page: https://prodigypest.com/bat-control

Ready to get rid of bats for good?

Prodigy Pest Control offers free bat inspections throughout Florida. We’ll find every entry point, show you exactly what we found, and give you a no-obligation quote. Schedule your free inspection at: https://prodigypest.com/get-quote/