Did you know bats cannot take off from the ground? They rely on gravity to build speed before flapping their wings to generate lift and thrust. That’s why they hang upside down! It’s the easiest way to take flight.
That’s why bats prefer to roost in attics or under roofs. But it’s even better if they can find something higher.
Bats in the Top of a Condo Building
The property manager noticed bats flying around the top of the building consistently this summer. During a maintenance check, they found evidence of bats.
This location had a combination of ideal factors that attracted bats.
- Bats prefer sheltered, dark spaces to roost.
- Bats need a high spot to drop from to start flying.
- Bats feed over bodies of water, around buildings, or around lights (this building had all three).
Signs of Bat Problems
The most common sign of a bat infestation is the accumulation of guano. Bats typically defecate under their roosting spot and usually do it before taking off. The other most common sign is seeing the bats flying in and out of your property and hearing the tiny squeaks.
This bat inspection uncovered a rarer sign. The tracks of the bats in the dust indicate that they crawled around this space to get in and out of the building.
How Did the Bats Get Inside
Clay roof tiles are standard in Southwest Florida. They’re more durable than asphalt shingles, especially in high winds. Bats only need a 3/8ths-of-an-inch gap to squeeze through, which is the same size as a dime. Clay shingles will have gaps for water drainage and ventilation, typically at ridges. Bats can find the tiny gaps where the shingles overlap and get inside. A little bit of hardware cloth and caulk can protect your building from bats. The tricky part is finding them.
Bat Problems in Southwest Florida
Bat Problems During the Summer in Florida
Bats prefer sheltered, dark spaces to roost. During the summer, breeding females need temperatures between 86-104°F. Attic spaces in Southwest Florida provide the ideal conditions for maternity colonies.
Bats in the Winter in Florida
Bats in Florida become less active during the winter, not only because of the colder temperatures but also because of the lack of food. Florida bats are insectivores, and there are fewer bugs flying around from December to April or May.
Commercial Bat Control
The Trutech team in Southwest Florida solved this bat infestation with a bat valve. Bats can exit the building harmlessly, but it prevents their re-entry. We made sure there were no pups in the space. From May to August, pups usually aren’t strong enough to fly independently. If you seal a building with flightless pups inside, they’ll be abandoned and starve. Once the bats were gone, we removed the valve and sealed the hole.