With Florida’s annual bat maternity season set to begin in just over a month, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding homeowners and property owners to inspect buildings for roosting bats and take preventive action before it’s too late.
Florida is home to 13 native bat species, many of which seek shelter in human-made structures like homes, attics, and other buildings when natural roosts such as trees or caves are unavailable. The maternity season, when female bats give birth and raise their young, runs each year from April 16 through August 14.
During this period, it is illegal to kill, harm, or exclude bats from structures without a special permit. Blocking access to roosts can trap flightless pups inside buildings, leading to serious issues for both the bats and residents. The FWC stresses that April 15 is the final day to legally exclude bats from a home or building without a permit.
To safely and legally remove bats outside the maternity season, property owners must:
- Conduct a thorough inspection to confirm no bats are present.
- Install exclusion devices on key exit points—these one-way tools allow bats to leave but prevent re-entry.
- Leave devices in place for at least four consecutive nights.
- Ensure overnight temperatures are forecasted at 50°F or above.
The FWC has developed specific exclusion guidelines to ensure humane and effective removal when conditions allow.
Bats deliver significant benefits to Florida’s ecosystems and economy. All of the state’s native species are insectivores, with a single bat capable of consuming hundreds of insects—including mosquitoes and agricultural pests—each night. This natural pest control saves farmers billions of dollars annually worldwide. Bats also serve as pollinators and seed dispersers in some cases, and their guano provides a valuable natural fertilizer.
Among Florida’s bats are endangered species, such as the Florida bonneted bat, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts.
The FWC encourages residents to help protect bats by:
- Preserving natural roost sites, including trees with cavities or peeling bark.
- Leaving dead fronds on palm trees as potential roosting spots.
- Planting native vegetation in landscapes to support pollinators and indirectly benefit bats.
- Installing bat houses on properties.
- Avoiding the introduction of equipment, clothing, or shoes from out-of-state caves into Florida’s caves to prevent the spread of diseases like white-nose syndrome.
- Reporting unusual bat behavior, sick, or dead bats at MyFWC.com/BatMortality.
For detailed guidance on excluding bats, bat-proofing homes, or other assistance, visit MyFWC.com/Bats or contact your nearest FWC Regional Office to speak with a wildlife assistance biologist.
By planning ahead this spring, Floridians can resolve potential conflicts humanely while supporting these vital and protected animals.
