The active bat season in Georgia and Florida is longer than most other places in the U.S., thanks to the humid weather, older housing stock, and dense insect population. Throughout the Southeast, it is very common to find bats roosting in attics, barns, garages, and many other dark places. If you are dealing with a bat problem, it is important to know how you can deal with it effectively and legally.
Here’s how to remove pest bats from your property and how to keep them out for good.
Key Takeaways
- All bat species in Florida and Georgia are protected by state law, and Florida has one of the strictest exclusion regulations in the nation.
- Most infestations in the region begin at unscreened roof vents, brickwork gaps, or pre-1990s homes with loose soffits.
- Because storms and humidity degrade roofing and soffits faster in this region, annual inspection is critical.
Why Bat Problems Are Common in the Southeast
For home and business owners in Florida and Georgia, bat problems are not an unusual thing. Many things about the region make it easy for bats to thrive, including long active seasons, storm damage to aging structures, and an ample food supply.
Here are some of the main reasons that bats are such a problem in the Southeast.
- Longer Active Seasons: In most of Florida and large parts of southern Georgia, the mild winters make it easy for bats to remain active throughout the year.
- Older Building Stock: In many cities across the southwest, like Savannah, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Tampa, it is more common to see roofing gaps and storm damage on homes and businesses because of the older building stock within those cities. These structural vulnerabilities often create entry points for wildlife, making services like bat removal in Atlanta especially important for preventing infestations.
- More Insect Hotspots: Florida and Georgia also have large numbers of mosquitoes, beetles, moths, and many other types of insects that bats like to eat. Bats are also attracted to water features, which are very common across the Southeast.
- Strict Breeding Season Regulations: Both states have strict guidelines and regulations that restrict bat exclusions and removal during their breeding season. In Florida, the dates range from April 16th to August 14, while in Georgia there is a similar rule that goes from May to mid-August. Because of these seasonal restrictions, it’s important to plan bat removal in Florida outside of these dates to stay compliant with state wildlife laws and avoid harming protected species.
Common Bat Species in Florida & Georgia
Florida and Georgia are home to a large number of that species. Each type of bat has specific characteristics that you can use to your advantage while developing a bat removal strategy. Some bats like to roost in barns, while others prefer trees. There are also bats that thrive in urban homes.
Here is where you can expect to find each of the most common types of bats found throughout Georgia and Florida.
Most Common Bats in Florida and Georgia
| Species | What They Look Like | Where You’re Likely to Find Them |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Dark brown with a long tail that extends past the membrane | Common in attics, barns, stadium rafters, and behind hurricane shutters. Cities across both states often host large colonies of this species. |
| Big Brown Bat | Large, dark brown body with broad wings | Frequently found in chimneys, wall voids, attic rafters, and under eaves. Common across rural and suburban areas. |
| Evening Bat | Small body with short rounded ears | Roosts in roof seams, soffits, tree hollows, and clusters of Spanish moss in neighborhoods. |
| Southeastern Myotis | Tiny and pale brown with delicate features | It typically inhabits areas near swamps and rivers, frequently nestling in hollow cypress trees or beneath bridges. It is rarely found far from water. |
| Northern Yellow Bat | Bright yellow to grayish brown | The Northern Yellow Bat thrives in dense Spanish moss or palm fronds, particularly in coastal and central Florida. |
| Eastern Red Bat | Reddish orange with white patches on the shoulders | Hides in leafy tree canopies, usually mistaken for curled leaves. It is often found in wooded or landscaped areas. |
| Seminole Bat | Deep mahogany red with white-tipped fur | Favors tree foliage in pine and oak forests, especially in northern and central Florida. |
| Tricolored Bat | Small with yellow-brown fur and pink forearms | Found in caves, hollow trees, and abandoned buildings. May also roost in attics. Common in Georgia and North Florida. |
| Hoary Bat | Large with frosted gray fur | The Hoary Bat typically roosts high in tree canopies. They are migratory and tend to be more visible in the spring and fall. |
| Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat | Medium size with very large ears and grayish-brown fur | Old barns, swamp trees, and other quiet spaces serve as their roosts. The species exhibits a preference for wooded and wet areas, particularly in Georgia and northern Florida. |
| Florida Bonneted Bat | One of the largest species, dark fur and wide rounded ears | Critically endangered. It can only be found in southern Florida, specifically around Miami and the Everglades. They establish their nests in the cavities of buildings or trees. Do not disturb. |
The Big Brown Bat and the Brazilian (or Mexican) Free-tailed Bat are the most common bats in Georgia, often spotted roosting in attics, barns, and other sheltered structures. In Florida, the most common bat species include the Brazilian Free-tailed Bat, the Evening Bat, and the Big Brown Bat, all of which play a vital role in controlling insect populations.
Signs of a Bat Infestation
Many people have bats living around their home or business and don’t even realize it.
It’s only when guano begins to build up or when you start hearing scratching sounds coming from the attic at dusk that you realize what kind of problem you are dealing with. The longer an infestation goes unnoticed, the more destructive it becomes, so it’s a good idea to manage it as soon as you can.
Seeing the animals flying around your property at dusk is a pretty clear sign that there is an infestation nearby, but it doesn’t mean that the bats are roosting on your property. To confirm that you have a bat infestation, there are a few other signs to look out for.
- Noises: Bat colonies make quite a bit of noise, but they are not especially loud. Each bat only makes faint noises, but when colonies become large, the combined effect is noticeable. Listen for ‘colony chatter’ during the late evening hours, as well as rustling, scratching, and fluttering in roosting areas.
- Bat Grease: Bat grease is a dark, greasy residue left behind by bats. It is a mixture of urine, bodily fluids, and droppings, and it can build up over time. If you see dark stains near roosting or nesting sites, it is likely that the bats have lived in the same area for quite a while. As is the case with guano, bat grease carries the risk of histoplasmosis spread, so any attempts at cleanup should be handled safely.
- Guano: Guano buildup is a telltale sign that bats are present in large numbers or that the bats living on your property have been there for a considerable amount of time. You will most often see guano piles below ridges or gable vents, and if a significant buildup is present, you may also smell a strong ammonia-like odor. It is always advisable to handle any guano dust with care, as it can cause a dangerous fungal infection due to histoplasmosis.
How to Get Rid of Bats Fast: Step-by-Step
When it comes to getting rid of bats fast, it’s important to remember that any removal strategies should be done legally and humanely. In Florida and Georgia, your timing and techniques play a big role in your ability to successfully remove them without unnecessary complication.
To achieve the best results and to stay compliant with local wildlife protection laws, use the following steps for your bat removal strategy.
Step 1: Observation and Assessment
The first step is to observe bat behavior during dusk and dawn. It’s important to do this for several days in order to identify and locate all of the entry and exit points the bats are using. In spring and summer, it is somewhat easier to observe their behavior because they often leave their nests before sunset.
Sometimes, even with careful observation, it can be difficult to determine just how severe an infestation is. If you’re having trouble assessing the situation on your own, it may be a good idea to incorporate the help of a wildlife removal professional. Experts not only have a wealth of industry knowledge, but they also use specialized equipment like thermal imaging to quickly identify colonies in hard-to-reach areas.
Step 2: Timing and Legal Compliance
The next step is to consider the time of year you are planning to remove the bats from your property. While it may not seem like a step in a removal process, it is very important to time your strategy in a way that doesn’t create conflict with wildlife protection laws.
In Florida, you are not allowed to install exclusion devices from April 16 to August 14. This period is known as the maternity season, and most of the bats in the state are protected. Any exclusion strategies that you wish to implement in Florida must be done between August 15th and April 15th. In Georgia, you should avoid exclusion strategies from May to mid-August.
While we are on the subject of compliance, it is also illegal to capture or relocate bats on your own. If you’re unsure about how to handle the situation, you should call a pest control company that is licensed to provide wildlife removal services.
Step 3: Exclusion Device Installation
The best way to remove bats from your property is to install exclusion devices. There are a few different types to choose from, but they all work in a similar way. Exclusion devices are either valves or tubes that are placed over main exit points. Bats can leave at any time but they cannot come back in.
These devices must be installed when lows are still above 50°F, and you should plan to keep them installed for up to a week. If there is extreme weather or excessive rain, remember to check the devices regularly to make sure they are still working as planned.
When you are sure that all the bats have vacated and no pups are left inside, it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 4: Seal Entry Points
To prevent reinfestation, it is crucial to seal off entry points. Using weatherproof caulk to seal gaps, cracks, and holes is a good place to start. Bats can squeeze through an opening as small as ⅜ of an inch, so use care when deciding what to seal up.
Some other helpful devices and methods include expandable foam, vent covers, chimney caps, hardware cloth, and steel mesh. The specific needs of your property and your unique situation should inform any decision you make about strategies and materials. When done properly, any of the methods we’ve mentioned here can ensure that the bats never come back.
Step 5: Cleanup and Safety
The final step is cleanup and safety. As we have already mentioned, guano comes with some risks, with the most common being histoplasmosis. Always use an N95-style mask or a HEPA respirator when removing guano.
To remove it, a vacuum can be helpful, but you’ll also want to use enzymatic cleaners. Anything that cannot be readily cleaned (like insulation) should be removed and replaced to minimize health risks. Once the initial cleanup is complete, disinfect all of the affected areas.
Final Thoughts
Bat control in Florida and Georgia can be complex, but the methods used are relatively straightforward. Once you find the source of the problem and develop a strategy to remove the bats on your property, just follow the plan and trust the process. Bat removal using exclusion devices is a time-tested method that works very well. Just be sure that you are applying the strategy with an integrated pest management approach in mind.
To get immediate, expert help with your bat problem, contact us here at Nextgen Pest Solutions and we will schedule a free inspection of your property, so you don’t have to.
FAQs
Can you kill bats in Georgia?
Bats are protected in Georgia. It is illegal to kill bats or disturb female colonies during the breeding season, which runs from May 1 to August 15. The recommended way to remove bats from a building is by safely excluding them.
Are bats in Georgia dangerous?
Bats in Georgia are generally harmless and play an important role in the environment. However, they can pose health risks if handled or if they roost inside homes, mainly because of the possibility of rabies and the dangers linked to their droppings. It’s best to avoid contact with bats and call a professional if you discover them in or near your home.
How do you get rid of bats in Florida?
Find where bats are entering your home and wait until after breeding season. Then, seal all entry points except one and install a one-way exit device so bats can leave but not come back. It’s best to hire a professional for safe and legal removal.
Which scents do bats dislike?
Try using scents that repel bats, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, or mothballs, around your home. Bats dislike these odors and may avoid returning if you apply them. Also, use your sound machine regularly to help keep bats away.
