Bat Removal Services for Businesses Begin August 15—Here’s Why It Matters

 

Avoid Damage, Disease & Downtime with Professional Bat Exclusion

Florida is home to a wide variety of bat species—13 native and up to 20 total identified throughout the state. While these creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem, they can create serious problems for commercial properties when they roost where they shouldn’t.

August 15 marks the beginning of Florida’s annual bat exclusion season—the first date when it becomes legally permissible to safely remove bats from buildings after maternity season ends. For business owners, this is a crucial time to act and protect your property, staff, and customers from the hidden risks of a bat infestation.

Why Bats Are a Threat to Commercial Buildings

Bats often seek refuge in quiet, dark, and elevated spaces—making commercial properties with attics, overhangs, signage, and rooftop structures particularly vulnerable. They can squeeze through tiny openings (as small as ⅜ of an inch!) to roost inside walls, ceilings, and storage areas.

The longer they remain, the more costly the damage:

• Structural Harm: Accumulated guano (bat droppings) is highly corrosive and can degrade wood, drywall, insulation, and HVAC systems.
• Lingering Odors & Contamination: Guano and urine leave behind a strong, unpleasant odor and can attract other pests like cockroaches and flies.
• Health Hazards: Bats are known carriers of diseases, and the risks go far beyond rabies.

The Hidden Health Risks: What Every Business Should Know

While rabies is the most commonly associated disease, it’s not the only concern. Bat infestations pose serious health threats that can compromise the safety of your commercial space:

Histoplasmosis

This respiratory illness is caused by inhaling fungal spores found in bat guano. It can lead to flu-like symptoms, chronic lung issues, and in severe cases, hospitalization. Commercial buildings—especially those with high foot traffic or poorly ventilated spaces—are at elevated risk if guano accumulates.

Rabies

Though rare, bats are the leading source of rabies transmissions to humans in the U.S. A single bite or scratch from an infected bat can result in serious illness if not treated immediately.

Parasites and Secondary Pests

Bat colonies often bring along mites, ticks, and bat bugs—similar to bed bugs—which can spread throughout a building and become difficult to control.

These risks aren’t just health issues—they can lead to operational shutdowns, liability claims, and reputational damage if left unaddressed.

Legal Protection for Bats—And Why Timing Matters

Under Florida Administrative Code 68A-4.001, bats are a protected species. From April 16 to August 14, it’s illegal to exclude them due to maternity season. During this time, baby bats (pups) are unable to fly, and removing adults would leave them to die, which would violate state law.

That’s why August 15 is a critical date. Now that exclusion is permitted again, businesses can legally and ethically begin the process of removing bats and sealing off entry points to prevent re-entry.

Turner Pest Control: Your Partner in Commercial Bat Exclusion

Our licensed wildlife control experts specialize in humane and effective bat exclusion services designed to keep your business safe and compliant. We don’t just remove bats—we prevent them from coming back:

• Thorough inspections to identify entry points and roosting areas
• Safe, one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to leave but not return
• Professional sealing of all potential access points
• Full cleanup and decontamination services to address guano, odors, and contamination risks
• Compliance with all state and federal wildlife protection laws

Whether you manage a warehouse, school, healthcare facility, office building, or multi-unit complex, we customize every bat exclusion plan to suit your property’s structure, industry, and needs.

Don’t Let Bats Disrupt Your Business—Take Action Now

What starts as a few bats in the attic can quickly become a costly and hazardous infestation. By acting during exclusion season, you can resolve the problem legally, safely, and permanently.

Schedule your inspection today

Call 904-355-5300 or click HERE to request a consultation.

Let Turner Pest Control help you stay protected, compliant, and bat-free this season.