The Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) is Florida's most common bat particularly in the Tampa Bay Area and is one of the species most likely to be encountered around buildings.

 

Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat in Florida

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• Scientific name: Tadarida brasiliensis

• Also called: Mexican free-tailed bat

• Range: Found throughout Florida except the Florida Keys.

• Size: About 3.5 inches long with an approximately 12-inch wingspan; typically weighs 7–12 grams.

• Color: Dark brown to gray-brown.

• Distinctive feature: The tail extends noticeably beyond the membrane between the hind legs—hence "free-tailed."

• Ears: Large, rounded ears that are not joined together at the base.

• Odor: Large colonies can produce a noticeable musky odor.

 

This particular bat are unusual compared with many other Florida bats because they commonly use man-made structures for daytime roosting. They can be found in:

• Attics

• Roof spaces

• Sheds

• Under barrel roof tiles

• Bridges and highway overpasses

• Stadiums and other large structures

• Bat houses

 

Colonies can be very large—hundreds, thousands, and sometimes tens or hundreds of thousands of bats.

 

Evidence that you may have bats roosting inside your home:

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1. Bats emerging around dusk
They generally leave the roost shortly before sunset to feed on insects.

2. Guano beneath an entry point
Accumulated droppings around a soffit, roofline, attic opening, or other access point can indicate a roost.

3. Dark staining around openings
Repeated movement through a small opening can leave staining around the entry/exit location.

4. A strong musky odor
This can be particularly noticeable with a large colony.

They are beneficial animals

 

Brazilian free-tailed bats are insect eaters, consuming moths, beetles, flies, true bugs, wasps, ants and other insects. They can therefore provide significant natural insect control.

 

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The biggest issue isn't killing or trapping the bats—Florida protects bats, and removal from a structure has to be done through proper exclusion.

Florida's bat maternity season is April 16 through August 14. During this period, exclusion of bats from buildings is generally prohibited because flightless pups may be left inside. Legal exclusion is generally conducted August 15 through April 15 using methods that allow bats to leave but prevent them from returning.

 

Also, poisoning, fumigation, harassment with toxic substances, and relocating bats are not appropriate methods for dealing with a colony.

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Our bat exclusion service includes finding the entry points where bats are entering the structure. Once the entrance is found we place a "one-way valve", this special valve allows bats to exit the opening but restrict them from reentering. Inspection of the entire home for other potential openings is crucial as you do not want them to find new openings to enter thereafter. Once all openings are sealed and the valve has been installed for a few days to be sure all bats have exited we return with a special camera to view the roosting area. Once we are certain all bats have safely been removed we remove the one-way valve and seal the final opening.

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If the bat colony was large enough to produce a large amount of guano or urine odor we recommend our sanititation service to the attic to kill any potential bacteria or odor.