Bats

There are 18 different kinds of bats in Florida. Bats fly at night, and use echolocation (Bat Radar) to avoid objects and find food. Bats provide a very useful function by eating up to 500 insects an hour.

Bats are often colonial and may move into abandoned or seldom used buildings. Excluding bats from their roost sites with a one-way valve is an effective solution. Exclusion is inadvisable between April and August because flightless young bats may be trapped inside and die.

People can help protect bats by avoiding maternity caves or caves where bats are hibernating. Never shoot, poison, or otherwise harm bats. Bats are very delicate creatures and are easily harmed if handled. Bats are so effective at controlling insects that some people attempt to attract bats with bat houses. Information on bat houses can be obtained from Bat Conservation International