The Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) is a small, fast-flying bat known for its long tail that extends beyond its tail membrane — hence the name “free-tailed.” They’re about 4 inches long, with wingspans of up to 11 inches, and weigh less than half an ounce.
Despite their size, they are mighty fliers, reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour — faster than any bird ever recorded. These bats aren’t just fast — they’re also incredibly agile and can climb thousands of feet in the air in search of food.
Texas is the summer home for millions of Mexican free-tailed bats, and San Antonio sits right in the heart of their migration route. Each year, these bats travel from Mexico to Texas to give birth and raise their young in the safety of caves.
The most famous maternity colony in the world is Bracken Cave, located on the northern edge of San Antonio. This single cave hosts more than 20 million bats every summer — the largest known bat colony on Earth.
If you’re not a fan of mosquitoes and crop-eating insects, you should be a big fan of bats.
Mexican free-tailed bats are insect-eating machines, capable of consuming up to two-thirds of their body weight in bugs every single night. That includes harmful agricultural pests like corn earworms and armyworms — making them an essential part of Texas farming and backyard comfort alike.
While bats are protected under Texas law and offer huge benefits to the environment, sometimes they roost in places they shouldn't — like your attic.
If bats find their way into your home, the stakes are high. Their droppings (called guano) can build up quickly, leading to strong odors, respiratory issues, and property damage. Worse yet, improper removal can lead to legal trouble, as bats cannot be harmed or removed during maternity season (typically May through August in Texas).
That’s why it’s critical to call in professionals like Homeland Wildlife & Pest Control. We’re fully licensed and trained to safely and legally handle bat removal and exclusion — keeping both your home and San Antonio’s bats protected.
For more than 13 years, we’ve been San Antonio’s trusted name in wildlife control. We’ve handled everything from raccoons and rats to snakes and skunks — and yes, plenty of bat colonies, too.
We know the laws, we understand bat behavior, and we offer humane, legal, and permanent solutions to keep your attic bat-free. We’re also the only company in the area offering a Lifetime Warranty on our exclusion work — so once we seal it up, you’ll never have to worry again.
Don’t panic — and don’t try to remove them yourself. Call Homeland Wildlife & Pest Control for a free inspection and let our team evaluate the situation with care, experience, and respect for the laws that protect these important creatures.
📞 210-776-6100
🌐 www.homelandwildlife.com
February 13, 2025
.png)
March 19, 2025
May 5, 2025
.png)
May 1, 2025
.png)
May 2, 2025
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
