The animals simply move into sound shadows to avoid the sound. In Florida, these and all other bats are classified as native nongame wildlife by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and are protected by law. Poisoning a bat colony exposes people, especially children, and pets to large numbers of dead and dying bats, thus increasing the chance of someone being bitten by picking up a sick animal. Exclusion is the only recommended permanent solution to an unwanted bat colony in a building and does not require a nuisance animal permit. A nuisance wildlife permit is required to capture or kill any bats.
Naphthalene repellents are the only registered materials for bat management in Florida.
However, use of this substance is not a permanent solution. Naphthalene evaporates and as soon as this occurs, the bats will return unless roost openings have been sealed. There is also the odor and expense of placing several pounds of naphthalene in a building where people live. If people are sensitive to the odor of moth balls, avoid using naphthalene. If naphthalene is used to repel bats from a structure, a nuisance animal permit is recommended to protect the user legally in the event that bats are accidently killed.