Bat problem makes Winter Garden residents afraid to leave home

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — A Winter Garden condo complex is under siege by bats.

The problem at Windtree Condos has gotten so bad some residents have left and others said they're afraid to leave their homes when the sun goes down.

Residents said they've been dealing with the bats for months. They said the bats are in the roof tiles of at least three buildings and are wreaking havoc in the neighborhood.

"I can't take it anymore. I've lived here for so long," said resident Jackie Andresen.

Bat droppings are all over the sidewalk and the A/C units and residents said sometimes they have to use an umbrella just to get into their building.

Residents said they've been complaining for the last seven months.

"I went to the president of the HOA and he said, 'It's not my problem,'" Andresen said.

Management told WFTV reporter Renee Stoll they installed a sound machine that deters bats a month ago.

After Stoll's calls, the health department sent an inspector, who is requiring management contact a bat removal service immediately and clean up the droppings. But residents said they are still weary.

"I just don't have a whole lot of faith that we're going to get help," said Andresen.

Management told Stoll they hired a bat service that was scheduled to come out to the complex Wednesday.

WFTV