Category Archives: Bat Facts

How to Properly Maintain Bat Houses

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In a previous blog, we discussed tips for adding bat houses to your property as an excellent way to safely support the local bat populations in your community. We talked about procurement and construction, installation and mounting, and much more. However, we have yet to provide tips on how to take good care of your bat houses! Fortunately, now is the perfect time to check on yours to ensure it is in good condition.

To get started, continue reading for some helpful tips on how to maintain a bat house.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

What You Will Need:

If you want to take good care of your bat house, you have to start with the right supplies. Be sure to have thick utility gloves, safety goggles, face mask, flashlight, and a pair of scissors. You may not require all of these supplies, but they are the top-recommended ones to have on hand for bat house maintenance.

What To Do:

Never inspect or tend to a bat house when it is occupied. For this reason, it is best to save your bat house inspections for times when bats are not around, like during dusk or at night when they are out hunting for insects.

To take care of a bat house, you want to inspect it on a routine basis. Once a month during active seasons (February through September) is a good schedule to adhere to in the beginning. When you have been caring for your bat house for a while, you’ll learn its needs more, and can change the frequency at which you tend to it each month. In the winter, you will want to check it only once to ensure there are no broken seams in the construction of the house.

Upon inspection, make sure there are no broken seams that can let sunlight in through the roof. If there are cracks or openings, they will need to be repaired. Sunlight can disturb sleeping bats, and cause them a lot of stress. Roofing paper and roof repair sealant are best for such repairs. Be sure the screens, baffles, and interior partitions are intact too.

Also be sure to check for and remove wasp nests at the top of the bat house. They will be gray, honeycomb structures. Although wasps are not a problem for bats, the nests can get too big and disturb their comfort and ability to use the house.

If you see conical nests, these are likely hornets and yellow jackets. As aggressive insects, you will need to remove these nests and implement a preventive treatment to stop them from coming back. Do not use a chemical pesticide that can be poisonous to bats.

If you notice bats sticking out of the bottom of the house throughout the year, it could be due to overcrowding. In this case, you know it is time to add another bat house to your collection.

How to Deal With Nuisance Bat Problems

Sometimes bats can be a nuisance, even though they don’t mean to be. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about our services, prices, and more. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

How Many Bats are Endangered?

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Bats are wonderful contributors to our surrounding Eco-systems, and even our very own local economies. For this reason, it is a sad truth that bats are not as safe as we wish them to be on this planet. There are several dangers that threaten various bat species all across the world, some of which are caused by mankind, and others that are virtually out of our control.

Continue reading to learn more about the endangered and threatened bat species around the world, and what you can do to support local bat populations in your town.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Endangered Indiana Bat

Threatened Bats

Threatened bats are not technically endangered, but still at risk. “Threatened” means that the bat population numbers are at a steady decline, putting the species closer to being listed as endangered. You see, bats typically give birth to only 1 pup, per year, so population growth rates are slower than most other flying species. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently 104 threatened bat species around the world.

Endangered Bats

Endangered bats are those that have reached seriously low population numbers and at risk of extinction. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently 53 endangered bat species around the globe. Some species of bat listed as endangered include the Giant golden-crowned flying fox, Greater long-nosed bat, Indiana bat, Livingstone’s fruit bat, Gray bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, Lesser long-nosed bat, Northern long-eared Myotis, and our very own Virginia Big-Eared bat.

Critically Endangered Bats

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently 24 bat species listed as “Critically Endangered.” Critically endangered bats are at risk of imminent, or forthcoming, extinction. It is similar to being listed as a terminally ill patient at a hospital. Although there is hope for a comeback, history tells us that extinction will be close, at some point in time. See our blog, “Federally Endangered Species of Bat in Virginia” to learn about the 3 species of bat that are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

How to Support Local Bats

You can do your part to support the local bat populations around your community without putting your property at risk of structural damage or safety hazards. See our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to get started.

How to Safely Manage Nuisance Bats

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We use safe and humane methods to deliver effective 24 hour bat control for residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

The Journey of Lesser Long-Nosed Bats Conservation

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According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently 24 species of bat that listed as “Critically Endangered”, which means they are facing an exponential and impending risk of extinction. One interesting species that was once on this list is the Lesser Long-Nosed bat. Although previously listed as endangered, the Lesser Long-Nosed bat now faces more promising and brighter times.

Continue reading to learn more about the Lesser Long-Nosed bat, including its journey on the road to extinction and back.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 2
The Lesser Long-Nosed Bat (left)

The Lesser Long-Nosed Bat
(Leptonycteris yerbabuenae)

Also known as the Sanborn’s long-nosed bat or the Mexican long-nosed bat, the Lesser Long-Nosed bat is a species that is most interesting to learn about. They are native to Central and North America, as they typically prefer warmer, tropical and sub-tropical climates being that they are fruit bats, or megabats. See our blog, “The Differences Between Megabats and Microbats” to understand megabats more.

Their diet mostly consists of fruit nectar and pollen, hence the moniker, “fruit” bats. In terms of their scientific name, they perfectly fit the description having long, narrow snouts and a small triangular nose-leaf. More on their appearance, they are small in size, reaching an average size of 3 inches and 25 grams. Also, they have short, grey-like fur, and long wings.

Federal Endangerment and Conservation

At the start of 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service suggested to remove the lesser long-nosed bat from the federal endangered species list. Back in 1988, the species was added to the list of federally-endangered species after noticeable declines in roosts became apparent in Arizona and Sonora. During the same time, it was guesstimated that there were only about 1,000 Lesser Long-Nosed bats alive, and fewer than 14 known roost sites.

The Great News

Today, there are more than 200,000 Lesser Long-Nosed bats living among 75 roost sites! How did this become possible? In addition to the fervent and rigorous monitoring, studying, researching, and intervention endeavors, the successful recovery of the Lesser Long-Nosed bat species has been largely due to the efforts made by several important interest groups and organizations, including scientists, biologists, non-governmental organizations, federal and state agencies, and believe it or not, even tequila producers in Mexico!

Their Importance and Their Decline

The top causes for the decline in Lesser Long-Nosed bat populations are largely due to over-developing land around their natural habitats, invasive grass species obstructing their source of food, and early harvesting of wild agave before it bloomed. Now you can see how all of the above-mentioned sources of conservation efforts contributed to their successful recovery.

Bats have a vital ecological importance, and subsequently, and economical importance, to our local communities. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged to be kind to bats, and appreciate all that they do for us. See our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to do your part. Although sometimes bats can become a nuisance to property owners, it is important to remember that it is not their fault. Instead, contact a local and trusted bat removal company for safe and humane assistance.

If Bats Become a Problem For Your Property

Sometimes bats can be a nuisance, even though they don’t mean to be. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about our services, prices, and more. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

How Many Bats Have Rabies?

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In our last blog, When Should a Bat Be Captured and Tested for Rabies?, you learned a little about the threat of a fatal virus called Rabies. However, there are several misconceptions regarding the Rabies virus and its impact on our local bat populations. Fortunately, there is more than enough data to help us clear up the confusion surrounding the spread of this deadly disease. If you live near forests, woods, or large bodies of water, or work in an environment where bat exposure is possible, you may be very interested in learning the truth.

Continue reading to learn more about the Rabies virus, including how much of the bat population is actually affected, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from threat.

Virginia Bat Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Control 804-729-9097

The Rabies Virus

Let’s start this discussion by reviewing what Rabies actually is, medically and biologically speaking. You see, Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system and causes inflammation of the brain. It is caused by Lyssavirus, which is a genus of RNA viruses, and transmitted by the blood or saliva of a host or infected animal.

Symptoms are often an onset of several reactions to the virus, initially including headache, fever, and a tingling sensation at the infection site, and eventually maturing into violent movements, loss of muscle control, aggression, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Once symptoms appear, death will soon follow.

Rabid Animals

The natural hosts for the Rabies virus are mammals and vertebrates, which are referred to as rabies vector species. This means that any mammal, including humans, can be carriers and transmitters of the disease. One of the most common animals that are given the stigma of rabies are bats. But the truth is, less than half of 1% of all bats in the world actually carry rabies (batworld.org). However, there is still a need for caution.

You should treat every bat as if it is a carrier by simply keeping your distance. Bats are protected by law, and serve a vital ecological and economical importance to our society, so it is important to never attempt to touch, harm, trap, or kill bats. Instead, admire them from afar, and if they become a nuisance to your property, enlist the help of a licensed Virginia bat control company for safe and humane service.

Rabies Prevention

Although once contracted Rabies is 100% fatal, it is also 100% preventable. First and foremost, be sure to have your pets vaccinated on an annual basis for the Rabies virus. Next, be sure to have yourself vaccinated if you work, live, or frequent places that put you at a higher risk of rabid animal exposure, such as zoo workers, vet clinic staff, spelunkers, miners, lumberjacks, animal control workers, wilderness jobs, and more.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We use safe and humane methods to deliver effective 24 hour bat control for residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Federally Endangered Species of Bat in Virginia

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Here in Virginia, there are 16 known bat-species. Of these numbers, 3 in particular are listed as Federally-endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and therefore, protected under the Endangered Species Act. Continue reading to learn more about this species, and what you can do to help support their preservation.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

The Endangered Species Act

The 3 Federally-endangered species that are protected under the Endangered Species Act include the Gray Bat, Indiana bat, and the Virginia Big-Eared bat.  Under this act, it is a Federal offense (also known as a felony) to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct” any endangered or threatened species. This citation comes straight from the Endangered Species Act. Read our blog, “State Laws Surrounding Wild Bats” to learn about the laws that govern non-endangered bats. For now, here is a brief explanation of each Federally-endangered bat species found here in Virginia:

Gray Bat

The Gray bat is part of the Animalia kingdom, Chordata phylum, Mammalia class, and Chiroptera order. Their scientific name, Myotis grisescens, is derived from their genus (Myotis), and species (M. grisescens). Since 1976, they have also listed as federally endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. When initially placed on the list, there were an estimated 2 million; and through successful conservation efforts, they are now estimated to be around 2.3 million and counting.

Indiana Bat

The Gray bat is part of the Animalia kingdom, Chordata phylum, Mammalia class, and Chiroptera order. Their scientific name, Myotis sodalis, is derived from their genus (Myotis), and species (M. sodalis). Although this species was initially added to the list in 1967, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, decline rates of these populations have been estimated to be more than 50% over the past 10 years. They are also protected by the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act.

Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-Eared bat is part of the Animalia kingdom, Chordata phylum, Mammalia class, and Chiroptera order. Their scientific name, Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus, is derived from their genus (Corynorhinus), species (C. townsendii), and subspecies (C. t. virginianus). As evident in their scientific classification, this species is one of two endangered subspecies of the Townsend’s big-eared bat. Read our blog, “Get to Know Our State Bat” to learn details about their range, habitat, diet, and more.

In Virginia, the Rafinesque Big-eared Bat (also known as the Southeastern Big-eared Bat) is state-endangered. We will discuss this more in our next blog, so be sure to check back soon!

Bat Threats

Right now, the biggest threat to these endangered bat populations is a fatal disease known as White Nose Syndrome. Read our blog, “Facts About White-Nose Syndrome and Bats” to learn more. Aside from this disease, additional threats include over-development of land, wildlife habitat destruction, and illegal hunting. There are many reasons to support local bat populations, regardless if they are endangered or not. That is because bats provide us with so many advantages. Read our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how you can do your part to encourage bat conservation.

Where to Get Licensed Bat Removal in Virginia

Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at a fair price. Regardless of the size or scope of your bat abatement and cleanup needs, we have the experience and resources necessary to remedy your bat problem in no time at all. Our professionals are focused on safe and effective results, but more importantly, our client’s complete satisfaction. Contact us anytime for free estimates, advice, and assistance.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Get to Know Our State Bat!

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Did you know we have a state bat here in the Old Dominion? The Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) was officially appointed the prestigious title 14 years ago, and continues to be an admired and protected species, both locally and nationally, to this very day. As a proud Virginian, continue reading to learn more about our merry friend, the Virginia big-eared bat!

Virginia Bat Control Company
The Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-Eared Bat
(Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)

The Virginia big-eared bat is scientifically known as Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus, as it belongs to the Corynorhinus genus, and is a subspecies of the Townsend’s big-eared bat. Here is the breakdown of their specific classification:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Vespertilionidae
Genus: Corynorhinus
Species: C. townsendii
Subspecies: C. t. virginianus
Trinomial Name: Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus
“Handley, 1955”

As for appearance, this special species is distinguishable by its large ears, which can reach lengths of 2.5 centimeters or more. When resting, their ears reach back to half the length of their body! In addition to their most distinguishable trait, these mammals have long, soft, brown fur that ranges in shade depending on their age. Weighing and average of 7 to 12 grams (0.25 to 0.42 ounces), it is one of the largest Microchiroptera species in its range. With rounded muzzle and elongated nostrils, the Virginia Big-Eared bat can grow to 98 millimeters (3.85 inches) long by adult hood.

Range, Habitat & Diet

Virginia big-eared bats range consists of eastern Kentucky, eastern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina. As for habitat, they are mostly found dwelling in the limestone caves of western Virginia since they provide the proper temperature and humidity levels vital to their survival; but they are also commonly found in heavily vegetated oak-hickory or beech-maple-hemlock forests.

Like most microbats, Virginia big-eared bats eat an insectivorous diet. This particular species seems to really prefer Lepidoptera, which are a classification of insects that include moths and butterflies. They also consume thousands of mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and more. Read our blog, “Learn How Bats are Nature’s Pesticide” to learn how this benefits us personally and universally.

Conservation Status

Since 1979, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has categorized the Virginia big-eared bat as an endangered species, which makes it highly protected under state and federal law. According to Loab’s ‘Conservation and Management of Eastern Big-Eared Bats’ study, an estimated 77% increase in the Virginia big-eared bat populations took place between 1983 and 2009, which is great news; but we are not out of the hole just yet.

Virginia big-eared bats require the utmost respect and attention in terms of conservation efforts. As an avid reader, you already know the importance bats have on our local Eco-systems and economies, so be sure to do your part to help preserve this special species. Read our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to be a bat supporter.

Nuisance Bat Removal and Control

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Sometimes bats can be a nuisance, even though they don’t mean to be. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about our services, prices, and more. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!

Tips for Adding Bat Houses to Your Property

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Now that you have made the wonderful decision to add bat houses around your property, your first step is to decide between buying and construction. You can choose to make your own bat house, using several helpful bat house blueprints and templates available online; or, you can choose to simply purchase pre-made bat houses that are specially-designed with the highest standards of safety for bats and the environment. If you do decide to make your own, be sure you follow the guidelines for doing so, as bat houses require several special features and dimensions in order for them to be humane, as well as, safe for the surrounding environment.

Continue reading to learn what else you need to know about installing bat houses on your property, including who to call for 24 hour emergency bat removal service.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

When to Install Bat Houses

If you plan on using night-vision cameras to capture beloved bat activity on video footage, you will want to install your bat house once the weather is warm, usually around June or July. Not only is this when bats are more active, it is when their food is more active, like mosquitoes, gnats, flies, moths, and more. If you install bat houses now, you are still doing a great service for the local bat populations in your area, so continue with your plan if you already have one!

Where to Mount Bat Houses

The location of your bat houses is a vital part of ensuring safety and function for you, the bats, and the surrounding environment. Too close to your house can pose nuisance bat risks, while too far can take away from your personal enjoyment. Furthermore, mounting them in improper areas can pose additional risks to the bats, as well as, the surrounding trees and wildlife. So designate an area on the perimeter of your property, preferably near a large body of water, like a creek, river, steam, or pond.

As for actual installation, it is important to never mount bat houses on trees. Not only do branches and foliage make it more challenging for bats to land and take flight, the bat houses do not get enough sunlight, making them too cold for bats. Bat houses need around 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. Also, bats are more vulnerable to predators that sit in trees. Instead, they should be mounted on wooden posts, steel poles, pivot poles, or on the sides of buildings. And be sure they are at least 20 to 30 feet from tree branches.

How to Manage Nuisance Bat Problems

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia with 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate, anytime.

Learn How Bats are Nature’s Pesticide

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Thinking back to the post-World War Two era, farmers were keen on using DDT, a “first-of-its-kind” pesticide at the time. Although it was moderately effective at protecting crops and even preventing malaria, the dangers of DDT pesticides were soon discovered. New alternative pesticide products now exist, but they still pose certain hazards to our surrounding Eco-systems and planet as a whole. To make matters worse, according to an article written by Dr. Michael C.R. Alavanja, even to this day our country is using an average of 1 billion pounds of pesticides each year for crop protection.

For these reasons and more, we need a new solution to pesticide; one that will not cause our planet any more harm or pollution. A great place to start is to protect and preserve our local bat populations. Why bats? What do they have to do with pesticide? Well, bats are nature’s pesticide! Continue reading to learn why!

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Bats and the Eco-System

Bats are known as filthy, scary, flying rodents that will attack and suck the blood of an innocent victim. The reality is, bats have been given this reputation through literature, media, and more. The truth about bats is that they are harmless, for the most part, and will not attack you or harm another person unless provoked or attacked themselves. Although they are destructive to our properties in cases of infestation, bats are actually vital parts of our surrounding Eco-systems and even our local economies. Mostly, their positive contribution to our local Eco-systems and economies is due to their natural pesticide tendencies.

Bats and Pest Control

You see, bats are not usually solitary mammals. See our last month’s blog, “Do Bats Live Alone or in Groups?” Instead, most bat populations native to Virginia live in large colonies, typically in the hundreds or thousands. And a single bat can consume more than 1,000 flying insects in a single night, which means a bat colony can eradicate millions of insects in just one night! Since there are numerous bat colonies in Virginia, that adds up to billions of flying pests hunted and eaten every single night! That is impressive, and FREE, pest control.

So what does this have to do with our local Eco-systems and economies? See our blog, “The Ecological Importance of Bats” to find out all the details regarding their amazing contributions. Basically, bats eat up all the pests that fly around at night, such as mosquitoes, gnats, flies, dragonflies, moths, and more, all of which destroy farmers’ crops. With this added level of crop protection, farmers can grow better, healthier produce, which can be sold to the community, which adds money to the farmers’ wallets and the local economy!

Doing Your Part

If you want to support local bat populations and help our country reduce it’s excessive use of pesticides, there are many things you can do. You can donate to various wildlife rescue and conservation initiatives, or you can even install bat houses on your property. Read our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn more ways to help bats.

Nuisance Bats

As mentioned, bats can also be a nuisance to property owners in the case of an infestation or interference. If this happens to you, it is important to never attempt to touch, harm, trap, or kill bats under any circumstances. Instead, do your part to preserve and protect the local bat populations by contacting a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane service.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 to receive a basic, over-the-phone quote for bat removal and control assistance. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas. We offer 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations
for bat damages.

Do Bats Live Alone or in Groups?

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Here in Virginia, there are several species of bat that call our state home. In fact, there are 16 in particular that are most common, 4 of which are listed as endangered. These species include the Virginia Big-Eared bat, Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bat, Gray bat, Indiana bat, Hoary bat, Silver-Haired, Seminole bat, Townsend’s Big-Eared bat, Eastern Red bat, Eastern Pipistrelle bat, American Long-Eared  bat, Eastern Small-footed bat, Lump-Nosed bat, Ozark Big-Eared bat, Northern Long-eared bat, and Northern Myotis.

Each of these bat species are unique in behavior, appearance, reproduction, and more. When it comes to home life, this is quite evident. Most bats live in large colonies, sometimes in the hundreds, thousands, and in nature, millions. However, some bats prefer a more solitary lifestyle. In fact, all bat species can be classified as either solitary or social.

Continue reading to learn the difference between solitary and social bats, including some examples of species that fit these classifications.

Bat Removal Control Virginia 2
Pipstrelle Species are Social Bats.

Social Bat Species

Social bats are what we would call colonists because they prefer to colonize in large groups, especially during hibernation in the winter season. Typically, social bat species are discovered nesting (called roosting) in abandoned mines, buildings, hollowed trees, caves, and even residential settings, like attic spaces and wall cavities.

Some examples of social bat species include the Little Brown bat, Big Brown bat, Tri-Colored bat (formally known as Pipistrelle), Evening bat, Indiana bat, and Northern Long-Eared bat. Some of these species are common in the Virginia areas, and often times, the culprit of attic infestations.

Types of Social Bats:

? Big Brown Bat

? Evening Bat

? Gray Bat

? Indiana Bat

? Little Brown Bat

? Northern Long-Eared Bat

? Southeastern Bat

? Tri-Colored Bat (formally Pipistrelle)

Solitary Bat Species

In contrast to social bat species, solitary bats are usually loners. Rather than roosting in colonies, solitary bats live alone and even migrate south alone to warmer areas for the winter. On the other hand, a few species are known to choose hibernation over migration in the winter. Most often, solitary bats are known to make their shelters in hollowed trees growing along riverbeds, or even in deep rock crevices. Examples of solitary bat species include the Hoary bat, Red Bat, and Silver-Haired bat.

Types of Solitary Bats:

? Silver-Haired Bat

? Red Bat

? Hoary Bat

How to Get Rid of Nuisance Bats

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Call 804-729-9097

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We use safe and humane methods to deliver effective 24 hour bat control for residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

State Laws Surrounding Wild Bats

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If you have problems with nuisance bats, it is only natural to want to take action and do something about it. However, it is wise to study the Virginia laws surrounding wild bats before you decide to take matters into your own hands. Continue reading to learn which state laws govern wild bats, and what you can do if you have trouble with nuisance bats around your property.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Bats are Protected Under Law

You might be wondering why laws about bats and bat control even exist. Well, the answer mostly has to do with all the vital ecological and Economical benefits bat populations provide us. Read our blog, “The Ecological Importance of Bats” to better understand the wonderful attributes of these commonly misrepresented mammals. So if you have nuisance bats inhabiting your property, whether inside or out, you definitely need to take action; the catch here is to make sure you take the PROPER action as to not violate any laws surrounding bats and bat removal.

The Endangered Species Act

There are 15 bat species commonly found here in Virginia. Within these species, 3 in particular are Federally-endangered, and 1 that is state-endangered (Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat). All of them are currently protected by the Endangered Species Act. This act strictly prohibits anyone from attempting to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct” with any endangered or threatened species of wildlife, including bats. The bats that are on this list include the Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens), Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalist), Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus), and the Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (Also known as the Southeastern Big-eared Bat).

Additional bat species in Virginia include the Eastern Small-footed Bat, Northern Long-eared Bat, Eastern Pipistrelle Bat, Silver-haired Bat, Eastern Red Bat, Hoary Bat, Seminole Bat, American Long-Eared Bat, Lump-Nosed Bat, Ozark Big-Eared Bat, Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat, and the Northern Myotis.

Here is What You Need to Know:

According to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF), in Virginia, it is illegal to, “transport, release, or relocate a bat anywhere other than the property it was caught on,” as well as, “poison any animal (including bat) other than rats and mice on your property.” Furthermore, it is a Federal offense to, “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct” any endangered or threatened species.”

What to Do if You Have Bats

If you find a bat inside your home or office, immediately contact a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for emergency extraction that is both safe and humane. In fact, the Virginia Department of Health recommends retaining the bat for Rabies testing if it was found indoors. Your bat removal specialists can assist you with this process.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

If you have bats around your property that are causing problems, call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia with 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Call us to request a free estimate, anytime.