FAQS About Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Posted on April 10, 2020 by virginia

Bats are exceptional helpers in the surrounding Eco-systems when it comes to insect control; but when it comes to homes and businesses, they are not something you want to have around. Not only are bats capable of causing tremendous structural damage inside and out, their presence can pose several health risks to both people and pets.

Unfortunately, bat infestations are quite common since they can gain access inside somewhere through a hole as little as 3/8th of an inch wide. So many homes and buildings are susceptible to bat infestations. And once they are inside, the problems really start to get serious. They can get through crumbling mortar, dry rotting wood, attic vents, exterior cracks, and more. For these reasons, it is vital to address a bat infestation problem right away by contacting a local and trusted Virginia Bat Removal and Control Company for non-lethal bat abatement service.

Before you contact a wildlife control specialist, continue reading to review the answers to some of the most common questions people have about bat removal and control. This can help you understand what to expect, and help you make the best decisions regarding your property’s wildlife protection needs.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097 — Fruit Bat, Megabat, Megachiroptera

Frequently Asked Questions:

Bats are Blind; Right?

Microchiroptera, or microbats, use echolocation to help hunt their prey and navigate around in the dark; however, they are not blind. In fact, microbats can see quite well (and hear quite well), but they use their echolocation abilities to navigate their course, as well as, dart and dash for prey at a more precise rate. Megabats, or fruit bats, do not have echolocation abilities. They have big eyes and great vision, so they have no need for echolocation.

Will a Bat Attack?

Due to movies and television, many people fear that bats will attack or bite them. The truth is, they CAN if they want to, but most often, they WON’T. Bats are more afraid of us than we are of them, and it is very unlikely for bats to attack a person or other animal. However, there are exceptions. Bats that are ill, injured, mothering, and/or aggravated, may defend themselves upon provocation by biting or scratching. If you have a bat in the house, simply leave it alone to avoid any trouble. If you give it space and let the professionals take it from there, you should not be at risk of a bat bite or attack.

Can I Catch a Bat and Kill It?

Most states forbid anyone from harming, trapping, or killing bats without the proper permits. Bats are a vital part of our Eco-system; they should never be exterminated unless they are infected with a fatal or infectious disease, or injured beyond the point of rehabilitation. Only licensed wildlife rescue organizations have the resources and permissions to put a sick or injured bat down. Never attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill bats. Not only is it likely illegal in our state, it is highly unethical and inhumane. See our blog, “State Laws Surrounding Wild Bats” to learn more.

What Do I Do if I Find a Bat in the House?

If you discover a lone bat in your house, your first step should be to isolate it from the rest of the family and your pets. This means closing off the room it is in, but leaving open a window for an exit point. For example, if you find a bat in your bathroom, shut the bathroom door so that it cannot move to other areas of the home, but leave the bathroom window open so the bat can let itself out. Wait 12 hours for the bat to leave. If it is still there, contact a licensed bat removal and control company. If you discover a bat colony living in your home, or suspect that you might have bats in the attic, contact a licensed bat removal and control company for professional inspection and service.

Where Can I Find Trust Bat Removal Service in Virginia?

Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at the right 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.

Which Bats are Most Common in the Western Parts of Virginia?

Posted on March 31, 2020 by virginia

Here in Virginia, our state is home to many species of bats. In fact, we are home to the famous, Virginia Big-Eared Bat, which was officially appointed the prestigious title of our state bat more than 14 years ago, and continues to be an admired and protected species, both locally and nationally, to this very day.

But when it comes to the Western parts of the state, bats are more abundant since the border is near so many cave systems and dense forests. From Roanoke to the West side border, a long list of bats can be spotted, including native species, federally-endangered species, and even just the occasional visitors.

Continue reading to learn more about them all!

Bat Species in Western Areas of Virginia

The Western parts of Virginia are known for their beautiful and abundant cavernous systems, making it no surprise that many bat species live in the region. Some of the most common bats found in Western parts of the state include Little Brown bats, Big Brown bats, and of course, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat. But there are plenty more fascinating bat species that are spotted in West VA caves, forests, riverbanks, and even abandoned mines!

Virginia Big-Eared Bats

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.

Little Brown Bats and Big Brown Bats

Little Brown bats (Myotis Lucifugus) and Big Brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) are often confused for one another because they live in the same areas and look very similar. See our previous blog, “The Difference Between the Big Brown Bat and Little Brown Bat” to learn all the interesting facts about these two incredible species, and what sets them apart.

Endangered Species

There are 3 particular species of bat in Virginia that are Federally-endangered, and 1 that is state-endangered. 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 Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (State Endangered; also known as the Southeastern Big-eared Bat).

Occasional Visitors:

? Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii)
? Seminole Bats (Lasiurus seminolus)
? Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

Trusted Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for humane bat removal and control assistance you can trust. We serve all of Old Dominion, including Roanoke, Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and more. 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. We even provide insurance work! Contact us today for a free estimate.

The Difference Between the Big Brown Bat and Little Brown Bat

Posted on March 24, 2020 by virginia

Although they may look a lot alike, and they are both part of the Vespertilionidae family, the Big Brown bat and the Little Brown bat are two completely separate species in a different genus. When you scroll down the scientific classification of both species, they have the same Kingdom (Animalia), Phylum (Chordata), Class (Mammalia), Order (Chiroptera), and even Family (Vespertilionidae). But once you reach the genus, they separate.

Continue reading to learn where and some facts that make them unique in their own right!

The Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

The Big Brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) is part of the Eptesicus genus and fucus species. Adults have an average wingspan of 13 to 16 inches, and a body length of 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 inches. They are a little bigger as you can see! The rest of their biology and behaviors are the same, with just slight differences.

Their fur is the same as Little Brown bats, ranging in colors from dark browns to reddish hues and lighter-colored bellies. Gestation periods and breeding are the same for both species, as well. Females carry their young for 60 days, before giving birth to a single bat pup each year.

Mating season usually begins in early fall, while birthing season starts in May and continues through June. After 14 days in their mother’s care, bat pups are weaned from milk and taught to fly and hunt for insects. In contrast to Little Brown bats, Big Brown bats tend to roost in smaller colonies, ranging from as little as 20 bats, up to 500 or more.

The Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)

Little Brown bats are part of the Myotis genus and lucifugus species. Adults have an average wingspan of 9 to 11 inches, and a body length of 2 1/2 to 4 inches. They are small! Their fur ranges in colors of dark browns to reddish browns, with lighter-colored, pale tan bellies. Females carry their young for 60 days, before giving birth to a single bat pup each year.

Mating season usually begins in early fall, while birthing season starts in May and continues through July. After 14 days in their mother’s care, bat pups are weaned from milk and taught to fly and hunt for insects. Little Brown bats, like all bats, are nocturnal, which means they are active from dusk until dawn. Generally, this bat species remains in large numbers, with colonies reaching hundreds or even thousands of bats in some regions.

Typically, Little Brown bats roost in hollowed tree cavities, abandoned mines, caves, log piles, and similar private areas. They are a hibernating species, so in winter, they either migrate to winter roosts, or hibernate in caves, rock crevices, storm sewers, and if they can access them, our attics! As insectivores, Little Brown bats hunt for mosquitoes, gnats, moths, crane flies, beetles, mayflies, and other small flying insects. A single bat can consume more than 1,000 flying bugs in just one night!

Where to Get Humane Virginia Bat Control Near You

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.

Why Bats are Scratching Around Inside Your Walls

Posted on March 9, 2020 by virginia

We mention this all the time, but we cannot mention it enough: Virginian bats are very tiny and can squeeze through an opening as little as 3/8^th of an inch! So, what does this mean for your home? It means that bats can easily access your wall voids to gain access to other parts of the home, such as the attic, if certain precautions are not taken before prime bat infestation season. If you hear scratching and squeaking noises coming from the inside of your walls, you can safely assume it is bats.

Want to know why they are so noisy? Continue below to learn what bats are doing inside those walls of yours, and what you can do to get rid of them for good!

They’re Looking for a Comfortable Temperature

Just like us, bats want a comfy and cozy environment to live in. They do not want a space that is too hot nor too cold. For this reason, it is common behavior for bats to rise and lower within the walls in search of a comfier climate. The noise you are hearing is the resulting scuffling of bats moving around.

They are Lost and Disoriented

Within a wall void, there is very little light, and everything looks the same above and below. For this reason, bats within walls can become disoriented, and as a result, lost from the rest of their colony. This causes a lot of noise since they are working hard to move about and find the location of their peers.

They are Baby Bats

Baby bats are generally born between February and May, so if your walls are making a lot of noise during this time, it could them. Before pups learn to fly, they crawl and wiggle around just like human babies do. This crease noise, but so does their yearning for mothers’ milk.

They are Just Interacting

When you hear bats in your walls making noises, it could just be them interacting and being bats. Bats are nocturnal, so they are active between the hours of dusk and dawn. If you are hearing these noises overnight, you can chalk it up to bat conversation.

How to Get Rid of Bats in Virginia

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance. We serve all of Virginia and its 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. We even provide insurance work! Contact us today for a free estimate.

The Fastest Solution for Nuisance Bat Problems in Virginia

Posted on February 27, 2020 by virginia

There is just no reason why you should have to suffer through a nuisance bat problem this season. Trust in the esteemed and accomplished team at Virginia Bat Pros to offer prompt, workable solutions you can feel good about and afford!

Dealing With Nuisance Bats?

When you hear noises in the attic, or spot some suspicious animal droppings around your window seals, it is time to take action. Not only are bats known to produce a massive amount of damage and destruction in a very short amount of time, they are also common carriers of several infectious diseases; everything from the Rabies Virus to mites and lice. To make matters worse, bats are not usually solitary, so if you have one bat around the house, you most likely have more. Now, the more bats you have, the more extensive the damages and risks will be. So, when destructive bats are taking over your property, it is time for some professional intervention.

✨ Fortunately, you are already in the right spot, because that’s exactly what the licensed and insured professionals at Virginia Bat Pros do! ✨

We offer a wide range of residential and commercial services, including bat removal, bat control, bat cleanup and restoration, integrated pest management, environmental monitoring and medications, full property inspections, estimates, and much more. We also provide emergency bat removal service 24 hours a day, and can even work with your homeowners’ insurance company to repair damages caused by bats!

Virginia Bat Control at Your Service

Virginia Bat Pros has more than 27 combined years of hands-on experience and retains the tools and resources necessary to extract and exclude nuisance bats, safely and humanely. This is what allows our teams to provide exceptional service at economy-based prices. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Contact Us Today for a Free Quote

Contact us anytime by email, or call our main headquarters at 804-729-9097 to request written estimates and information about bat removal and control from one of our friendly office managers. With a strong dedication to outstanding service, you will feel confident that our licensed and insured bat control professionals can eliminate your nuisance wildlife problem within a time frame that is convenient for you, and at a price you can afford.

Do Bats Have Lice?

Posted on January 31, 2020 by virginia

When it comes to finding a bat infestation within your home or building, one of your first concerns, aside from structural damage, is health. Are bats diseased? Do they spread contagious illnesses or parasites? The answers to these questions are very important, mostly because they are true. Fortunately, there are safe and effective remedies for cleaning up after a bat infestation, so long as you choose the right provider for the job.

Continue reading to learn which diseases and health threats bat infestations can pose to humans and pets, as well as, how to resolve one as soon as possible.

Bat Diseases

By far, the most stigmatized disease surrounding bats is Rabies. Although bats are known carriers of the deadly virus, it does not mean that all bats are actually infected. If they are infected, bats can spread the virus to both humans and other animals through blood, mucus, or saliva. Because the virus attacks the central nervous system, there is no cure, making it 100% fatal. For this reason, it is vital to keep pets properly vaccinated. If you find a dead, injured, or abandoned bat on your property, see our blog, “What To Do If You Find a Bat” for proper instructions.

Aside from the Rabies virus, bats can spread a wide range of parasites, such as lice, ticks, fleas, and mites. Although not fatal, these outbreaks can be quite uncomfortable, unhygienic, and difficult to eliminate. Parasites like these are very common, and they grow at incredibly fast rates. If such outbreaks are not managed efficiently, it can take a lot of time, money, and construction to resolve. Practically all bat infestations cause some kind of parasitic outbreak, most often, bat mites. See our blog, “Is a Bat Mite the Same Thing as a Bed Bug?” to learn how to distinguish bat mites from similar pests.

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a not an illness that is spread by infected bats, but rather, a result of an on-going bat infestation. Histoplasmosis is a serious lung infection that is caused by over-exposure to fungal spores that grow on bat droppings (guano). These Histoplasma capsulatum fungal spores develop on bat guano, and then become airborne. Upon inhalation, pets and people can become infected. Some people may experience more severe complications if it spreads to other parts of the body, known as Disseminated Histoplasmosis. It is especially serious for those with suppressed immune systems, such as babies and elderly folk.

Virginia Bat Removal and Cleanup Services

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 if you have bats in the attic or other area of your home. Our licensed and insured bat removal and control professionals offer full-service bat extraction and exclusion, as well as, comprehensive cleanup and restoration for bat damages. We serve all of Richmond, Virginia and its surrounding counties. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

What You Want to Know About Bats and Rabies

Posted on January 21, 2020 by virginia

If your home or commercial building is located near woods, forests, or a large body of water, such as a pond, river, or lake, you can safely bet that there are local bat populations surrounding the property. For this reason, bat infestations are quite common among properties located in such areas. As a result of a bat infestation, properties usually experience extensive structural damages. However, bats also pose several health and safety risks. One of the most common is the Rabies Virus.

If you are unsure about the facts you know regarding bats and rabies, continue reading to clear up the confusion and learn exactly what you want to know.

Facts About the Rabies Virus

The fact is, only a small percentage of bats catch rabies. Researchers at Indiana State University conducted a nearly 40 year-long study, testing more than 5,500 big brown bats in the mid-west. Of those numbers, only 3.1% tested positive for rabies. From this study, researchers also concluded that October seems to be the time of year when rabies rates peak.

When contracted, the rabies virus is virtually 100% fatal. That is why rabies vaccines for pets are so vital, especially if they are outdoor pets. When a bat is sick with the rabies virus, they will often segregate themselves from their colonies, which is why so many are found on the ground. If you find a bat on the ground, please beware that it could be infected of rabies or other types of transmissible disease. See our blog, “What To Do if You Find a Bat” to learn some safety tips for managing such a situation.

How Rabies is Contracted

Rabies is contracted when the virus enters the bloodstream through bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat. Although the virus enters the bloodstream, it actually travels through the host’s central nervous system, which means it reaches the brain at incredible rates, usually within weeks. The most common way those become infected is being bitten or scratched by an infected animal. You cannot get rabies by simply petting a rabid animal, nor touching their blood or droppings. Contracting the rabies virus any other way is very uncommon. Inhaling airborne rabies virus is a possibility, but typically only laboratory workers are at risk of this types of non-bite exposure.

As soon you believe a person or pet has been exposed to the virus, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately to prevent death. If you awaken in your bedroom and find a bat on the wall, you must still get medical care instantly because you may not know if you’ve been exposed. It is important to stay away from wild animals, and simply admired them from afar, to prevent being exposed to deadly or transmissible diseases such as Rabies. If you are concerned about bats around your house, contact a local Virginia bat removal and control company for inspections and bat-proofing services.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control Services

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, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas, 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.

How to Use One-Way Screening to Get Rid of Bats

Posted on January 10, 2020 by virginia

Sometimes, bats like to use your stuff as their own, namely for a place to live. This time of year, it is common for bats to roost inside jungle gyms, play sets, tree houses, bird houses, siding, soffits, roofing, attics, and more. If you are noticing bats flying in and out of a certain area of your property night after night, there is a simple and humane technique that might keep them out for good. It involves using one-way screening, which is inexpensive and easy to come by. Continue reading to learn where to get it, how to use it, and what to do if the bats still stick around.

One-Way Mesh Screening

One-way screening is simply metal mesh material that is highly pliable. It is available in rolls or sheets at most home improvement stores. You can expect to pay between $4 and $11 for your materials, depending on how much you need and the retailor you choose. A couple great features of one-way screening is its light weight and flexibility, both of which makes it easy to handle and apply. Furthermore, it comes in bulk quantities, allowing you to custom cut the size you need to cover the space the bats are entering though.

How to Use One-Way Screening

One-way screening will allow bats to exit the area they continue to occupy each night, but it will not allow them to re-enter. So, the key is to install your mesh screening while bats are inside. This way, when they wake for the evening to hunt, they will squeeze through and leave, but they will not be able to squeeze back through the other way.

You see, all you have to do is cut a piece of your wire mesh screen to size. You need just enough material to cover the bottom and top of the entry point, including the sides. When you install the screening, you will need to leave a “lip” of screen handing off of the bottom. This is where the bats will squeeze through to get out, but they won’t be able to get back in this way.

Add Some Bat Houses

After you have excluded the bats with your one-way screening technique, it is encouraged to hang a bat house nearby to continue supporting the local bat populations. Furthermore, this will divert their focus on roosting in the bat house, rather than you own house! See our blog, “Tips for Adding Bat Houses to Your Property” to learn what you need to know about bat house installation and management.

How to Follow Up

Once you divert the bats away from their hang-out, it is important that you follow up by having your home inspected for bats. If you have one bat in or around your house, you likely have more. This is especially true when bats are found inside a home or building. To protect your home from future bat infestations, contact a local Virginia bat removal and control company for bat-proofing and abatement service.

Where to Get Safe, Non-Lethal Bat Control Service

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.

Make a New Year Resolution to Get Rid of Bats For Good

Posted on December 31, 2019 by virginia

If nuisance bats have been a problem in or around your property all year, now is the time to put a stop to all the animal damages. Take a stance against nuisance bat activity and damage by implementing a New Year’s resolution to get rid of bats once and for all. Continue reading to learn exactly what you need to do to accomplish your 2020 goal and keep your home protected from destructive wildlife.

How to Get Rid of Bats

The first place to think about for bat prevention is the exterior of the property. Roof shingles, windows, doors, siding, overhangs, awnings, porches, and more should all be inspected for openings and vulnerabilities. A licensed contractor should be hired to provide professional sealing and repair services to ensure this step is done properly. Once you know your property is adequately sealed from the outside, you can move onto the next phase of bat control and prevention.

There are several products available on the market for nuisance bat control. You can consider trying out some of these devices to see if they can work for you. If they do not seem to add any value, simply return them for a refund. One such device available is an ultrasonic wave machine that use high-pitched sonar emissions to keep bats away. You can also consider a sound machine that emits the sounds of certain predators that bats fear.

Aside from home repairs and electronic devices, you can also install automatic lights outside of your property to keep bats from entering your territory. Bats like the dark, so they will stay clear of bright, lit-up areas. By having them set on motion sensors, you can save energy and keep additional nuisance wildlife away.

If you live in the country or rural area, try compromising with the local bat population by setting out bat houses far from your home. These are just like bird houses except the opening is at the bottom, allowing bats to fly in and hang from the top. This will not only keep them occupied and away from your living quarters, it can also give licensed exclusionists an advantage when relocating them to a safer habitat.

Hire a Professional Bat Removal Company

If you notice or find evidence of a bat infestation in or around your property, it is important to understand that bat removal is not a do-it-yourself job. Never attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances. Not only can this be dangerous to you and the bat, it can be against the law if the bat is a threatened or federally-protected species. Here in Virginia, our very own state bat, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus Townsendii Virginianus), is endangered.

Always use professional bat removal services to get rid of bats, or inspect your home if you suspect bats are inside. They retain the proper licensing and training to LEGALLY and safely remove bats and prevent their return. Never try to catch, harm, or kill a wild bat. Call a bat removal service instead! They use safe and non-lethal methods to remove bats and relocate them to a faraway habitat.

Non-Lethal Bat Removal and Control 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.

Where Do Bats Go in the Winter?

Posted on December 16, 2019 by virginia

Now that the snow is here, all the local Virginia wildlife are carrying out their winter plans; bats included. Many people assume that all bats migrate just as birds do, but this is not entirely true. Some bats may migrate to warmer climates, but several others will remain right here in Old Dominion. Continue reading to learn more about bat habitats in winter, and what to do if your house winds up being one of them.

Bats and Migration

In the winter, Virginia insects diminish in accessibility, making it difficult for bats to thrive through the season. For this reason, many bat species migrate to warmer climates, sometimes thousands of miles away. Here in Virginia, there are around 15 different species of bat, including the Gray bat, Indiana Bat, Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bat (also known as the Southeastern Big-eared bat), 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, Northern Myotis, and of course our state bat, the Virginia Big-Eared bat.

Of these species, the ones that migrate in the fall are Eastern Red bats, Silver-Haired bats, and Hoary bats. These migrating species take shelter in trees, which go bare in the winter, making them quite undesirable. So as a solution, they take flight to Southern regions, like Mexico and the Caribbean. Some stop as near as Arizona and Texas.

Bats That Do Not Migrate

As for the species of bat that do not migrate, well they just find some adequate shelter to keep them warm and protect them from predators, and then slip right into torpor for the remainder of the season. Winter bat roosts often wind up being hollowed trees, abandoned mines, caves, and of course, our very own houses and buildings. Here, bats will enter into hibernation, also known as hibernacula or torpor. This period generally begins around mid-October, but can sometimes be delayed until the temperatures begin to remain under 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Once in hibernacula, bats remain in a torpor-like state until spring emerges with warmer weather.

Bats in the Attic

As a result of land over-development and additional environmental impacts, many local bat populations have been forced to seek shelter in our very own buildings, homes, and structures. It is quite common to find roosting bats in attics, roofs, gutters, downspouts, garages, crawl spaces, wall voids, sheds, barns, pool houses, and even children’s tree houses.

How to Get Rid of Bats on Your Property

Although bats are vital parts of the surrounding ecosystem and highly beneficial to our local economies, we do not want to find them in our house or building. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Wish to help the local bat populations through the winter season but don’t want to put your property at risk of damage? See our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn your options.