What is a Microbat?

Posted on September 13, 2022 by virginia

In a previous blog, we discussed that all bat species are classified as one of two suborders, either Megachiroptera or Microchiroptera. In Virginia, we do not see megabats since they are biologically acclimated to tropical and subtropical climates. When local property owners are dealing with nuisance bat problems around here, it is always a Microchiroptera species to blame.

Continue reading to learn more about Megachiroptera suborder, and the common species native to the surrounding Virginia areas.

Yangochiroptera is the New Microchiroptera

Until recently, Microchiroptera was the suborder that included all microbat species. However, after new molecular evidence proved that size is not the most indicative factor in differentiating between megabats and microbats, “Microchiroptera” suborder is considered outdated. Most previously classified “microbats” are now classified as Yangochiroptera, with the exception of a few species. Furthermore, this evidence has also merged a few microbat species into the Yinpterochiroptera suborder, along with fruit bats, flying foxes, and other megabat species.

Special Note: For the sake of avoiding confusion, we will stick with the conversational terms, “microbats” or “Microchiroptera” in this blog.

Echolocation

One of the most significant differences between megabats and microbats is the use of echolocation. Megabats do not use echolocation, while virtually all microbats do. Echolocation, also known as “bio sonar”, is essentially a built-in sonar system that allows bats to navigate their surroundings more precisely, which aids in detecting, darting, and diving for insects.

Echolocation works by emitting ultrasonic sounds that bounce off objects and return as echoes. Bats then compare the outgoing ultrasonic pulses with the incoming echoes to create a detailed image in their brain of their exact surroundings.

Many people wrongly assume that bats are blind and have to use echolocation in order to see, when the truth is, bats see quite well, and simply rely on bio sonar for enhanced hunting and navigating. Sunglasses are a good example. We don’t need them to see when it’s sunny out, but when we wear them, we can see a lot better.

Diet and Habitat

Microbats are insectivores, which is actually good news for us. They are terrific pest control for summer mosquitos, flies, gnats, and more. Some species are even known to consume small fish, amphibians, birds, and even the blood of livestock. Although microbats are vital to our surrounding ecosystem and environment, they can sometimes find their way into our homes and businesses and create quite the mess. When microbats are not roosting (a species-specific posture of hanging upside down by their feet) in attics, crawl spaces, garages, walls, roofs, and more, they generally take shelter in hollowed trees, caves, log piles, and abandoned mines.

Behavior and Reproduction

Most bats are colonial, meaning they live in large colonies. They are not generally solitary mammals, although some species do live alone or with just a few other bats. It is common for colonies to have hundreds, or even thousands, of bats. Studies have shown that they are capable of forming and maintaining long-term relationships, and that many species use food sharing and mutual grooming to strengthen social bonds.

Late summer and early fall are the typical mating seasons for most species. After females finish mating, they store the male’s sperm until the following spring when they emerge from their hibernacula to find a new summer home where they will establish a nesting area to give birth to their young. These are referred to as “maternity” or “nursing” colonies. Bat babies, called “pups”, are usually born in May or June. Gestation periods last between 40 days and 60 days, and females usually give birth to just one or two pups that remain with them until the fall when the cycle of mating and hibernation repeats itself.

Common Virginia Bat Species:

◈ Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)
◈ Indiana Bat (Myotis solidalis)
◈ Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens
◈ Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (Also known as the Southeastern Big-eared Bat)
◈ Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
◈ Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)
◈ Silvered Haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)
◈ Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
◈ Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis)
◈ Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis)
◈ Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

Additional Species of Bat in Virginia

Additional species of microbat in Virginia include the Eastern Small-footed Bat, Eastern Pipistrelle Bat, Seminole Bat, American Long-Eared Bat, Lump-Nosed Bat, Ozark Big-Eared Bat, Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat, and the Northern Myotis.

Are you dealing with nuisance bats on your property? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for prompt and professional bat removal and control you can afford. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Educational Facts About the Virginia Bat

Posted on January 31, 2022 by virginia

The Virginia Big-Eared bat is one of three federally-listed endangered species of bat in Virginia. In fact, it has been categorized as endangered since 1979 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. There are several interesting facts about the Virginia Big-Eared bat species, adding more reason to keep these precious critters protected and preserved.

Continue reading to learn more about the Virginia Big-Eared bat, and what to do if you suspect you are having nuisance bat issues around your property.

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Scientific Classification for the Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-Eared bat is indeed our state bat! It 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).

Physical 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.

Behavior

The VBE bat usually mates in the fall and winter. Females actually store the male’s sperm until they begin ovulation, which generally occurs in late winter or early spring. Females have a gestation period of 3 months, and give birth to only one baby, called a “pup.”

The pup stay with the mother for up to 8 weeks, in which time they are fully-developed and capable of flight. These bats generally roost in caves, where they also hibernate for the winter. Because they prefer it, they are mostly found in mountainous limestone caves surrounded by forest with oak and hickory trees.

Range

Although they are called the Virginia Big-Eared bat, they are not just native to Virginia. They are also found in states like Kentucky and North Carolina. The Virginia Big-Eared bat species is not a migratory one; they stay in their caves all year, whether hibernating or not.

They only leave to hunt for food at night, which they do with the help of their amazing sonar abilities called echolocation. Bats see quite well, opposed to common belief, and only use their echolocation abilities to better dart and dive for insects. They are nocturnal, so it also improves their night-time navigational skills.

Nuisance Bats

If you are experiencing wildlife problems with bats, on or around your property, it is vital to contact a licensed Richmond VA bat control company for safe, humane, and non-lethal critter abatement services. Never attempt to trap, touch, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances. This is also important since you never know if it is a federally-protected species.

Are you dealing with persistent nuisance bat problems? Do you suspect that you might have a bat infestation in the house? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for prompt and professional bat removal and control you can afford. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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The Two Most Common Species of Bats in the Attic

Posted on August 16, 2021 by virginia

If you discover bats in the attic in Virginia, it is very likely that the roost is one of two common species known to intrude residential properties around this region. Continue reading to learn the top two most common species of bats in the attic, and what to do to get rid of them for good!

Bats in the Attic Removal and Clean Up 804-729-9097

The Big Brown Bat

The Big Brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) is one of the most common Microchiroptera bat species on this side of the globe, from Canada to Mexico and everywhere in between. Here in Virginia, the Big Brown bat is a promising suspect if you have bats in the attic. When the Big Brown bat is not roosting in residential spaces like attics and barns, they are often taking up space in tree cavities, buildings, riverbank caverns, and under bridges.

Not a solitary species, Big Brown bats generally roost in colonies that can skyrocket to hundreds of bats in as little as a few years. In nature, you can expect a Big Brown bat colony to average around 200 or 300 bats at one time. Mating season is in fall and winter, but female bats become pregnant in Spring and move to a separate colony to rear their pups.

Big Brown bats are insectivores, mainly dining on small insects like mosquitos, wasps, crickets, moths, grasshoppers, beetles, and gnats. They can consume their body weight in insects each night, using their echolocation skills to better dart and dive for prey.

The Little Brown Bat

Another Microchiroptera bat species common to this region of the country is the Little Brown bat (Myotis lucifugus). Very similar to Big Brown bats, Little Brown bats are insectivorous, roost in large numbers, and prefer to take shelter in hollowed trees, caves, buildings, bridges, and of course, attics.

On the other hand, they are much smaller in in size compared to Big Brown bats and can often squeeze through an opening as little as 3/8ths an inch! For this reason, they are a common species of bats that roost in residential attics and spaces.

When homeowners have bats in the attic in Richmond VA, it is usually a colony of Little Brown bats. Because they hibernate half of the year, their roosts often go unnoticed until Spring, when bats come out of hibernacula to birth their young.

Virginia Bat Removal 804-729-9097 — Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)

Emergency Bat Removal for Bats in the Attic

Regardless of species, you do not want a bat infestation to go on unresolved. Bats cause a massive amount of destruction to attics, from soiled floorboards and ceilings to attic insulation damage, parasite outbreaks, guano piles, and more. Additionally, bats carry transmissible diseases that are unsafe for your family and pets. Overall, having bats in the attic is unhygienic, destructive, and messy to clean up, so you do not want them in there in the first place.

As soon as you suspect that you have bats in the house or attic, contact a reputable Richmond VA bat control company for emergency bat removal services. A well-established and professional company will provide expert bat clean up and minor attic repairs for damages caused by bats.

Would you like to learn how to protect your home from bat intrusions and damages? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for bat removal and control in Richmond, Virginia. We serve both residential and commercial clients in all surrounding counties and locations.

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