Interesting Facts About the Species We Call Bats

Posted on August 12, 2020 by virginia

Learning about bats will not only change your mind about them, it will give you a deeper appreciation for all the positive contributions they provide to our local economies, Eco-systems, and more. Continue reading to learn some of the most interesting and fascinating facts about bats, including what to do if you have a nuisance bat problem in or around your property.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control Services 804-729-9097

Bats are the Only Mammal Capable of True Flight

Many people are surprised to learn that bats are actually mammals. But what’s most shocking about this fact is that bats are the only mammal in the world that is capable of true flight. Other mammals, like the flying squirrel, have the ability to leap, jump, soar, or float over great distances, but bats are the only ones who can actually take and maintain flight just like a bird. Now that’s a cool fact!

There are Two Main Species of Bats

All bats can be put into one of two categories: Microchiroptera or Megachiroptera. Microchiroptera, or microbats, are small Echolocating species that mostly consume insects, rodents, birds, and amphibians. These are the types of bats we see here in Virginia. In contrast, Megachiroptera species are much larger and have pronounced visual cortexes. They are primarily found in warmer, tropical regions of the world. Because their diets mostly consist of nectar and pollen from fruits and plants, they are referred to as fruit bats. The Little Brown Bat is an example of Microchiroptera species, and the Flying Fox is an example of a Megachiroptera species.

Bats Are Not Blind

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 Echolocating 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 Echolocating abilities. They have big eyes and great vision, so they have no need for echolocation.

Bats are 20% of the Entire Mammalia Species

There are more than 900 species of bats in the world, all broken up into different categories and classifications. The Chiroptera Order is the first class in which bats are categorized. From there they are split into suborders, genera, and then species. This amount adds up to nearly a quarter of all the mammals in the animal kingdom.

Bats Consume Over 1,000 Insects Every Hour

Bats are incredibly important parts of our surrounding Eco-system for many reasons, and one is pest control. Because bats consume an average of 1000 insects per hour every night, they make outdoor activities much more comfortable and enjoyable. Bats are an excellent method of mosquito control; and they don’t charge for their services! They also help protect surrounding plant life and gardens from insect interference and over-infestation.

It is Against the Law to Trap, Harm, or Kill Bats

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 Virginia, it is highly unethical and inhumane. If you have a problem with nuisance bats on your property, contact a licensed Virginia bat removal and control company for safe and humane assistance permitted under law.

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 in Virginia. 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 to request a free estimate, anytime.

A Bat’s Agenda When They Trespass Your Property

Posted on July 30, 2020 by virginia

Nuisance bats are more than just dangerous and destructive. They are also highly focused when it comes to their intentions with your property. Whether inside or out, bats have an itemized agenda that can be predicted, and even prevented. In fact, by understanding the innate and instinctual goals of a bat (or bat colony), you can better protect your home from future intrusions.

Continue reading to learn what bats do when they are on or inside your property and better understand how to spot signs of bat activity.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

What Bats Want With Your Property

Bats, like all other local wildlife, have two main priorities: food and shelter. Bats want a place that is dark, warm, and away from predators. Perfect spots include hollowed trees, log piles, jungle gyms, attics, crawl spaces, decks, and wall voids. As for food, they like insects that fly, such as mosquitoes, gnats, moths, and flies. If your home is near a body of water, or some other source of moisture and humidity, there are likely a lot of insects like these flying around at dusk. If so, bats might designate your property as a hunting ground come dusk.

It is a simple theoretic equation, really; if your property has sources of food and shelter for bats, they will be attracted to your property. It would make sense then, that in order to get rid of nuisance bats, all you have to do is get rid of the things that attract them to your house in the first place. But bat control is not this cut and dry. There are several other methods involved with abating a nuisance bat problem, one of which is professional intervention.

Why You Need a Pro for Bat Removal and Control

Bats are protected under state and federal laws, which means it is a legal risk to tamper with bats in nature. So, never attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances, even if it is inside your home. Additionally, bats are known carriers of several infectious diseases that can be transmitted to both people and pets, some of which are 100% fatal if contracted. If you see a bat outside, do not go near it, and block off access to children and pets. Only a certified professional can transport an injured or dead bat.

If you have a bat in your house that is stationary, the first thing you want to do it get away from it so that you AND the bat are safe. Whatever room it is in, try to close it off from the rest of the house. Shut all other doors to the room, but leave open a window to encourage it to leave on its own. Do not use a broom or other device to “push” the bat out. This can provoke it into defense mode, and potentially lead to an attack or bite. Instead, give it until morning to see if the bat flies out of the window. See our blog, “How to Remove a Flying Bat in the House” to learn what to do if there is one flying around your house.

You Might Be Experiencing Bat Activity if:

➽ You hear strange chattering noises in the wall.

➽ You find a heap of rodent-like droppings.

➽ You see bats flying around your house at dusk.

Get Trusted Virginia Bat Removal and Control Services You Can Afford

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.

Trust Virginia Bat Pros for Affordable Bat Removal and Control in Fredericksburg

Posted on July 10, 2020 by virginia

Virginia Bat Pros is your solution to prompt and professional bat trapping, extraction, exclusion, and damage restoration in Stafford or Spotsylvania County, as well as, all areas along the Rappahannock River! Continue below to learn exactly why we are a leader among bat removal and control companies in Virginia, and how to get started with a free quote or advice today!

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Bat Damages, Hazards, and Potential Threats

Bats cause an extreme amount of structural damage and even pose health risks to both people and pets. And since bats only need around 3/8th of an inch to gain access into a home or building, your property can easily be at risk. It goes without saying that you do not want a bat problem on your hands. So, if you find yourself hearing strange nightly sounds in the attic or chimney, or actually spot bats flying around your property, it is important that something be done to stop them from causing damage to your home or building. Bat removal is a complex job, so you’ll need the assistance of our skilled, certified bat abatement professionals at Virginia Bat Pros!

What Our Pros Can Do For You

We have the expert knowledge and resources to provide workable solutions for bat infestation problems. We provide a wide range of professional bat removal and control services for all of Fredericksburg, Virginia and its surrounding districts, including Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and all areas along the Rappahannock River. We help both residential and commercial property owners with bat extraction and exclusion, 24 hour emergency bat removal, bat cleanup and restoration, bat inspections, bat proofing, preventative maintenance, post service checkups, insurance claim work, free estimates, bat information, and much more.

Our bat removal specialists are licensed, bonded, and insured, and have more than 10 years of hands-on experience. We only use the safest and most humane methods of bat extraction and exclusion, and the case that a bat must be relocated, we take great care in transporting them to a faraway habitat that is safe and suited for them. Furthermore, we adhere to all industry accepted standards and best practices for bat abatement, and remain in accordance will all local, state, and federal laws that govern wildlife.

Why Choose Virginia Bat Pros?

☑ Licensed, Bonded, & Insured
☑ Local Community Members
☑ Over 10 Years of Experience
☑ 24 HR Emergency Services
☑ Safe & Humane Methods
☑ Affordable and Competitive Prices
☑ No Hidden Charges or Fees
☑ Free Estimates & Inspections
☑ Commercial & Residential Service
☑ Insurance Claim Compatible
☑ Superior Customer Support
☑ Broad Service Area

Get a Free Quote for Fredericksburg Virginia Bat Removal Service

There are hundreds of bat removal companies to choose from in Virginia, but it is important to select a company that retains the proper resources, skills, and credentials to implement safe and effective solutions that stand the test of time. You can trust that we are truly qualified professionals who are motivated to exceed our clients’ expectations using the highest degree of professionalism and integrity possible. From start to finish, we are there for all clients every step of the way to ensure their complete safety and satisfaction.

Contact our office at 804-729-9097 to learn more about Fredericksburg Virginia bat removal services, and how to get started with your remediation, today. Request free estimates, information or advice, anytime.

How to Make Non-Toxic Bat Repellent Spray

Posted on June 29, 2020 by virginia

In our previous blog, we discussed which products on the market are not recommended for controlling nuisance bats around your property. Although we gave you some advice on which spices you can use to ward off bats, it might help to learn a safe and effective recipe for a homemade, non-toxic solution that works effectively as a repellent against bats.

Continue reading to learn how to make this easy, humane, and non-toxic bat repellent spray using simple ingredients found around the house!

What You Will Need:

What To Gather Up as Supplies

You will need a clean, unused plastic spray bottle. You can purchase these for a few dollars at any local convenient store or department store. You can also find them at home improvement stores, dollar stores, craft stores, gardening stores, and online vendors. After you get yourself a plastic bottle, you might want to opt for some safety gear, such as rubber gloves or eye goggles. These will protect your skin, eyes, and mouth from anything irritating in the repellent.

As for ingredients, bats hate strong-scented spices, such as cinnamon, menthol, spearmint, peppermint, eucalyptus, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic. Most of these items can be found in your pantry or spice cabinet. Otherwise, simply visit your local grocer and gather them up there.

How to Make and Apply Your Repellent

It is important to know that this repellent can irritate your skin, eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. This means it can also have the same effect on pets. So before using your solution, be sure you have a plan in place to protect your pets from the areas where the repellent has been applied.

To make your repellent spray, simple combine water with whichever ingredients you have chosen, and transfer the solution into your plastic bottle. Now just don your protective gear and get started with the application process. Here’s how:

Think about the areas where the bats are becoming a bother. Perhaps they are taking over your log pile, inhabiting a common tree on your property, or some other area that needs to be bat-free. This is where you want to apply the repellent.

When spraying the repellent, be sure to apply it 6 to 8 inches away from the surface to ensure even distribution. Continue spraying around the area, and then move onto a perimeter application.

Take a walk around the larger area that needs to be excluded of bats. Using the spray, create a boundary, and then remember where the boundary is with land markers. This will help you keep pets away from the area.

Permanent Bat Control Solutions

To truly get rid of nuisance bats, you may need more than just a repellent. Typically, environmental modification strategies must also be combined with a repellent to resolve your nuisance bat problem at its root. By abating bat activity on and around your property, you can further protect your outdoor pets from bat confrontations. Certain environmental changes coupled with professional bat exclusion services are the best strategies for abating bat activity. Contact a licensed Virginia bat removal and control company in your town for humanae bat exclusion advice and assistance.

Who to Call for Virginia Bat Control at an Affordable Price

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 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.

How Bats Make Babies

Posted on May 18, 2020 by virginia

From male courtship and mating behaviors, to female reproduction, bat pups, and more, the way bats make and raise babies is quite fascinating. Continue reading to learn interesting facts about male and female bats, and how they create bat families.

Bat Courting and Mating

It is quite common for male and female bats to roost together in large numbers. However, male bats are competitive when it comes to mating, so they tend to define their own mating territories within these large roosts, or at least close by. Mating season begins in fall, and male bats know exactly what it takes to find a partner. They display various courtship rituals and behaviors to attract female suitors. Mostly, they emit series of high-pitched vocalizations that travel far and wide within the roost. They are also known to do courtship dances by flapping their wings and moving about. Male bats will even mark their potential partners, or their territory, with their own glandular excretions.

Bat Reproduction

Bats are mammals, and have uterine pregnancies just like most other mammals do. What’s interesting is that bats reproduce very slowly compared to many other mammals in the world, as they generally give birth to one single offspring per year, usually in the spring. Some bats have 2 or more, but it is not common. The gestation period can be short or long, lasting anywhere between 40 days and 6 months! That is because some female bats delay the fertilization process of her eggs by storing the male’s sperm until spring.

Female bats birth their young hanging upside down. Once they emerge, the female bat catches their young and places them inside her pouch. Bat babies are referred to as pups, and get their nutrition by nursing their mother’s milk. In many species of bat, females in a roost will come together and raise their young together as a group. This provides added warmth and protection. By mid-simmer, between 6 and 8 weeks, bat pups are 95% grown and fully-independent. By this time, they can leave the roost to learn to fly and hunt for insects.

Bat Colonies

A large population of bats is known as a colony. Bats are not solitary in nature, and tend to remain in large groups with multiple roosts. Bat colonies can range from a handful of bats to millions, depending on where you are at in the world. Bats are also one of the longest living mammals of their size, living up to 40 or 50 years in nature. Unfortunately, many bat populations are being wiped out by land over-development and white nose syndrome.

Nuisance Bat Control

It is important to protect your home and property from nuisance bat colonies. Although bats are incredibly important to our planet and economies, they can be highly destructive. They can even pass along several infectious diseases and parasites to both people and pets. If you suspect that bats are a problem around your area, contact a local bat control company for assistance.

How to Safely and Quickly Stop a Nuisance Bat Problem in Virginia

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.

Learn the Primary Scientific Classifications for Bats

Posted on May 8, 2020 by virginia

Although many people fear them, bats are unusual and incredible creatures, as well as the second largest order of mammals. They play a vital role in our Eco-system, and even help control nuisance insect populations in the spring and summer. Their significant contribution to our environment means they deserve a much better reputation. Perhaps by learning some interesting facts and information about bats, you too can change your opinion and fear them no more.

Continue reading to learn some basic facts about bats, including their collective taxonomy and scientific classifications.

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)

The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) is an American partnership of federal agencies intended to provide steady, dependable information on the categorization and nomenclature of biological species. In terms of bats, they have categorized the taxonomy of mega and microbats as follows:

Kingdom = Animalia

Phylum = Chordata

Subphylum = Vertebrata

Class = Mammalia

Order = Chiroptera

Suborder = Megachiroptera (Megabats) & Microchiroptera (Microbats)

Family = There are a total of 16 families in the suborder Microchiroptera. In the Megachiroptera, there is only one family called the Pteropodidae, also known as flying foxes and Old World fruit bats.

Genera = There are a total of 187 bat genera’s.

Species = There are at least 950 known bat species, but there are likely as many as 1,200 species or more.

More Fun Bat Facts!

Bats are mammals. What’s even more shocking is that bats are the only mammals in the world that are capable of true flight. Other mammals, like the flying squirrel, have the ability to leap, jump, soar, or float over great distances, but bats are the only ones who can actually take and maintain flight just like a bird.

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 bio-sonar 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 Echolocating abilities. They have big eyes and great vision, so they have no need for echolocation. To learn more about bats, see our blog, “5 Educational Facts About Bats” and really get to know this incredible mammal!

How to Safely and Quickly Stop a Nuisance Bat Problem in Virginia

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.

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.