Why is the Virginia Big Eared Bat Endangered?

Posted on October 6, 2022 by virginia

The Virginia Big-Eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) is a subspecies of the Big-Eared bat, which is found in North America. The Virginia big-eared bat is found in only four states in the United States: Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The Virginia big-eared bat is a small bat, with a wingspan of only 8-10 inches. The body of this bat is brown or gray in color, with lighter fur on the underside. The ears of this bat are large and triangle-shaped, and the nose is long and narrow. This bat roosts in tree cavities, buildings, or other sheltered areas during the day. At night, it emerges to hunt for insects. The Virginia big-eared bat uses echolocation to navigate and find its prey.

The Virginia big-eared bat is an important species in its ecosystem. It plays a role in controlling the insect population, and it is also a food source for other animals such as owls and snakes. The biggest threat to the Virginia big-eared bat is habitat loss. This bat requires specific types of habitats in order to survive, and this habitat is being destroyed by development and other human activities. If this trend continues, the Virginia big-eared bat will likely become extinct. This is even more concerning due to the fact that the Virginia Big-Eared bat is listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Continue reading to learn more about the Virginia Big-Eared bat, including why its species is endangered and what we can do to protect local bat populations for the sake of our surrounding Eco-systems.

The Endangered Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big Eared Bat is an endangered species, and this is a problem for a few reasons. First, these bats are important for the ecosystem because they help control insect populations. Second, as a top predator in the food chain, the Virginia Big Eared Bat provides valuable nutrients to other animals further down the food chain Third, the Virginia Big Eared Bat is a keystone species, meaning that its populations have a large impact on the health of the ecosystem as a whole. Finally, the Virginia Big Eared Bat is an important part of our cultural heritage, and its loss would be a tragedy.

Endangerment Status

There are many reasons why the Virginia Big Eared Bat is endangered. Habitat loss is the biggest threat to these bats, as their natural roosting and foraging areas are being destroyed by development. Additionally, the Virginia Big Eared Bat is threatened by white-nose syndrome, a disease that has decimated bat populations across North America. Climate change is also a major threat to these bats, as it is changing the timing of their migration patterns and making their habitat less hospitable.

The loss of the Virginia Big Eared Bat would have a devastating impact on the ecosystem. These bats play an important role in controlling insect populations, and their loss would likely lead to an increase in insect-borne diseases. Additionally, the Virginia Big Eared Bat is a keystone species, meaning that its loss would have a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem. The Virginia Big Eared Bat is also an important part of our cultural heritage, and its loss would be a tragedy.

The Importance of Bat Conservation Efforts

We must do everything we can to save the Virginia Big Eared Bat. We need to protect their habitat and take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change. We also need to raise awareness about the importance of these bats and the dangers they face. Only by working together can we hope to save this important species.

If you are dealing with nuisance bats around your Virginia home or business, enlist the services of a licensed and insured bat removal and control company for safe and humane handling of these precious critters.

Are you having problems with nuisance bats around your house? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for fast and affordable bat removal services in Richmond, VA and its surrounding areas. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Can I Get Rid of Bats in the Attic On My Own?

Posted on September 30, 2022 by virginia

If you suspect that you have bats in the attic in Richmond, Virginia, you are probably right. Hearing sounds of scurrying and flapping, squealing and screeching, shuffling and bustling, are all common indications of an attic pest infestation. If it’s not bats, it could be birds, squirrels, or chipmunks. You can tell you have bats rather than the latter possibilities if you spot the other common, tell-tale signs of bats in the attic.

For instance, bats are nocturnal, so they are most active at night, from the hours of dusk, up until dawn. Furthermore, bats have very distinct droppings, called guano, that look nothing like other woodland species droppings. Guano looks a lot like rodent droppings, but larger and full of visible insect parts. You can also confirm a bat infestation in the attic if you see dark, greasy stains on your siding or roof. These stains are caused by the bat’s fur rubbing on the surfaces as they enter and exit your home or building.

Although having bats in the attic is a major problem that requires immediate attention and intervention, the good news is that a bat infestation is entirely reversible, so long as you have the right information and resources. Does this mean you can get rid of bats on your own? Continue below to learn what you need to know about bat removal and restoration before making that decision for yourself.

Get Rid of Bats in the Attic Richmond Virginia 804-729-9097

Bat Removal is For Trained and Licensed Professionals

Bat removal should only be carried out by trained and licensed professionals who retain the proper resources and permits for humane wildlife control. This isn’t just a recommendation urged by the industry, it is also the law in most cases. Many states deem it illegal to touch, tamper with, harm, or trap a bat. Various species of bat in Virginia are Federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and by the EPA. This includes our state bat, the Virginia Big Eared bat.

Furthermore, bats are known carriers of several infectious diseases, some of which are 100% fatal, like the Rabies Virus. Bats also carry and transmit lice, ticks, mites, fleas, gnats, and several other types of ectoparasites. It is important for you to understand that, even though you have a nuisance bat problem, local bat populations are ecologically beneficial. It is vital that we protect and conserve bat species around the world for the sake of our agriculture, economies, and more.

How to Get Rid of Bats in the Attic in Virginia

To properly get rid of bats in the attic, you must contact a licensed and insured wildlife control company that specializes in bat removal services in Richmond, Virginia. The proper permits, resources, equipment, and training to safely extract bats from the attic, exclude them from returning, and repair and restore the affected area. This might include insulation replacement, decontamination, animal damage cleanup and repair, and integrated pest management.

In conclusion, never attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat in Virginia. If authorities find out that you have violated any of these regulations, you will be fined thousands of dollars and subjected to several other civil penalties, possibly restitution and community service.

Would you like to know which company in Virginia to trust for safe and affordable bat extraction and abatement services? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 to get bats out of the attic in Richmond, or in any surrounding Virginia areas, including Fairfax County, Norfolk, and Manassas. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Detect a Bat Infestation in Your House

Posted on September 20, 2022 by virginia

If you notice any signs of bats in the house, be sure to contact a licensed Richmond bat removal and control company as soon as possible. Not sure how to detect bats in the attic or bats in the walls? Continue reading to learn the common signs of a bat infestation.

Get Rid of Bats in House Richmond VA 804-729-9097

Guide to Locating Bats in the House

There are many problems associated with having bats in the house. Not only do bats carry infectious diseases that can potentially be transmitted to humans and pets, but their droppings also pose several health risks, including a serious upper respiratory disease known as Histoplasmosis.

If you have bats in the house, you will need them extracted from your home, safely and humanely. Once extracted, they will be relocated to a faraway habitat where they can live out their significant lives in peace. As for your home, the job does not stop with bat removal. After bats are extracted, you will need further remediation to eliminate the mess, destruction, and health risks left behind.

If you suspect that you might have a bat infestation on your hands, there are some things you need to know right away. First, bats are not solitary mammals. They live in large colonies; so, where there’s one or two bats, there are likely many more. And since bats are nocturnal, they sleep quietly for most of the day. This means that they can go undetected by homeowners for a long time. The longer bats roost in your house, the more damage they cause, which ends up costing you money, time, and frustration that could have been avoided with proper nuisance wildlife prevention.

Fortunately, most Virginia bat removal companies also provide full-service decontamination and restoration work for bat damages. This includes disinfecting, sanitizing, and fumigating the area to eliminate waste and pests like bat mites and lice. It also includes replacing or renovating damaged areas like attic insulation, drywall, floorboards, siding, roof shingles, and more. Lastly, you will need your trusted Richmond bat removal and control company to implement the proper measures of wildlife proofing and prevention to stop future bat infestations.

Here are the Common Signs of Bats in the House:

Bats flying around your property at dusk and dawn.

Chirping, scratching, or screeching sounds in the walls or ceilings.

Inexplicable stains on walls and ceilings.

Foul odors lingering in the living quarters of the home.

Flutter noises in the attic or walls.

Bat droppings around doors and windowsills.

Greasy spots or stains on siding, doors, walls, or roofs.

Ready to schedule a professional a bat infestation inspection? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for licensed and insured Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We use safe and humane methods to deliver effective professional bat control for residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia.

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.

Information About Nuisance Bats in Virginia

Posted on August 29, 2022 by virginia

Bats are an incredible species of mammal, and we are lucky to have them as a part of our surrounding Eco-system. Their high metabolic needs and diverse diets significantly impact our ecological communities by playing a vital role in pollination, seed dispersion, crop fertilization, insect control, protozoan hosting, ecotourism industries, and more. But like most things in life, where there are advantages, there are also disadvantages. If you are dealing with or concerned about nuisance bats around your property, it is essential to better understand them and their predictable behaviors.

Continue reading to learn important information about nuisance bats and bat control in Virginia.

Bat Control Company Richmond VA 804-729-9097

Common Signs of Nuisance Bats

Bats are common nuisances for home and business owners. They are attracted to dark, warm shelters to raise their young and hibernate through winter, including attics, crawl spaces, garages, sheds, roofs, and walls. They can enter through a crevice as tiny as 3/8^th inch, so it is easy for them to get inside a vulnerable structure. You can tell if you have bats in the house or around your property by looking for the signs. This includes hearing strange noises in the walls or attic at night, spotting animal droppings around windows or doors, smelling foul odors from attic or crawl space areas, and more.

Bat Damage Abatement and Repair

Bats can cause a long list of structural damages to a home, and the accumulation of their droppings can create an unsanitary, biohazardous environment. Furthermore, they pose a wide range of health risks since their guano can cause respiratory illnesses, and they may carry diseases and parasites like rabies, lice, mites, and more.

Fortunately, several professional wildlife control companies offer restoration and decontamination services for damages caused by bats. They will remove the bats from the space using safe and non-lethal methods, clean up the mess they made, sanitize the entire area, and restore any structural damages they caused from their stay.

True Facts About Bats and Rabies

Many people wrongly assume that all bats have rabies. The truth is that bats are common carriers of the rabies virus, but that does not mean all bats are carriers, nor does it mean that carriers are infected. If a bat is rabid, you will be able to tell by a blood test, which can only be done correctly by a state’s Department of Health. A rabid bat is not likely to be a threat since they generally seek out isolation to die. In fact, bats that are not sick are not likely to attack either. They are more afraid of us than we are of them. It is very rare for one to bite or attack unless provoked. This is why regular vaccinations are so vital for pets.

Bat Removal and Control

To properly eliminate a bat problem, bats must first be removed, and then specific precautions must be taken to ensure they cannot reenter your home or building. There are many things you can do yourself to reduce the level of wildlife activity around your property, such as removing all food and water sources, including bird baths, squirrel feeders, pet food, gardens, and more. You can also install automatic motion lighting or ultrasonic sound machines, as well as, spread predatory urine or other non-toxic repellents around your yard. Just use water, ground hot pepper, and menthol oil to make a homemade repellent.

Do you think you might have bats in the house or around your home? 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.

Fascinating Facts About the Greater Mastiff Bat

Posted on August 19, 2022 by virginia

There are two primary orders of bats in the world: Microchiroptera and Megachiroptera. Megachiroptera bat species are mostly native to tropical regions of the world. They are large in size, have large visual cortexes, and feed on nectar and pollen of fruits and flowers. In fact, they are casually referred to as “Fruit bats” for this reason. Some are even called “Flying Foxes” due to their large heads and bodies.

In contrast to the large fruit bats of the world, Microchiroptera bats, or microbats, are much smaller, and retain a separate set of unique attributes. The most noticeable difference between megabats and microbats is size, but that does not mean there cannot be large microbats too.

Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about the largest Microchiroptera bat species in the United States!

Introducing the Greater Mastiff Bat (Eumops perotis)

The Greater Mastiff Bat goes by many names, scientifically Eumops perotis, but informally, it is also known as the Western Mastiff Bat, the Western Bonneted Bat, and the Greater Bonneted Bat. Greater Mastiff Bats are part of the Free-Tailed bat family, which includes well-known species like the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat, Northern Free-Tailed Bat, and the Spotted Free-Tailed Bat.

What They Look Like

The greater mastiff bat is the largest microbat species native to North America. Perhaps this is why their name reflects one of the larges canine species! Their average body size is between 5 and 8 inches in length. Furthermore, they have an impressive wingspan compared to other species of microbats, averaging between 20 and 22 inches.

As for overall mass, Greater Mastiff bats generally weigh between 2 and 3 ounces; although this sounds tiny, they are still larger than most other Microchiroptera species. Greater mastiff bats are most distinguishable by their large ears, which are so long, they extend out past their nose! Their fur is short and close to their bodies and appears in an array of gray and brown shades on their backs, with lighter shades of fur on their bellies.

Where They Live

Here in Michigan, you will not likely find a Greater Mastiff bat in your attic or flying around your property. That is because their natural range is in the Western parts of the United States, as well as Mexico and South America. They prefer the desert regions, especially along the border of Mexico, and even as far north as the Pacific coast of Alameda County, California.

Because the Greater Mastiff bat species are so large, they require more space and time to drop from their roosts and take flight. For this reason, they are often found roosting high up in rock fissures on the sides of cliffs. In fact, it was discovered that they require at least 20 feet of vertical drop in order to secure enough speed for flight. This means that if they become grounded, they must climb high enough to take a drop and fly away.

More Interesting Facts About the Biggest Microbat in the U.S.

No Time for Rest

Aside from being the largest species of Microbat that is native to North America, there are plenty more interesting facts about the Greater Mastiff bat. For instance, they do not migrate nor hibernate. Instead, they remain active all year long. This could be due to the comfortable seasonal climates the Western regions have to offer.

Threatened and Endangered

Because the Greater Mastiff bat is no longer found in the same numbers as they used to be in previously occupied regions, they are on federal special status. Although federally, they are considered a species of least concern, the Bat Conservation International still lists them as Threatened and Endangered.

Unique Mating

In contrast to other microbat species, males retain a skin glad that enlarges during mating season in the spring. This dermal gland produces a strong odor that researchers believe is meant to attract female bats. Females give birth to one single bat pup a year, and they can live between 10 and 15 years in the wild.

Are you experiencing heighted bat activity around your house or business? If so, you would be wise to establish an effective bat abatement plan to keep them from damaging or threatening your property. Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control in Richmond, Virginia and its surrounding counties. We serve both residential and commercial clients.

How Do-It-Yourself Bat Removal Can Lead to a 50 Thousand Dollar Fine

Posted on July 12, 2022 by virginia

If you have a nuisance bat problem in or around your house, be wise and hire a professional for licensed bat removal service. If you attempt to get rid of bats on your own, you may be unknowingly subjecting yourself to some very serious consequences. Fifty thousand of them to be exact. Not only can tampering with the wrong species of bat land you in the civil hotseat, but it might also force you to pay a fine higher than your annual income.

Continue reading to learn how DIY bat removal can lead to a $50,000 fine, plus what you should do instead if you have bats on your property.

Professional Bat Removal Richmond Virginia 804-729-9097

Federal Laws Regarding Endangered and Threatened Bats

In general, it is illegal to capture a bat and let it go in the wild somewhere else. It is also illegal to poison any animal on residential property other than rats and mice. Aside from these two important critter laws, there are additional legal matters regarding threatened and engendered species, which are both Federally-protected. Here in Virginia, we are home to 15 species of bat, but three are listed as threatened or endangered: the Gray bat, Indiana bat, and Virginia Big-Eared bat.

Most bats in Virginia look alike, so being able to identify and distinguish one species from the next is not something the average homeowner can do. If you were to unknowingly touch, harm, trap, capture, or kill one of these three species of endangered or threatened bat species, you could face a lot of legal trouble: namely, fines.

Fines for Tampering With an Endangered or Threatened Bat

The Endangered Species Act sets forth specific regulations and limitations that protect endangered or threatened animals. It 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. Violating the laws governed by the Endangered Species Act will result in a misdemeanor or felony charge.

Most violations of the Endangered Species Act are charged as Class A Misdemeanors, which come with a mandatory $2,500 fine, plus up to one year in county jail. Felony violations involving a threatened species of bat will result in a fine of $25,000 and possibly up to 6 months in prison. Felony violations involving an endangered bat species will result in a fine of $50,000 and possibly up to 6 months in federal prison.

Virginia State Laws for Bats

There are important state laws surrounding wild bats you should be aware of. 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.”

If you believe you might be dealing with an endangered or threatened bat species, contact the Virginia game official or wildlife warden in your area. You may also contact a licensed and insured bat removal and control company for qualified assistance.

Are you trying to manage a nuisance bat problem in or around your property? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for licensed and insured bat removal and control you can afford. We serve residential and commercial clients.

There Might Be a Bat Infestation in Your House if You See These Signs

Posted on February 8, 2022 by virginia

First, bats are not solitary mammals. They live in large colonies, so where there’s one or two bats, there are likely many more. And since bats are nocturnal, they sleep quietly for most of the day, so they can go undetected for a long time. Second, the signs of a bat infestation are visible or apparent, you just have to know what to look for.

Continue reading to learn the common signs of a bat infestation and what to do if you find one in your house.

Bat Infestation Damages and Risks

The longer bats roost in your house, the more damage they cause, which ends up costing you money, time, and frustration that could have been avoided with proper nuisance wildlife prevention. Furthermore, bats are known carriers of several diseases that can be transmitted to people and pets, like Rabies, mites, lice, ticks, and other parasites. Needless to say, it is not safe to have bats in the attic or other area of your home.

Fortunately, most Richmond VA bat removal professionals also provide full-service decontamination and restoration work for bat damages. This includes disinfecting, sanitizing, and fumigating the area to eliminate waste and pests like bat mites and lice. It also includes replacing or renovating damaged areas like attic insulation, drywall, floorboards, siding, roof shingles, and more.

Lastly, you will need your trusted Virginia bat removal and control company to implement the proper measures of wildlife proofing and prevention to stop future bat infestations.

Here are the Common Signs of Bats in the House:

Bats flying around your property at dusk and dawn.

▷ Chirping, scratching, or screeching sounds in the walls or ceilings.▷ Unexplained stains on walls and ceilings.

▷ Foul odors lingering in the living quarters of the home.

▷ Flutter noises in the attic or walls.

▷ Bat droppings around doors and window sills.

▷ Greasy spots or stains on siding, doors, walls, or roofs.

Contact an Emergency Bat Removal Service

If you notice any of these signs in your home, be sure to contact a professional Richmond bat removal service as soon as possible. You will need the bats extracted from your home, safely and humanely. Once extracted, they will be relocated to a faraway habitat where they can live out their significant lives in peace. As for your home, the job does not stop with bat removal. After bats are extracted, you will need further remediation to eliminate the mess, destruction, and health risks left behind.

Do you suspect that bats are living somewhere in or around your house or business? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for affordable and prompt bat removal services in Virginia, including Richmond, Virginia Beach, Glen Allen, and all surrounding areas. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

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.

Richmond VA Critter Control Bats 804-729-9097

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.

Do Bats Go into Hibernation Soon?

Posted on September 22, 2021 by virginia

Here in Virginia, we are home to several species of Microchiroptera bats. Also known as microbats, Microchiroptera are insectivores, eating nothing but mosquitoes, gnats, moths, flies, and several other types of flying insects. So, it makes sense that microbats might not want to stick around here for the winter season when the quantity of flying insects are much lower than they are compared to spring and summer.

Now that fall is here, are bats preparing for hibernation? Do bats in Virginia hibernate at all? If they do hibernate, where they go? You may be asking all of these questions and more. If you are, you are in the right place.

Continue reading to learn more about Virginia bats, including their hibernation practices, where they go for winter, and what you can expect this fall from the local bat populations in your Old Dominion communities.

Richmond Bat Removal Services 804-729-9097

Bats and Hibernation

So, do bats hibernate? Yes! Beginning in October or November, microbats will begin their hibernation schedule, which typically ends in March. Also known as torpor, bat hibernation serves the purpose of reducing the rate at which the body burns fat reserves. Torpor is a state of decreased metabolic activity in which the heart rate and body temperature drop significantly. During this time, bats might only take one breath per hour. It is also recorded that a bat’s heartbeat can drop to as low as 10 beats per minute (BPM) during torpor.

Since the number of flying insects substantially drops beginning in the fall and through the winter, hibernating during this time of year is a means of survival for bats in Virginia. It is suggested that 97% of the world’s microbat species hibernate.

Common Hibernation Locations for Microbats

Microbats, especially the ones here in Virginia, prefer to hibernate in areas that are safely distant from predators. Hollowed trees, caves, mines, large rock crevices, tunnels, cellars, crypts, church bell towers, and similar locations are prime target areas for bats.

In more suburban and Metropolitan areas, bats can be a nuisance to home and business owners. Oftentimes, bats choose to hibernate within residential and commercial settings. In fact, it is common for bat roosts and infestations to be found after the winter season in areas like attics, roofing systems, chimneys, vaults, wine cellars, basements, crawlspaces, and even in wall voids.

How to Get Rid of Bats in the Attic

if you suspect or have already discovered about infestation in your house or building, it is important to act fast. Bats are highly destructive, and they can also be known carriers of several infectious diseases. Contact a local and trusted Virginia bat removal and control comp a ny for emergency bat extraction services and cleanup solutions.

Licensed and experienced critter control professionals will have the proper resources and technologies to safely remove bats and sanitize/restore any area that bats have infested. The sooner you resolve a nuisance that problem, the more time and money you save in the long run.

Are you concerned that nuisance bats are to be a problem to your home or building? 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.

You Might Also Enjoy:

4 Areas of a Home You Might Find a Bat
Why You Should Never Try to Remove Bats Yourself
The Difference Between a Wild Bat and a Nuisance Bat