How Bats Choose Their Mates

Posted on September 20, 2019 by virginia

Bats are one of the most fascinating species of mammal; after all, they are the only mammals capable of true flight. On top of this remarkable trait, bats also display unique mating behaviors, many of which are not demonstrated by other mammals in the animal kingdom. Furthermore, among all the 1600 bat species known to mankind, mating seasons and practices all vary in detail.

Continue reading to learn the fundamentals of bat mating rituals, including how bats choose their mate.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Bat Hibernation and Breeding Season

Bats that live in temperate regions, like the ones here in Virginia, migrate from summer homes to winter hibernation spots. This behavior is called hibernacula, and it is where breeding takes place. Migrating bats generally mate toward the end of summer into early fall, which is right about now. Interestingly, female bats store the male bat’s sperm for the next reproductive season, which takes place in spring and early summer. However, these breeding habits are much different for bats that don’t migrate.

Choosing Mates

The way in which bats choose and court other bats is quite diverse. As for hibernating species of bats, they put on an annual flying show, showing off their agile flying and acrobatic skills in an attempt to court female bats. They will fly in huge swarms, darting and dipping, and performing impressive aerobatics. Once the show dies down, bats will couple up and find seclusion to mate. Although it is not yet proven whether or not female bats prefer more agile males, because of this fascinating phenomenon it is certainly a theory among researchers.

Showing off is certainly a theme among mating bats since other arboreal species like to use their talents to court female candidates too. For instance, Hammer-Head bats use their enlarged larynx and nasal cavities to “honk” at females. During mating season, males line up in trees along the riverbank and call out to female bats that fly by. They use honking, grunting, and cooing sounds until they win the attention of a willing female Hammer-Head.

Even more interesting and somewhat similar, male Sac-Winged bats use their flying skills and pheromones to impress and court female bats. They hover in front of them, wafting their fumes and powering their wings until a female accepts. Other species of bat, like the Horseshoe bat, prefers discretion over showmanship. Instead of swarming, wafting, and honking to court their females, this species of bat lets the female come to them. Female bats will track down male Horseshoe bats, and then visit them at their private roost to mate.

Bat Reproduction

The average gestation period for a microbat is around six months, or 40 days. This is longer for larger bats. The size of the litter is much similar to humans. There is usually one pup that is birthed, but in some cases there can be two or more. Taking into consideration the size of the bat, they are among the slowest breeders on earth. At birth, a baby bat can weigh up to a quarter of the mother’s size; this would be like a human having a 30 pound baby. Female bats care for the young as they grow stronger and capable of fending for themselves.

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.

The Most Common Signs of Bats in the Attic

Posted on September 12, 2019 by virginia

Here in Virginia, there are several species of bat native to our state; as much as 15, in fact. Of these various species, some are known to live in closer range to urban and metropolitan areas, such as the big brown bat and the little brown bat. As a result, these bat species are often found roosting in residential attics, and therefore, categorized as nuisance pests. Although our local bat populations serve a vital ecological purpose that provides our societies with both environmental and economic benefits, it is not a good situation to have them living inside or around your home.

If you suspect that you might have a bat infestation, continue reading to learn which signs to look for that might prove your suspicions to be true, as well as, how to get rid of bats in the attic.

Bats in the Attic

By understanding which signs point to bat activity, you can better stay on top of home protection and maintenance. As soon as you see any signs that suggest you have bats around the house, or worse, inside, it is important to act fast and resolve the problem before it can turn into a large, costly nightmare.

You see, bats create big messes with their droppings and urine, destroying attic insulation and floorboards, which can lead to ceiling stains and indoor odors. Furthermore, rotted bat droppings (guano) can develop harmful fungal spores that can travel through air ducts and impact the health of both people and pets inside a home.

Here are the most common signs that you have bats in the attic:

☑ Ceiling and Wall Stains
☑ Lingering Odors in Certain Rooms
☑ Strange Noises or Fluttering Sounds in Walls
☑ Dark Greasy Stains Around Attic Windows and Vents
☑ Bat Droppings on Roof or Window Ledges
☑ Seeing Bats Fly Around at Dusk and Dawn Near Your House

Special Note: If you see a bat or two hanging from the eaves of your roof or porch, you might not have to worry; this is common bat behavior at dusk. They are simply resting in between hunting sessions. However, if you see any of the signs listed above, there could be reason for concern. Contact a local and licensed bat removal and control company for humane bat extraction and exclusion services.

Safe and Humane Bat Control Service 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.

Interesting Facts About the State Bat of Virginia

Posted on September 4, 2019 by virginia

Here in Virginia, we are proud to be represented by a wonderful and vital bat species known as the Virginia Big-Eared Bat. Continue reading to learn some interesting and inspirational facts about our official state bat, including what you can do to support the local bat colonies in Old Dominion without putting your property at risk.

Bat Control Company Virginia — The Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-Eared Bat is scientifically referred to as Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus, as it is part of the Vespertilionidae family of the animal kingdom. They are a cave-dwelling bat, but will also choose abandoned mines, hollow trees, and deep rock crevices along river banks as their roost. Although found in found in some other states, such as North Carolina, Kentucky, and even West Virginia, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat is Virginia’s official state bat. Their populations are most dense in the Western parts of the state.

Our state is one of the only ones to have designated a state bat. Two other states also have official state bats. Oklahoma and Texas also have a state bat, which happens to be the same species, the Mexican Free-Tailed bat! Proposed by Virginia Delegate, Jackie Stump, and later added as a law, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat became the official state bat of Virginia as recently as 2005! It is unfortunately on the Endangered Species list

Since the Virginia Big-Eared Bat is an endangered species, there are laws legislated by the Endangered Species Act that protect Virginia Big-Eared Bats against wrongful acts of harm or tampering. Violating such laws is a crime under Virginia state law. In fact, they are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can render jail time up to a year and a fine of $2,500.

Federal violations of the Endangered Species Act are even more severe. Those charged will face with the $50,000 fine and up to a year of imprisonment. Those who threaten the species are subject to a $25,000 fine and up to 6 months imprisonments. See our blog, “Federally Endangered Species of Bat in Virginia” to learn more about this topic, including how to protect yourself from unintentionally committing a crime against endangered bats.

If Bats Become a Nuisance on Your Property

All bats are vital parts of the surrounding ecosystem and highly beneficial to our local economies, but sometimes, they can be a nuisance. 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, but don’t want to jeopardize your home or loved ones? See our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to achieve your goal.

Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about safe and humane Virginia bat control solutions. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!