Top Ingredients to Use for a Nuisance Bat Repellent

We love animals. We just don’t want them taking shelter in or around our homes and businesses. Animals like bats are highly beneficial to our Eco-system and economies, but they are also highly destructive, even known carriers of several infectious diseases. So, although we don’t want bats hanging around, we also don’t want them to be affected by our animal abatement methods in a negative way. Fortunately, for people like you and me, there is a safe and humane way to get rid of bats using a homemade, nontoxic solution.

Continue reading to learn how to make your very own bat repellent using the top 3 most effective and safest ingredients.

Richmond VA Bat Removal Services 804-729-9097
Richmond VA Bat Removal Services 804-729-9097

Animal Repellent Spray Supplies

A spray solution is the easiest way to make an animal repellent for bats, plus the easiest to apply. To make a homemade bat repellent, you will need clean water, a clean plastic spray bottle that is at least 16 ounces, and a few household ingredients. Now, there are several ingredients you can add to your bat repellent solution, but the top ingredients that bats really seem to hate include putrescent egg, capsaicin, and menthol.

It is also suggested that mothballs work well to repel bats, however they may not be safe for homes with children and pets. Likewise, capsaicin may also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, so aim to apply your repellent far away from children and pet play areas. If that’s not possible, it may be a good idea to leave it out of your solution, altogether.

Why They are Suggested to Work

Putrescent egg is scientifically formulated to mimic the smell of a decaying animals, which bats perceive as a predatory zone. They will steer clear is such danger zones. Capsaicin is the main ingredient in hot peppers. It is responsible for the burning, tingling sensation that you experience when you eat something with hot sauce or hot peppers in it. Bats do not like these smells and sensations, and will stay away from them at all costs. The same applies for menthol. If you cannot access capsaicin, you can substitute it with cayenne pepper or red chili pepper. If you cannot access menthol, mint works well too.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

▶ Clean Water
▶ Clean Plastic Spray Bottle
▶ Putrescent Egg Solids
▶ Capsaicin Oil
▶ Menthol Oil

Where to Buy Animal Repellent Ingredients

You can purchase putrescent egg at any local home improvement or garden store. You may be able to purchase them at local farmers’ markets and through private sellers, online. Capsaicin oil and menthol oil can be purchased online through any common retailer, or you can purchase them at any local department store. The grocery or drug store might even have them in the pharmacy more wellness section.

How to Make Bat Repellent:

➀ Fill the plastic spray bottle 3/4 of the way with clean water.
➁ Add ¼ cup of putrescent egg solids.
➂ Add 10 drops of capsaicin oil.
➃ Add 10 drops of mental oil.

How to Use Bat Repellent:

➀ Make sure that To the bottle is secured on tightly.
➁ Gently turn upside down and right side up a few times to ensure the solution mixes.
➂ Spray in high traffic areas or around the perimeter of your property to keep bats out.

Does it seem like no matter what you try you continue to have a problem with nuisance bats? Just contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for licensed and insured bat removal and control you can afford. We serve residential and commercial properties.

Related Posts:

Can I Get Rid of Bats Myself?
The Top Three Signs that You Have Bats in the House
How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Do I Have to Worry About Attic Bats in the Winter?

Many homeowners believe that bats hibernate in the winter, and therefore, cannot pose any structural damage or infestation threats to their property. But this is not always accurate. Although bats do have a hibernation season around this time of year, and the need for bat removal service significantly declines through the winter, bats can still pose several types of hazards to your property.

This winter, learn what you need to do to protect your home or business from intruding bats in the attic. This is especially important for those who live near large bodies of water or forested areas. Bat populations tend to be much higher and more concentrated in prime habitat locations like these. If you do live in a location like this, you already know that wildlife can be a nuisance, which is probably why you are wondering about attic bats in the winter.

Continue reading to get started for some top tips for preventing and getting rid of the bats in the attic.

Bat Infestation Removal Richmond VA 804-729-9097
Bat Infestation Removal Richmond VA 804-729-9097

Common Bat Species in Virginia

Although there are nearly 20 bat species native to Virginia, the ones that are most likely to inhabit your attic space include the Big Brown bat, Little Brown bat, and the Evening bat. These are the most common types of nuisance bat species in Virginia, and they all can display different migrating patterns.

While the Big Brown bat prefers to hibernate close by, the small brown bat tends to migrate south towards warmer weather and more abundant food supply, but not all of them. Many Little Brown bats hibernate in Virginia, which is why they are often found roosting in attic spaces.

The Evening bat may migrate south for the winter, but usually they stay within the borders. Evening bats do not hibernate in caves, and instead look to rock crevices, hollowed trees, and of course, attics.

Bat Intrusions in the Wintertime

Because the top nuisance bats in Virginia do not typically migrate in large populations, they are often the culprits behind attic infestations. Bats look for warm, safe shelter to hibernate and reproduce their offspring in the winter. Factors like land over-development and habitat dispersal have impacted bat populations, forcing them into our urban and suburban communities. Attics, wall voids, crawl spaces, chimneys, barns, and sheds are common places chosen by Virginian bats.

Animal Proofing Prevents Bat Intrusions

So, although bats are likely to hibernate in the winter, that does not mean you are in the clear of a bat intrusion. In fact, you could be at an even higher risk. Animal proofing strategies are the best way to ensure your home is protected through the winter against wildlife infestations. Talk to a local Richmond bat removal company about sealing up your property to keep bats out. They can help you achieve this safely, humanely, and within a reasonable budget.

How to Check for Attic Bats

Unless you look for or spot the signs of a bat infestation in the house, it is not likely that you will catch it until spring. When bats emerge from hibernation, also known as torpor, they will begin to make a lot of noise, shuffling around, coming and going, raising their pups, and more. In fact, strange noises are one of the first signs of a bat infestation noticed by homeowners.

Here are additional signs that you have bats in the attic:

▷ Lingering Odors
▷ Wall/Ceiling Stains
▷ Guano Presence

Are you interested in learning how you can protect your home or business against nuisance bat damages? Perhaps you need to repair your attic after an infestation? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for professional and affordable Richmond bat removal and attic restoration services for bat damages. We serve residential and commercial properties.

Related Posts:

Do Bats Go into Hibernation Soon?
The Facts About Structural Damage Restorations for Attic Bat Infestations
Information About Bat Exclusion For Attics

Is Bat Urine Harmful?

When it comes to discussing the consequences of bat infestations in attics and similar structural areas of a house or building, guano is often the topic most touched upon. Solid bat waste, known as guano, can cause an extensive amount of damage to a surrounding space, whether it comes into physical contact with a structure or not. Insulation, walls, floorboards, ceilings, ductwork, electrical wiring, and much more can be destroyed by guano accumulations. But guano is not the only bat excrement to worry about if you suspect you have bats in the attic. You mustn’t overlook the harm of bat urine.

Continue reading to learn how bat urine can be harmful, how to clean up after a bat infestation, and how to protect your home from bat intrusions, year-round.

Bat Infestation Clean Up Richmond Virginia 804-729-9097
Bat Infestation Clean Up Richmond Virginia 804-729-9097

The Dangers of Bat Urine

There are many reasons why bat urine can pose several health and safety risks, as well as structural hazards around your home or business. First, let’s discuss the contents of bat urine. Bat urine is primarily composed of uric acid, which is an insoluble compound strong enough to corrode metal. It is also found in the urine of reptiles, birds, and even some insects.

Bat Urine Damages

After learning the power of uric acid, you can imagine how easily high concentrations of bat urine left untouched over time can cause an extensive amount of structural damage to anything it has saturated. Not just metal but wood and plastic, too. The usual suspects damaged by bat urine include HVAC units, electrical wiring, floorboards, wall beams, ceiling beams, insulation, ceilings, drywall, window frames, gutters, roofing, and even mortar.

Bat Diseases

Aside from structural damages, which can lead to costly and invasive renovations and repairs, bat urine can also pose several health and safety risks. As for safety hazards, bat urine can damage structures over time, causing them to weaken and warp. This can lead to slip and fall accidents, blunt force impacts, collapsing, sink holes, and other dangerous accidents and injuries. Additionally, bat urine can be a source of a potentially deadly bacterial disease known as Leptospirosis. It is transmitted through broken skin, or the eyes, nose, or mouth.

You must also keep in mind that, where there’s bat urine there’s likely bats, and bats are known carriers of several infectious and transmissible diseases that can affect both people and pets, including the Rabies virus.

Common Signs of Bat Urine:

▷ Lingering Odors
▷ Bubbling Or Peeling Wall Paint
▷ Wall And Ceiling Stains
▷ Wet Walls That Never Dry
▷ Damp Drywall
▷ Mold on Wall Frames

Cleaning Up After a Bat Infestation

If you suspect that you have bats in the house or somewhere infested within your property, it is important to contact a local Virginia back control company for that removal service. They can inspect your property and determine the best strategies for extraction and prevention. The first step to cleaning up after about infestation is bat exclusion, which is implement by modifying the property in a strategic way to prevent bats from accessing high interest areas.

Once the home or building is animal proved, decontamination and sanitation phase can commence. This may include pest mitigation, which is sometimes necessary to get rid of lingering lice, gnats, ticks, fleas, rodents, or bat mites. You can find trusted bat cleanup and restoration services for affordable price, as they are often covered under homeowners’ insurance.

Are you now sure that you have bats in the attic, or a bat in the house? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for prompt and professional bat removal and control services at the right price. We serve all of Virginia, including Roanoke, Midlothian, Fredericksburg, Glen Allen, and more.

Related Posts:

Do You Have Bats in the Attic?/
Can I Get Rid of Bats Myself?
How to Get a Flying Bat Out of the House

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

The True Facts About Bats and Blindness

Have you ever used the adage, “blind as a bat?” If so, you may be disappointed to learn that you were incorrect. That is because bats are not actually blind. But don’t be ashamed if you always thought this; many people share the same misconception. The truth is that there are more than 1,400 bat species in the world, and not one of those species is blind. What’s even more interesting is that they actually have quite good vision, especially Megachiroptera species (fruit and old-world). This makes sense, as they are night-hunters. So, vision is important for darting and dashing for prey.

Continue reading to learn more interesting facts about bat vision, echolocation, and more.

Bats Critter Control Service Virginia 804-729-9097
Bats Critter Control Service Virginia 804-729-9097

Megabats and Microbats

There are two main categories of bat species: Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera, also known as megabats and microbats. Megachiroptera, or megabats, are large bats that live in tropical and subtropical climates. They maintain a diet of fruits and nectar, but some species are also known to consume small amphibians and fish.

As for vision, Megachiroptera have large eyes and a pronounced visual cortex that allow them to see very well. They also have a good sense of smell. Some species, like Flying Foxes, actually see well during the day, and are dependent on their daytime vision to fly around on moonless nights. They can also see in color!

Microchiroptera, or microbats, are different from megabats in many ways, however, their vision is just as good. Despite their poorly developed small eyes, scientists have confirmed that microbats have both rods and cone photo-receptor cells in the retinas, giving them the ability to see in the day, in color, and at night.

Furthermore, Microchiroptera (not all species, but most) have a built-in sonar system called echolocation, which emits high-frequency ultrasonic pulses into the air that bounce back and outline the surrounding environment.

Bat echolocation is why many people believe these mammals are blind. But echolocation is simply a bonus attribute that allows microbats to hunt faster and with more precision.

How to Manage Nuisance Bat Problems in Virginia

You will know you have a bat problem when you begin to identify the signs. Common indications include strange noises coming from walls and ceilings, yellow or brown stains on walls or ceilings, foul odors in concentrated areas of the home, bat guano or bird-like droppings, and seeing bats fly around your home at night.

If you are concerned about bats in the attic or around your property in Virginia, there are many safe and affordable options for animal proofing, inspection, and extraction. If you find a bat in the house, never attempt to catch, trap, touch, harm, or kill a wild bat. Instead, contact a 24 hour Virginia wildlife removal company for licensed bat removal and control you can trust.

Are you having problems with nuisance bats around your house? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for comprehensive bat removal and control services in Richmond and all surrounding Virginia areas, including Fairfax County, Norfolk, and Manassas. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Related Posts:

Comparing Little Brown Bats With Big Brown Bats
FAQS About Virginia Bat Control
The Ecological Importance of Bats

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Why You Should Thank Bats For Tequila and Chocolate

Do you love margaritas? Do you relish in the indulgence of anything chocolatey? If so, you should be grateful for…BATS! For the sake of the Halloween season, let’s discuss why bats are ecologically important for many of the crops we love the most across the world.

Continue reading to get started for all of the fun bat facts!

Richmond Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Richmond Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

The Incredible and Undeniably Impressive Attributes of Bats

Bats are an incredible and unique species of mammal. That’s right; bats are mammals, just like us! Not only are bats mammals, but they are also the only mammal capable of true flight. Other mammals might be able to glide or drift or float on air currents, but bats can actually fly like a bird. Bats are also incredible at flying. They are some of the fastest mammals on earth, with some species, such as Mexican free-tailed bats, capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 miles an hour.

But the incredible attributes of bats do not end there. Bats also retain an incredible, built-in sonar system known as echolocation. Although not all bats use echolocation, the ones that do are certainly fascinating. Bats are not blind, but echolocation allows them to dart and dive for prey with precision and accuracy. It also allows them to navigate through dark caves and tree canopies with astute precision.

Speaking of prey, bats consume a massive quantity of flying insects each night. One single bat can eat more than its own body weight in insects, such as mosquitoes, gnats, flies, moths, and more. This brings us to our love of tequila and chocolate!

The Ecological Importance of Bats for Farming

Local and global bat populations serve a variety of ecologically important purposes, namely with farming and crops, but also with local economics. You see, bats are one of the best pollinators in the world. In fact, more than 549 known plant species are either pollinated or dispersed by bats! Some of their favorite crops to pollinate include guava, bananas, mangoes, and cacao, which happens to be the central ingredient in chocolate! So yes, you can thank bats every time you indulge in some tasty chocolatey sweetness!

Richmond VA Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Richmond VA Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

In addition to helping with pollination and disbursement of plant species, bats also help farmers protect their crops from damaging pests. As mentioned, bats eat a lot of insects, the very insects that like to pillage some of our most important agricultural crops, such as cotton. With such beneficial protection, farmers can abate the use of pesticides, as well as harvest and sell more crops, thus boosting the economic advantage in our communities.

Now for the tequila. You might wonder how bats could possibly contribute to your beloved margaritas, salted tequila shooters, and palomas. Well, the answer is Agave. The Lesser long-nosed bat is notorious for their love of the blue agave cactus. They are one of the main pollinators of this important herbaceous plant species, which is the key ingredient for many types of tequila.

✨So, the next time you enjoy a delicious margarita with a slice of torte cake, you can give a grateful toast to bats!????

Are you impressed with the various attributes of bats, but are dealing with a nuisance bat problem on 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 the most competitive rates around.

Related Posts:

The Differences Between Megabats and Microbats
Could Wind Turbines Be a Threat to Bats in Virginia?
Facts About White-Nose Syndrome and Bats

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Learn About Rabies Awareness For World Rabies Day

Today is World Rabies Day!

In support of Rabies awareness and protection, take this opportunity to review the most important facts about the Rabies Virus, including where you can get it, how to protect your pets and loved ones from exposure, and much more. Continue reading to get started and then spread your newfound awareness to friends and family!

Bat Removal Service Richmond VA 804-729-9097
Bat Removal Service Richmond VA 804-729-9097

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a fatal viral infection caused by the Rabies Lyssavirus (RABV) virus. Once contracted, there is no cure. It travels directly to the central nervous system, subsequently causing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. People and canines are the most common victims of rabies infection and fatalities.

Common Carriers of the Rabies Virus

 Although raccoons are the most common carrier of the Rabies Virus, bats are another pressing threat. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, in 2018, 93% of rabies cases were from wild animals, and bats were at the top of the list of carriers. They further reported that in 2019, 7 out of 10 Rabies deaths in the United States were caused by bats. Many other species of wildlife can be carriers too, including birds, squirrels, skunks, coyotes, and foxes.

Rabies Vaccines for Pets

In order to help spread the rabies virus among people and pets, it is vital to have your dogs and cats vaccinated on an annual basis. Dogs are the most common victim of rabies fatalities because they are curious, outdoor explorers who often come into contact with rabid animals like raccoons or bats. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog or cat’s rabies vaccination schedule recommendation. Routine pet vaccination efforts coupled with the availability of rabies-fighting vaccines and medications is the best approach for fighting the rabies pandemic around the world.

Rabies Vaccinations for People

Because the United States averages 1 to 3 cases of humans contracting the Rabies Virus, there is no CDC or government-decreed recommendation for children or adults to seek out routine rabies vaccinations.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Upon potential or known exposure, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends immediately seeking Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an antiviral medication taken after you or a pet is exposed to the Rabies virus. Such exposure can happen through a scratch or bite, or in any case in which the bat’s infected saliva enters the target’s bloodstream.  This medical treatment is designed to stop the virus from spreading to the central nervous system, making time of the utmost essence.

Are you dealing with a nuisance bat problem in or around 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.

You Should Also Read:

When Should a Bat Be Captured and Tested for Rabies?
Will Bats Attack My Dog?
What You Want to Know About Bats and Rabies

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Do Bats Go into Hibernation Soon?

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
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 company 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

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

The Two Most Common Species of Bats in the Attic

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
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 Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
The Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

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.

You Should Also Like:

Top 3 Signs That Suggest You Have Bats in Your House
How Much Does Bat Removal and Control Cost?
What Happens to Bats After Bat Removal?

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Comparing Little Brown Bats With Big Brown Bats

Two of the most prevalent microbats found in the surrounding Virginia regions are the Little Brown bat and the Big Brown bat. Although they share sister names, they are quite different from one another in terms of biology. Continue reading to learn some fun and informative facts about both species of microbat, as well as what you should do if you ever find a bat in the house or other area of your property.

Virginia Bat Control Services 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Control Services 804-729-9097

The Microbats of Virginia

Little Brown Bats

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
The Little Brown Bat

Adult bats 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 mosquitos, 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! That is excellent pest control, and it’s free!

Big Brown Bats

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
The Big Brown Bat

The Big Brown bat may look like the Little Brown bat, but they are a different species, and just a tad larger, as the names implies. Adult bats 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.

Do you think you might require bat removal or control assistance for your home or commercial property? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for professional bat removal services in Virginia, including Richmond and surrounding counties.

You Should Also Read:

Which Bats are Native to the State of Virginia?
Facts About Megabats and Microbats
4 Areas of a Home You Might Find a Bat

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

The Difference Between Bat Mites and Bed Bugs

People all across the Virginia have experienced a bug infestation of some kind. Whether its mosquitos, ants, gnats, or fleas, we have all been there at least once in our lives. Out of all the insects that we encounter in our lifetime, bat mites are one we would commonly overlook. No one ever talks about bat mites, mostly because they are often mistaken for bed bugs

Continue below to learn the similarities and differences between the two insects, as well as, how to permanently get rid of bat mites in your home.

Virginia Bat Removal and Cleanup Service
Virginia Bat Removal and Cleanup Service 804-729-9097

Bed Bugs Versus Bat Mites

⚠ Bats can carry and transmit parasites like lice, ticks, and of course, bat mites.

Most people have heard stories of bed bug infestations, and many have even experienced it for themselves. The usual signs include itching, red bumps and bites, and actual minuscule bugs in your linens and bed sheets. To get rid of them, people have used exterminators, aerosol sprays, and insecticide treatments to kill and remove the “bed bug” problem.  What some find, is that the infestation eventually comes back.

This is most likely because they treatment administered wasn’t strong enough, or the infestation isn’t bed bugs at all, its bat mites. Bat mites behave very similar to bed bugs. They are tiny parasitic insects that cling to a host and can live up to one year if the climate is agreeable. They live sustainably in dark and narrow areas, just like bats, which is why bats are their favorite hosts.

How to Get Rid of Bat Mites

⚠ No matter how many times your house is fumigated, disinfected, and treated, BAT MITES WILL NEVER GO AWAY unless you get rid of the bats, first!

Standard extermination services are not enough for bat mites, and they probably never will be. An exterminator cannot simply spray, kill, and call it a day when it comes to bat mites. As long as their host remains, they remain and will continue to come back over and over again. You have to take more invasive action to get rid of bat mites compared to bed bugs.

Once the bat colonies are cleared from the area and proper preventative maintenance is implemented to ensure there will be no more future bat break-ins, you are on your way to a pest-free living space. This is when you can begin to properly clean and sanitize the area for bat mites. Keep in mind that bats can also carry and transmit fleas, lice, and ticks.

Are you looking for safe and affordable bat cleaning service near you? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for affordable and prompt bat cleaning and restoration services in Virginia, including Richmond, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and all surrounding areas. We serve residential and commercial clients.

You Should Also Read:

How to Get Rid of Bat Mites
3 Transmissible Bat Diseases That Can Affect People and Pets
What You Want to Know About Bats and Rabies

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097