Virginia Big-Eared Bat Facts

Posted on October 28, 2022 by virginia

There are several species of bats found in Virginia. The most common bat in Virginia is the little brown bat. Other species include the big brown bat, the Mexican free-tailed bat, the silver-haired bat, and the beloved state bat, the Virginia Big-eared bat! Although all of these species are important to the ecosystem and play a role in controlling insect populations, let’s take a closer look at our state bat by reviewing some interesting facts about them!

Virginia Big eared bat is our state bat! — Professional Bat Removal Richmond Virginia 804-729-9097

Facts About the Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) is a medium-sized bat, with adults measuring 4.5-5.7 cm (1.8-2.2 in) in body length and 7-9 cm (2.8-3.5 in) in wingspan. The fur on the back is brown or black, while the belly is paler. As its name suggests, this bat has large, conspicuous ears.

This bat is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, caves, and mines. It is a forest Dependent species, meaning that it requires forested habitat to survive. The Virginia Big-eared bat typically roosts alone or in small groups. It is known to form maternity colonies of up to 100 individuals.

As an insectivore, it primarily feeds on moths, but also mosquitos, gnats, flies, grasshoppers, and more. Like all other microbats, our state bat uses echolocation to locate its prey and navigate with heightened precision in the dark of night.

Fun Facts About All Bats

Bats are nocturnal creatures, so they are most active at night. During the day, they roost in trees, caves, and other dark places. Bats are very good flyers and can travel long distances in search of food.

Most bats eat insects. They use their sharp teeth to bite through the exoskeleton of their prey. Bats have a very good sense of smell and can locate their prey by following the scent of the insects.

Bats are important to the ecosystem because they help control the population of insects. Without bats, there would be more mosquitoes, beetles, and other pests. Bats eat millions of insects every night!

How to Support Local Bat Populations

There are several things you can do to help bats. One way is to provide a roosting site for them. You can do this by putting up a bat house in your yard. Another way to help bats is to avoid using pesticides and insecticides. These chemicals can kill the insects that bats eat.

If you see a bat during the day, it is probably sick or injured. Bats are very susceptible to diseases, so it is important not to handle them. If you find a sick or injured bat, please contact your local wildlife rehabilitator for help.

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.

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.

The 4 Federally Endangered Bats in Virginia

Posted on April 28, 2022 by virginia

There are several species of bat that are common to the Virginia state, from Little Brown bats and Big Brown bats to Northern Long-Eared bats, Hoary bats, Townsend’s Big-Eared bats, Eastern Red bats, Eastern Small-footed bats, Seminole bats, American Long-Eared bats, and many more. Of the 15 total bat species in Virginia, sadly, 4 are listed as Federally-protected or threatened.

Continue reading to learn more about the endangered bats of Virginia, and reasons why their species are in decline.

Bat Critter Control Service Virginia 804-729-9097

Endangered Bat Species in Virginia

Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)

The Virginia big-eared bat was officially made our state bat 14 years ago. They range consists of eastern Kentucky, eastern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina. As for their conservation status, the Virginia big-eared bat was categorized as an endangered species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1979. This makes it strictly-protected under state and federal law. In better news, a recent report provided by a Loab’s ‘Conservation and Management of Eastern Big-Eared Bats’ study estimated that a 77% increase in their populations took place between 1983 and 2009.

Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

The Gray bat was categorized as both federally and state-endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1976. When initially placed on the endangered species list, there were an estimated 2 million Gray bats. Happily, through continuous and successful conservation efforts, they are now estimated to be around 2.3 million and counting.

Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii)

Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bats look so similar to our state bat, that they are often confused for one another! Sadly, Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bats are a state endangered bat and currently on the conservation list. The loss and degradation of their natural habitats is a top cause of the declining Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bat population.

Indiana Bat (Myotis solidalis)

The Indiana bat is a federally-protected, endangered species of bat. Sadly, there are less than 300,000 Indiana bats remaining in the United States today. During summer months, they roost in tree cavities and underneath dark bridges; but when winter arrives, Indiana bats start looking for warmer shelter, such as limestone caves, abandoned buildings, mines, and more.

Are you having problems with bats in the attic or chimney? 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.

Make a New Year Resolution to Get Rid of Bats For Good

Posted on December 31, 2019 by virginia

If nuisance bats have been a problem in or around your property all year, now is the time to put a stop to all the animal damages. Take a stance against nuisance bat activity and damage by implementing a New Year’s resolution to get rid of bats once and for all. Continue reading to learn exactly what you need to do to accomplish your 2020 goal and keep your home protected from destructive wildlife.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

How to Get Rid of Bats

The first place to think about for bat prevention is the exterior of the property. Roof shingles, windows, doors, siding, overhangs, awnings, porches, and more should all be inspected for openings and vulnerabilities. A licensed contractor should be hired to provide professional sealing and repair services to ensure this step is done properly. Once you know your property is adequately sealed from the outside, you can move onto the next phase of bat control and prevention.

There are several products available on the market for nuisance bat control. You can consider trying out some of these devices to see if they can work for you. If they do not seem to add any value, simply return them for a refund. One such device available is an ultrasonic wave machine that use high-pitched sonar emissions to keep bats away. You can also consider a sound machine that emits the sounds of certain predators that bats fear.

Aside from home repairs and electronic devices, you can also install automatic lights outside of your property to keep bats from entering your territory. Bats like the dark, so they will stay clear of bright, lit-up areas. By having them set on motion sensors, you can save energy and keep additional nuisance wildlife away.

If you live in the country or rural area, try compromising with the local bat population by setting out bat houses far from your home. These are just like bird houses except the opening is at the bottom, allowing bats to fly in and hang from the top. This will not only keep them occupied and away from your living quarters, it can also give licensed exclusionists an advantage when relocating them to a safer habitat.

Hire a Professional Bat Removal Company

If you notice or find evidence of a bat infestation in or around your property, it is important to understand that bat removal is not a do-it-yourself job. Never attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances. Not only can this be dangerous to you and the bat, it can be against the law if the bat is a threatened or federally-protected species. Here in Virginia, our very own state bat, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus Townsendii Virginianus), is endangered.

Always use professional bat removal services to get rid of bats, or inspect your home if you suspect bats are inside. They retain the proper licensing and training to LEGALLY and safely remove bats and prevent their return. Never try to catch, harm, or kill a wild bat. Call a bat removal service instead! They use safe and non-lethal methods to remove bats and relocate them to a faraway habitat.

Non-Lethal Bat Removal and Control in Virginia

Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at a fair 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.

FAQS About Endangered Bats

Posted on November 11, 2019 by virginia

Bats are incredible mammals. Not only are they the only mammalian species capable of true, authentic flight, they play a vital role in our surrounding Eco-systems. And although bats have a stigma to them, and a poor reputation for being a nuisance to home and building owners, they are protected under state and federal law. This is especially true for endangered bat species. Sadly, species all across the globe are still becoming endangered and close to extinction. We have to work harder as a society to support animal protection and initiatives in order to keep our beloved animal kingdom sustainable and strong.

Continue reading to review some common questions about endangered bats, including which species are endangered, why some bats are becoming extinct, and much more.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control — The Lesser Short-Nosed Fruit Bat is a species of Megabat that lives in Southeast Asia and Indonesia.

How Many Bats are Endangered?

Endangered bats are also referred to as “threatened” species. There are multiple levels of endangerment. Bat species may fall under “Critically-Endangered” or “Endangered” depending on the severity of threat. According to the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species, there are 26 critically endangered species, 51 endangered species, and 954 additional species that are considered vulnerable to endangerment. However, these numbers are always changing and difficult to keep up with.

Is There a Difference Between Endangered and Extinct?

Extinct species have all died out and are no longer in existence anywhere on the planet. The term extinct is though to come from the Latin term, extinctus, which translates to the modern, extinguish. Endangered species face an imminent risk of extinction. Some examples of extinct animals include the Dodo, Great Auk, Steller’s Sea Cow, and the Tasmanian Tiger.

Why Do Bats Become Extinct?

There are several reasons that have contributed to the demise of certain bat species. Such factors include land over-development, diseases like White Nose Syndrome, and habitat destruction. In fact, the biggest contributing factors are loss of habitat, like caves, forests, and nesting areas. When bats lose their homes, they search for new homes, like our attics and crawl spaces! It is not their fault, which is why bats should never be regarded as a bad animal. They are innocent creatures that have suffered substantial habitat loss.

Which Bats are Endangered in the United States?

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there are 13 endangered bat species in the United States. Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, there are 5 species and sub-species that are identified as Endangered. They are as follows:

Bonneted Bat – Eumops floridanus
Gray Bat – Myotis grisescens
Hoary Bat – Lasiurus cinereus semotus
Indiana Bat – Myotis sodalis
Lesser Long-Nosed Bat – Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae
Little Mariana Fruit Bat – Pteropus tokudae
Mariana Flying Fox – Pteropus mariannus mariannus
Mexican Long-Nosed Bat – Leptonycteris nivalis
Northern Long-Eared Bat – Myotis septentrionalis
Ozark Big-Eared Bat – Corynorhinus townsendii ingens
Pacific Sheath-Tailed Bat – Emballonura semicaudata rotensis
Samoan Pacific Sheath-Tailed Bat – Emballonura semicaudata semicaudata

And Sadly………
The Virginia Big-Eared Bat
(Corynorhinus Townsendii Virginianus)

Got Nuisance Bat Problems in Virginia?

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!

How Many Bats are Endangered?

Posted on June 11, 2019 by virginia

Bats are wonderful contributors to our surrounding Eco-systems, and even our very own local economies. For this reason, it is a sad truth that bats are not as safe as we wish them to be on this planet. There are several dangers that threaten various bat species all across the world, some of which are caused by mankind, and others that are virtually out of our control.

Continue reading to learn more about the endangered and threatened bat species around the world, and what you can do to support local bat populations in your town.

Threatened Bats

Threatened bats are not technically endangered, but still at risk. “Threatened” means that the bat population numbers are at a steady decline, putting the species closer to being listed as endangered. You see, bats typically give birth to only 1 pup, per year, so population growth rates are slower than most other flying species. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently 104 threatened bat species around the world.

Endangered Bats

Endangered bats are those that have reached seriously low population numbers and at risk of extinction. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently 53 endangered bat species around the globe. Some species of bat listed as endangered include the Giant golden-crowned flying fox, Greater long-nosed bat, Indiana bat, Livingstone’s fruit bat, Gray bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, Lesser long-nosed bat, Northern long-eared Myotis, and our very own Virginia Big-Eared bat.

Critically Endangered Bats

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently 24 bat species listed as “Critically Endangered.” Critically endangered bats are at risk of imminent, or forthcoming, extinction. It is similar to being listed as a terminally ill patient at a hospital. Although there is hope for a comeback, history tells us that extinction will be close, at some point in time. See our blog, “Federally Endangered Species of Bat in Virginia” to learn about the 3 species of bat that are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

How to Support Local Bats

You can do your part to support the local bat populations around your community without putting your property at risk of structural damage or safety hazards. See our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to get started.

How to Safely Manage Nuisance Bats

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.

State Laws Surrounding Wild Bats

Posted on February 19, 2019 by virginia

If you have problems with nuisance bats, it is only natural to want to take action and do something about it. However, it is wise to study the Virginia laws surrounding wild bats before you decide to take matters into your own hands. Continue reading to learn which state laws govern wild bats, and what you can do if you have trouble with nuisance bats around your property.

Bats are Protected Under Law

You might be wondering why laws about bats and bat control even exist. Well, the answer mostly has to do with all the vital ecological and Economical benefits bat populations provide us. Read our blog, “The Ecological Importance of Bats” to better understand the wonderful attributes of these commonly misrepresented mammals. So if you have nuisance bats inhabiting your property, whether inside or out, you definitely need to take action; the catch here is to make sure you take the PROPER action as to not violate any laws surrounding bats and bat removal.

The Endangered Species Act

There are 15 bat species commonly found here in Virginia. Within these species, 3 in particular are Federally-endangered, and 1 that is state-endangered (Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat). All of them are currently protected by the Endangered Species Act. This act 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. The bats that are on this list include the Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens), Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalist), Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus), and the Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (Also known as the Southeastern Big-eared Bat).

Additional bat species in Virginia include the Eastern Small-footed Bat, Northern Long-eared Bat, Eastern Pipistrelle Bat, Silver-haired Bat, Eastern Red Bat, Hoary Bat, Seminole Bat, American Long-Eared Bat, Lump-Nosed Bat, Ozark Big-Eared Bat, Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat, and the Northern Myotis.

Here is What You Need to Know:

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.”

What to Do if You Have Bats

If you find a bat inside your home or office, immediately contact a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for emergency extraction that is both safe and humane. In fact, the Virginia Department of Health recommends retaining the bat for Rabies testing if it was found indoors. Your bat removal specialists can assist you with this process.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

If you have bats around your property that are causing problems, 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! Call us to request a free estimate, anytime.

The Difference Between a Wild Bat and a Nuisance Bat

Posted on May 17, 2018 by virginia

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Bats have had it hard in terms of repute. Many people think of bats a dirty rodents and pests, when in fact, bats are incredibly unique and remarkable species that play an integral role in our surrounding eco-systems. For instance, bats are the only mammal that can fly! This is an incredible attribute, making them very special. Furthermore, they are integral in insect control, consuming more than 1,000 mosquitoes, gnats, flies, moths, and more, every night. That is a great favor for you since it keeps your property clear of unwanted bugs. As you can see, bats are not as bad as they are made to seem. However, there are cases in which bats in the wild become nuisance bats.

Continue reading to learn the difference between a wild bat and a nuisance bat. The distinction is important, especially if you have bats on or around your property.

Nuisance Bats

In Virginia, bats can be abated or excluded if they are deemed a “nuisance” to a residential or commercial property owner. According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), “(…) species found committing or about to commit depredation upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, wildlife, livestock or other property or when concentrated in numbers and manners as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance.”

Wild Bats

Although bats can fit into the “nuisance” category quite often, it does not include bats that are labeled as “endangered” or “threatened” under federal law. Endangered and threatened species of bat are protected under the Endangered Species Act. This Act makes it a Federal offense to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct” to endangered or threatened species.

There are Currently 3 Endangered Species of Bat in Virginia:

☑ Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)
☑ Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)
☑ Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)

What To Do if You Find a Bat

If you discover that there’s a bat in your house, you need to contact a licensed Virginia bat removal company for emergency bat removal services. You can try to isolate the bat to one area of the home. So if it is in the bedroom, simply shut the door and leave one all the windows open to encourage the bat to fly outside. Leave the room like this until the bat removal specialists arrive.

If you find a bat on your property, whether a stranded baby or an injured adult, take your pets inside and leave it alone. Let nature take its course. If you have outdoor pets or children, contact a wildlife rescue company to have the bat safely and humanely removed and relocated. Special permits are required to transport bats and other wildlife.

If you notice bats flying around your property, you are in luck because you have a built-in insect control system. However, you need to have your home inspected and sealed up to by a licensed Virginia bat control company to ensure bats cannot enter your home and cause structural damages.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

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.

Which Bats are Native to the State of Virginia?

Posted on December 20, 2017 by virginia

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

There are two main categories of bat: Microchiroptera and Megachiroptera. Megabats are also called fruit bats because they primarily feed on the pollen and nectar of fruits. For this reason and more, they generally live in warmer, tropical habitats. Since Virginia is not a tropical climate, we are left with the other suborder of bats: microbats. Microbats are smaller in size and feed on insects like moths and mosquitos. They are widely known for their use of echolocation, but also for being quite to nuisance to residential and commercial properties.

Although microbats are the common suborder of bat found in Virginia, there approximately 1,000 species found around the world. Here in Virginia, there are not that many species flying around. In fact, there are only a select few that are the most common among nuisance bat problems. Continue reading to learn which species of microbats are common here in Virginia, and what you can do to protect your home from an infestation.

Let’s Start With Endangered Species

There are 3 particular species of bat in Virginia that are Federally-endangered, and 1 that is state-endangered (Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat). All of them are currently protected by the Endangered Species Act. This act 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. The bats that are on this list include:

🦇 Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)
🦇 Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalist)
🦇 Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)
🦇 Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (Also known as the Southeastern Big-eared Bat)

Additional Species of Bat in Virginia

Aside from endangered species, there are 12 other non-game protected species of bat that are commonly found in Virginia. These include the Eastern Small-footed Bat, Northern Long-eared Bat, Eastern Pipistrelle Bat, Silver-haired Bat, Eastern Red Bat, Hoary Bat, Seminole Bat, American Long-Eared Bat, Lump-Nosed Bat, Ozark Big-Eared Bat, Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat, and the Northern Myotis.

Nuisance Bats in Virginia

In terms of nuisance wildlife problems, the species of bat that are often found dwelling inside attics, garages, decks, crawl spaces, and more include the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus), Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis), and Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus). Bat removal specialists often come across these three species when providing humane bat extraction and exclusion services in our state.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097