The big brown bat is a familiar species that can be found roosting inside most any man-made structure situated in the area and throughout the region at large.
This behavior can cause a significant amount of damage to the structure. Moreover, the chances of encounters between people and big brown bats multiply when the animals are living in a building. The situation is hazardous to both parties, making big brown bat control a necessity.
Unlike other bat species, the big brown bat typically is not considered endangered. Nonetheless, this is a species that is recognized as being hugely beneficial to people because of the enormous number of pest insects that the animals consume. This means that pest management professionals ordinarily do nothing that could harm big brown bats.
Instead, bat exclusion equipment is deployed around the structure. This equipment allows bats to exit the building but prevents them from returning. With the bats gone, the exterminator then takes steps to clean up the bat waste products that are the inevitable result of an infestation. Repairs to wood, masonry, bricks and insulation similarly may be required.
WHAT DO
BIG BROWN
BATS LOOK LIKE?
This species looks quite a bit like endangered little brown bats. However, as their name suggests, these bats are larger. Adult big brown bats have body lengths of between four and five inches while their wingspans are between 12 and 14 inches. Covered in glossy, dark brown fur on their backs, these bats have lighter gray fur on their stomachs. The tail, ears, face and wing membranes are dark brown or black. A broad nose, rounded ears and fleshy lips are other distinguishing characteristics.
WHAT DO
BIG BROWN
BATS EAT?
The big brown bat's diet is what makes it such a beneficial species to people and the environment. Eating large quantities of pest species like flies, mosquitoes, wasps, beetles and gnats, the big brown bat actually is a useful member of the ecosystem. Without them, pest problems in the region would be far more severe than they are.
WHERE DO
BIG BROWN
BATS LIVE?
Found all across North America, South America and even some Caribbean islands, the big brown bat can make its home in almost any climate or landscape. In fact, this species is able to withstand much harsher environmental conditions than other bat species, making it well adapted to live virtually anywhere.
Big brown bats typically require three roosts. One is for the daytime, the second for the nighttime and the third for hibernation. Caves, large rocks and piles of wood are all likely natural roosting spots, but many of these bats will roost inside any man-made structure. Bats show a distinct preference for attics that are not properly sealed. Nonetheless, roosts have been discovered in fireplaces, chimneys and bell towers. Similarly, big brown bats may be spotted roosting from eaves, shutters and overhangs.
Member of the species pack close together in their roosts to take advantage of their shared body temperature. After feeding in the evening, the big brown bat retreats to a nighttime roost, and when winter approaches, they hibernate in a secluded, dark spot. Because these bats eat many insects that have aquatic life stages, their roosts are more likely to be found in places that are close to bodies of water or have drainage issues.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY
BIG BROWN
BATS
While big brown bats are beneficial to the environment, they can cause major problems when they establish indoor roosts. This is mainly due to the high concentration of uric acid in the bats' urine and feces. In fact, bat waste products are so caustic that they can cause wood, masonry, clay and bricks to decay. Long-term exposure to bat guano can cause significant structural damage that may be costly and time-consuming to repair.
Additionally, the opening in the building that the bats are using as an entrance can become stained and otherwise damaged as the animals come and go on a frequent basis.
ARE
BIG BROWN
BATS AGGRESSIVE?
It is not unusual for people to fear bats. However, such feelings rarely are warranted. Like other bat species, the big brown bat is shy around people and seeks to avoid contact whenever possible. This means that it is rare for people to actually confront bats. The exception to this may be those occasions on which a bat accidentally flies into the parts of a building that are occupied by people.
People frequently panic when this happens, and they may swat at the bat. Bites and scratches may be the result, with these wounds being a significant threat to health. The best action to take is to open all exterior doors and windows in the room so that the bat can quickly find a way outdoors.
DO
BIG BROWN
BATS CARRY DISEASE?
Big grown bats may be infected with rabies, though this disease is not as common among bats as many people seem to think. Whenever a person has been in close contact with a bat, it is wise for them to be tested for rabies just in case. Keep in mind that bat teeth and claws are tiny and exceedingly sharp. They may wound a person without the victim being aware of it. Consequently, it is wise to seek medical advice whenever a person has been in an enclosed space with a bat.
Bats frequently are infested with numerous parasitic pests like ticks, fleas, mites and bat bugs. These pests may be responsible for transmitting a variety of diseases to people, making it wise to act quickly when big brown bat infestations are suspected.
HOW TO DETECT
BIG BROWN
BATS
Signs of big brown bats issue include:
• An attic vent that is damaged or stained • Seeing numerous bats around the property • Sounds that suggest crawling or squeaking and scratching noises may be heard behind walls and above ceilings • Bat guano is found in attics or other likely roosting locations • An unexplained smell of ammonia is detected indoors
HOW TO PREVENT
BIG BROWN
BATS
To help prevent big brown bat problems the following steps should be taken:
• Have routine pest control treatments performed on the property to minimize food sources • Repair standing water issues and plumbing leaks • Install bat exclusion equipment on possible access points • Seal up or cover other gaps or openings in the building's exterior • Install a chimney cap • Ensure that all windows have screens
HOW TO TREAT FOR BATS
Bat control can be complicated and potentially dangerous involving many procedures that are governed by state law. A licensed pest management professional should always be consulted to ensure safe and proper bat removal, decontamination, and prevention.
