Little brown bat colonies in homes and buildings can be a big concern. While they eat other nuisance pests like mosquitoes, they can cause structural damage and health risks when taking up residence in human structures.
Their droppings, known as guano, not only create unpleasant odors but also damage building materials and transmit respiratory diseases.
It's also important to recognize that many bat species, including little brown bats, are endangered and legally protected in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This means that getting rid of them requires knowledge of and adherence to wildlife conservation laws.
Professional bat control services are essential in dealing with these issues. Licensed experts understand bat behavior, are well-versed in local wildlife regulations, and can identify signs of infestation early on. By using safe and humane methods, wildlife control professionals can ensure that bats are removed effectively, and that exclusion tactics are implemented to keep them from returning.
WHAT DO LITTLE BROWN BATS LOOK LIKE?
Being a species of microbat, the little brown bat exhibits distinctly smaller physical proportions. It has a body length spanning from 2.5 to 4 inches, with a wingspan between 8.5 to 11 inches. It typically weighs between 5.5 to 12.5 grams, with females slightly larger than males. Little brown bats have long fur that ranges in color from brick red to dark brown, complemented by a darker face, ears, and wing membrane.
Unique features include its relatively short ears, which don't reach the nose when extended, and small hind legs that are attached by the wing. While sharing some traits with the northern long-eared bat, the size between the two species is the greatest differentiator.
WHAT DO LITTLE BROWN BATS EAT?
Little brown bats are insectivores. Of the diverse array of insects they feed on, they tend to have a preference for flying species. Their diet includes midges, mosquitoes, moths, beetles, spiders, and occasionally terrestrial insects. Notably, they also consume aquatic insects such as mayflies and caddisflies.
Bats are adept at feeding in varied environments, including fields, woodlands, and especially near or over water bodies, where they often catch insects directly from the water's surface. While little brown bats living in proximity to human habitats find ample food sources outdoors, it is generally not advisable to keep them indoors due to their dietary habits.
WHERE DO LITTLE BROWN BATS LIVE?
The habitat of little brown bats is just as versatile as their food source. They can live in both natural and human-made structures. During winter, they commonly roost in areas with stable temperatures, such as caves and mines. In summer, they may be found in open areas under rocks and in trees. Proximity to water is crucial for their foraging, so they prefer areas with nearby access.
Houses and buildings often become attractive roosting sites for bats because they are naturally drawn to areas that offer warmth and protection from predators. The warmth emanating from attics, basements, and wall insulation provides a cozy environment that bats find ideal for raising their young and resting during daylight hours.
They are most active at these sites around dusk and dawn, when they forage for food. Damage to buildings from bats repeatedly entering is common during these hours.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY BATS
While little brown bats play a beneficial role in their ecosystems, they cause notable damage when they form colonies inside of buildings. One of the primary issues is the damage caused by their waste. Bat droppings, known as guano, have high amounts of uric acid and corrode materials like wood, metal, and bricks if given enough time.
Bats can also damage buildings through their daily activities. They are known to squeeze into openings as small as half of an inch, potentially breaking roofing materials, siding, and insulation in the process. In cases where the opening is too small, they may gnaw on these materials to create a bigger entry point or to accommodate more bats.
There are also health and safety concerns associated with bats. They may carry fleas and ticks with them as they move inside, and their guano contains harmful fungal spores. These spores can lead to respiratory issues, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.
Moreover, the nocturnal activities of bats can disrupt the peace of a household. The sounds of scratching, squeaking, and fluttering within walls or attics can disturb sleep and cause stress to residents.
Finally, bat guano can lead to persistent, unpleasant odors and leave stains on walls and ceilings, which affects indoor air quality and the aesthetic appeal of a home.
ARE LITTLE BROWN BATS AGGRESSIVE?
Little Brown Bats are not naturally aggressive towards humans or pets. Instead of confrontation, they prefer to flee if they feel threatened.
However, they have no problem flying close to humans undisturbed. Since bats use echolocation to move precisely in the dark, they will often hunt closer to people. Their swooping flight patterns while doing so can sometimes be misconstrued as an attack. Bats may show their teeth as well, and this action is usually part of their echolocation rather than a sign of aggression.
Contrary to some beliefs, bats do not seek humans as a food source. The common myth that bats feed on human blood is a mix-up with vampire bats, which are seldom found in Pennsylvania and ordinarily feed on animals like cows, pigs, horses, and birds, not humans.
Still, like many wildlife species, a bat may defensively bite in situations where they feel trapped or stressed. For this reason, it is never recommended to deal with trapped bats on your own. Handling wildlife carries several risks, including disease transmission and legal consequences. Contact a local bat control professional to properly address bats in homes or commercial properties.
DO LITTLE BROWN BATS CARRY DISEASE?
Bats are known carriers of over 60 zoonotic viruses, surpassing even rodents in this regard. Among these, the most concerning diseases related to bats in the Pennsylvania-New Jersey area are histoplasmosis and rabies. The little brown bat is known to transmit both.
Rabies, transmitted through bat saliva via bites, directly impacts the central nervous system. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, typically within 12-18 days. Therefore, it is important to seek immediate medical attention after any potential bat bite or exposure to bat saliva.
Histoplasmosis is a lung infection caused by inhaling fungal spores from dried bat droppings, also known as guano. Due to these airborne particles, protective masks with a particulate matter filter of 1 milli-micron are necessary when handling bat infestations. Histoplasmosis is particularly hazardous to children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. In severe cases, this disease can lead to multiple organ failure.
Due to these health risks and others, it is advised to never directly handle wild bats. Instead, find a local wildlife control company that allows experts to safely and effectively remove bats from a building.
HOW TO DETECT BATS
Bat infestations may be discovered through these signs:
• Several bats nesting in shrubs, trees, or in flight near the property
• Rice-sized bat guano around window sills, doorways, and windows
• An unpleasant, ammonia-like odor, which can be a sign of accumulated guano
• Small gnaw marks on house siding or near points of entry
• Rustling or chirping sounds at dusk or dawn
HOW TO PREVENT BATS
Use these tips to discourage bats from coming indoors:
• Use mesh or caulking to seal any known entry points
• Install bat houses on the property to provide an alternative roosting site
• Turn on exterior lights at night to deter nocturnal bats from roosting
• Regularly inspect attics, chimneys, and rooftops for early signs of bat activity
• Keep doors and windows closed during the night to prevent trapped bats
• Hire a pest management company that specializes in bat control services.
HOW TO TREAT FOR BATS
Since little brown bats are a protected species, getting rid of them can be a precarious and complex process. Treating bat infestations involves many processes that are governed by state law. Licensed wildlife control professionals should always be consulted to ensure safe and proper bat removal, decontamination, and prevention.
