Virginia Bat Removal Professionals

Call Us at (804) 457-2883

BAT REMOVAL / BATS IN ATTIC / BAT REMOVAL IN VIRGINIA / BAT CONTROL VA

Virginia Bat Removal & Virginia Bat Control is one of the Virginia’s leading companies for removing bats in the attic, bats in the house, bats in vents, bats in crawlspace, bats in eaves, bats in walls or anywhere else in your Virginia home or business that bats may be roosting. We know how to safely and humanely get rid of bats and help keep them out of Virginia structures. Never hire anyone who suggests bat trapping, spray bat fumigants or is a bat pest control exterminator. These practices may be illegal and harmful to you and your loved ones. Most bats can enter an opening as small as 3/8″ and once they enter a structure they are not always visible. Our Virginia Wildlife Removal Technicians have received advanced training in safe and humane Bat Removal in Virginia, but we don’t stop there. We are continuously learning and training to provide you with the best Virginia bat removal experience possible. Our Virginia Bat Experts are NWCOA Bat Standards Compliant and have completed the WCT Training Group Bat Management Course. As a local bat removal company in Virginia we recognize the importance of bats and handle the bat removal process in a manner that’s best for you and safe for the bats. Not only do we humanely remove the bats and help keep them out, but our Virginia bat experts can safely remove dangerous bat guano (bat poop, bat dung or bat droppings), deodorize and sanitize the contaminated areas, and treat for bat bugs (similar to bed bugs) if necessary. We also spend a lot of time at a customer’s home or business educating the customer and answering their particular concerns since no two bat removal jobs in Virginia are alike.

Bat Houses

Interested in bat houses, the installation process, how to build a bat house, or the effectiveness of bat houses? We can help with these questions too.

Bat Removal Costs

Concerned about bat removal costs in Virginia? While we do not offer free bat removal and bat control in Virginia, you’ll find that our bat removal costs in Virginia are very competitive and beat our competitors prices hands down. Best of all we’ll match or beat the price you’re given for bat removal services from any legitimate, reputable and certified Virginia Bat Removal Company to perform the same work necessary to successfully rid your home or business or bats.

Bat Removal Pros – Our Credentials

Our Wildlife Pest Control Professionals have completed advanced training in bat removal techniques and processes. We use the most advanced bat removal processes and tools in the industry. Our bat removal company is licensed and insured to do Bat Removal in Virginia and all of our work is done in-house by our Virginia Bat Removal Specialist.

Bats In Virginia

There are more than 1,000 different species of bats worldwide. Virginia is fortunate to have seventeen species of bats that have been documented in Virginia, although only 15 are likely to reside in the state. Bats in Virginia can be divided into three basic groups: Cave Bats, Tree Bats and Non-Resident Bats. Generally, bats are considered one of the most diverse mammal groups. The more than 1,000 bat species worldwide, comprise about one-fifth of all mammal species. Forty-seven bat species are native to the United States. Situated in the mid-Atlantic region, Virginia shares the diversity of bat species found in both the Northeast and the Southeast. For the most part, bats may be divided into two broad subgroups, fruit-eating bats and insect-eating bats. Insect-eating bats, found in both tropical and temperate climates, feed predominantly on insects. Insect-eating bats in temperate climates, such as the eastern United States, are forced to hibernate or migrate during the winter months when insects are scarce. All bat species that reside in Virginia are insectivorous.

Bat Biology in Virginia

The only mammals that can sustain flight, bats comprise an order, or group of animals called Chiroptera, which means “hand wing.” When you look closely at a bat’s wing, you understand why. The wing is made up of two layers of skin covering the bones of the hand and arm. The thumb and four fingers make up half the wing, with the upper arm and forearm accounting for the other half. With each finger working independently, bats have amazing flying skills. Hovering in place, swooping, diving and “turning on a dime” are just a few of their abilities. These are all necessary when in hot pursuit of evasive insect prey. Bats use a special sensory system called echolocation to evaluate their surroundings and locate food. They emit short, high-pitched sounds that bounce off surrounding objects and return to them as echoes, which are used to determine the size, distance, direction and movement of objects around them, including insects they catch and eat. Of equal interest are the longevity and birth rates of bats. Most small mammals (mice, voles, rats, etc.) produce several litters of many young each year but live only one to two years. By contrast, bats typically have a single litter of only one or two offspring per year and can live in the wild for up to 30 years.

Health Issues Involving Bats in Virginia

Two human health issues associated with bats are histoplasmosis and rabies. Histoplasmosis, a lung disease caused by a microscopic fungus found in bat guano, is typically contracted by inhaling airborne fungal spores in an enclosed area, such as an attic or barn. Hiring a professional cleaning service or wearing an appropriate respirator can reduce the risk of this disease. Though very few bats carry rabies, occasionally cases are attributed to them. Their small teeth make bite wounds difficult to detect. Anyone suspecting a bat bite should seek medical attention immediately and if possible turn the bat over to authorities for testing. Avoid rabies by leaving wild animals alone, particularly those behaving abnormally. For bats this might include daytime activity and the inability to fly.

The Official State Bat of Virginia – The Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia big-eared bat is about 4 inches long, weighs less than half an ounce and feeds mainly on moths. This bat lives exclusively in limestone caves in a few isolated populations in the mountains of western Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina. The large ears are this bat’s most conspicuous feature. Human disturbance of caves used for hibernation and the raising of offspring (maternity colonies) are the biggest threats to the species. As of 2015 the Virginia big-eared bat does not appear to be affected by White Nose Syndrome (WNS).

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) in Bats

In the winter of 2007, large numbers of bats in the Northeast died from white-nose syndrome, named after the appearance of the pathogenic fungus on the muzzle of many affected bats. WNS was first found in Virginia in 2009, and steep declines in summer and winter bat populations were seen across the state. By 2014 cave populations of little brown, Northern long-eared and tricolored bats had decreased by more than 90 percent. WNS has impacted Indiana bats to a lesser but still significant extent, and impact on other species such as Eastern small-footed and gray bats has been difficult to measure. Scientists continue to track the health of Virginia’s bat population with banding and biometry projects and winter hibernacula counts. Another issue is the development of wind farms, where bladed turbines sometimes kill large numbers of bats either directly or by inducing extremely rapid changes in air pressure. With cooperation between the public and private sectors, bats can continue to perform valuable pest control and other ecological functions that benefit both humans and the environment.

Bat Conservation in Virginia

Bats are an essential and beneficial part of natural ecosystems. Consuming over half their body weight in insects each night, bats are an important natural insecticide and the only major predator of night-flying insects. Bat research has contributed to major scientific discoveries in the fields of vaccine development, artificial insemination, sonar and blood coagulation. In Virginia, four bat species are listed as endangered. Three cave species, the gray, Indiana and Virginia big-eared bats, are federally endangered. One tree bat, the Eastern big-eared bat, is state endangered. The decline of these four species is due primarily to loss of habitat and disturbance by humans, although Indiana bats have suffered significant additional losses from white-nose syndrome (WNS). A fifth species recommended for federal listing is the Northern long-eared bat, whose numbers have dropped by 95 percent due to WNS. The low reproductive rates of most bat species make it difficult for populations to recover quickly after large declines. Efforts to stabilize or increase populations of rare bats in Virginia include land purchases, conservation easements, education programs and construction of bat-friendly cave gates that allow bats to move freely while reducing human disturbance of hibernating bats and maternity colonies. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Natural Heritage Program and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ Non-game Wildlife Program work with public and private stakeholders to protect bats. Partners on bat conservation projects include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service and nongovernmental organizations.

Appearance & Identification

The most easily observed characteristic involved in bat identification is their size. Bats vary in size and weight from about 2 inches long and weighing about 1 ounce to about five feet and weighing about 3 pounds. Of course, the size and weight of bats varies greatly between these extremes. Not surprisingly, the two major types (sub-order) of bats are the microbats and the megabats. Another major difference important for identification is the type of diet that respective bat species prefer – insects, fruit or blood.

Precautions

Bats seen flying during the evening hours are not a problem since those bats are likely searching for insects to feed upon. However, bats observed during the day or found lying on the ground may indicate a sick bat that should never be handled. If you see a dead or lethargic bat, call your Pest Management Professional or local animal control agency rather than handling the animal.

Bat Facts & Information

• Bats are mammals and are the only group of mammals that possess true wings that enable them to fly. Bats are not categorized as rodents.

• Bats are valuable to the environment since they range from pollinators to insect controllers since they prey upon and consume insects.

• The saying “blind as a bat” is not true since bats are not blind but have very complex and effective means of detecting obstacles and sources of food, a process known as echolocation.

• Bats are the second most numerous mammal with more than 1,300 recognized species. However, only about 50 species are found in the U.S. About 70% of the world’s bats eat insects, while the others eat fruits or consume blood. Only a few species of bats feed on blood, but because of Count Dracula and other scary movies, these few species receive a lot of attention, interest and excessive fear.

• Bats generally live in caves and other naturally occurring shelters; however, will sometimes live in sheltered places like hollow trees, wall voids and attics of homes and other buildings.

• Bats generally live for about 20 years.

• The world’s smallest bat – the bumblebee bat – weighs less than a penny.

• Within the United States the two species of bats most likely to use homes or other buildings for roosting sites are:

  • Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) – This bat is often found in swampy habitats and moths and other insects are predominant parts of their diet. They have been seen eating insects off the fur of other types of animals, which might give them the appearance of a vampire bat.

  • Big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) – The big brown bat is the most common bat in the U.S. and while it inhabits cities, towns, and rural areas, it is most often found in heavily forested regions.

Virginia’s Three Bat Groups

Cave Bats:

Virginia Big-eared Bat* (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) – State or Federal Endangered Species

Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

Gray Bat* (Myotis grisescens) – State or Federal Endangered Species

Eastern Small-footed Bat (Myotis leibii)

Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)

Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

Indiana Bat* (Myotis sodalis) – State or Federal Endangered Species

Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus)

Tree Bats

Eastern Big-eared Bat* (Corynorhinus rafinesquii macrotis)

Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)

Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis)

Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)

Seminole Bat (Lasiurus seminolus) (likely resident)

Southeastern Bat (Myotis austroriparius) (rare species in Virginia)

Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis)

Non-resident Bats

Northern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius)

Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)

* state or federal endangered species

How to Remove Bats from Your Home

What You Can Do:

If a bat finds its way into your living space, the first step is to isolate the bat in one room. Close the door to that room and open all the windows, so the bat has a clear path to leave. If the bat doesn’t exit on its own, it’s time to call a bat removal expert.

What Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services Does:

Dealing with bats usually requires the expertise of a Pest Management Professional or Animal Control Specialist.

Bats can become a nuisance by creating noise from squeaking, scratching, scrambling, and crawling within attics, walls, and chimneys. Bat droppings, which can accumulate inside buildings, can cause a strong odor and create a mess on the building’s exterior. Additionally, bats are potential carriers of rabies, which can only be confirmed through laboratory analysis, and their feces can contain the fungus responsible for histoplasmosis, a health concern.

To bat-proof your home and prevent bats from gaining access, there are two essential steps:

1. Inspect the Exterior: Examine your home’s exterior for holes or gaps ¼-½ inch or larger that bats could use to enter or exit. This often involves finding their roosting sites or nursery colonies, typically located in attics. Performing this inspection in the evening can help you identify where bats exit your home to hunt for prey.
2. Seal Entry Points and Install One-Way Doors: Close off cracks, gaps, or holes that bats use with sealants. Additionally, consider installing a one-way door or exclusion device at the entry point that allows bats to exit but prevents reentry. Be cautious about sealing off all entry points without providing a way out, as this can trap bats inside the roosting site, causing them to die. Because of this and other complexities, it’s essential to consult a professional bat expert before attempting any bat exclusion work.

How to Get Rid of Bats in the Attic

Bats: Beneficial Neighbors, Unwanted Houseguests

Bats may not be the most welcomed creatures in your home, and you wouldn’t be alone in feeling that way. Many people wouldn’t want termites, snakes, rats, or bats in their living spaces. But surprisingly, bats can be quite helpful when they’re at a safe distance from your home. According to Bat Conservation International, a single bat can consume around 1,200 mosquito-sized insects per hour. Some bat species even help in seed dispersal, plant pollination, and feeding on crop-destroying beetles.

However, it’s essential to strike a balance. Bats are beneficial near your home, but not inside it. If you discover a colony of bats in your attic, it’s important to act quickly. Their droppings can cause structural damage, emit unpleasant odors, and even foster fungi that can lead to respiratory issues.

 

 

Identifying Bats in Your Attic

So, how can you tell if you have bats in your attic without seeing them? The strong smell of their guano or urine is a telltale sign. You may also hear them during early dawn and dusk hours. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, you might be wondering how to remove bats from your attic.

Removing Bats from Your Attic

It’s crucial to understand that bats cannot be removed with poison. In fact, in many states, it’s illegal to poison bats due to their positive impact on the ecosystem. Any method you choose for bat removal should be non-lethal.

Female bats often seek out dark, enclosed spaces resembling caves to raise their pups when their natural habitats become overcrowded. Attics provide a perfect alternative. However, since pups are born from late April to early June and cannot fly, bat removal should not be attempted until August in most cases.

To evict the bats, first identify their entry and exit points. Look for openings in the walls or damaged window screens. Be careful not to seal these points while bats are still inside. Killing them is not only inhumane but can also result in an unbearable odor from decaying bats.

Bats will hibernate in winter if temperatures remain around 35 to 40° F. If it gets colder, they’ll likely migrate out, allowing you to seal entry points once they leave for the season. However, in areas with mild temperatures year-round, bats may stay in your attic. In such cases, locate the entry points, typically marked by guano or urine stains, and use exclusion doors or traps to allow bats to exit.

One type of exclusion door involves netting hanging a foot below the bats’ exit point, taped at the top and sides but with the bottom left open.

Excluders are boxes that let bats exit the roost but prevent reentry. The BAT CONE® Excluder is an excellent option. It’s 6 inches long and attaches over the entry/exit point with flexible tabs. It can be fastened with pushpins, staples, or duct tape and is reusable. For best results, mount the excluder at a downward angle. Once all bats are out, remove the excluders and seal the entry points.

After ensuring your home is protected from future bat invasions, begin the cleanup process. Carefully inspect your attic and remove any guano, urine, or hair traces. Since bat droppings can cause health risks from mold, wear protective gear and a respirator.

If dealing with a large bat colony, consider seeking assistance from a wildlife removal expert to help with exclusion doors, traps, sealing, and cleaning.

Bat Removal Near Me – Safe, Humane, and Effective Solutions

Are you dealing with a bat problem in your home or business? You’ve come to the right place! We are your local bat removal experts, specializing in the humane and effective removal of bats from your property. With years of experience, we have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to ensure that your bat problems are resolved in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner.

Our Service Areas for Virginia Bat Removal

We provide bat removal, bat exclusion, bat guano removal & disposal, and treatment for bat bugs in the following Virginia counties, cities and towns:

• Afton
• Albemarle County
• Alexandria
• Amelia County
• Annandale
• Arlington
• Ashburn
• Ashland
• Barboursville
• Bellwood
• Belmont
• Bensley
• Bermuda Hundred
• Bon Air
• Boyd Tavern
• Brandermill
• Bumpass
• Burke
• Central VA
• Centreville
• Chamberlain
• Charlottesville
• Chesapeake
• Chester
• Chesterfield County
• Colonial Heights
• Crozet
• Cuckoo
• CVille
• Dale City
• Doswell
• Dumbarton
• Earlysville
• East Highland Park
• Enon
• Ettrick
• Fairfax
• Fair Oaks
• Ferncliff
• Fluvanna County
• Fredericksburg
• Genito
• Glen Allen
• Glenora
• Goochland County
• Gordonsville
• Gum Spring
• Hadensville
• Hampton
• Hampton Park
• Hanover County
• Harrisonburg
• Harrogate
• Hening
• Henrico County
• Highland Springs
• Hopewell
• Innsbrook
• Jefferson Davis
• Kents Store
• Keswick
• Lake Anna
• Lake Monticello
• Lake Ridge
• Lakeside
• Laurel
• Leesburg
• Lewiston
• Lignum
• Locust Grove
• Louisa County
• Maidens
• Manakin
• Manakin-Sabot
• Manassas
• Manchester
• McLean
• Montrose
• Motoaca
• Meadowbrook
• Mechanicsville
• Midlothian
• Mineral
• Moseley
• Newport News
• Norfolk
• North Courthouse
• Northern Virginia
• North Garden
• NoVA
• Oilville
• Orange County
• Palmyra
• Pantops
• Petersburg
• Portsmouth
• Powhatan County
• Reams
• Reston
• Richmond
• Richmond County
• Robious
• Rockville
• Rockwood
• RVA
• Salisbury
• Sandston
• Sandy Hook
• Scottsville
• Shannon Hill
• Short Pump
• South Rockwood
• Spring Run
• Staunton
• Stoney Point
• Suffolk
• Tidewater
• Troy
• Tuckahoe
• Va
• Varina
• Virginia
• Virginia Beach
• Waynesboro
• Winchester
• Winterpock
• Woodlake
• Wyndham

 

The National Wildlife Control Operators Association® (NWCOA) has developed standards for removing bats from your Virginia home and attic.  These standards are called the NWCOA Professional Standards of Practice for Structural Bat Management for Wildlife Control Operators.  These standards outline a process called bat exclusion. Bat exclusion is the process of sealing up all potential entry points or areas that emit air draft from the structure that lead into the structure by your Richmond, Henrico, Glen Allen, Chesterfield, Midlothian or Charlottesville Virginia bat removal experts.  Once these potential entry points have been sealed, then a one way door or venting device will be installed over the current bat entry points to allow the bats to leave the structure unharmed and not re-enter.  The NWCOA Bat Standards state that all exclusion materials must have a minimum life span of one year. Our bat exclusion materials exceed these standards by more than 20 years.  

If you need Virginia bat control & removal services, we are here to help you. Call us for VA Bat Control & Removal, Tidewater VA Bat Removal, Hampton Roads Bat Removal, Northern Virginia Bat Removal, and Virginia Bat Removal.

We are considered Virginia’s top rated bat removal company and are often called in to handle bat removal in Virginia when other companies fail. There is no job too big or too small for our Wildlife Control Technicians. Contact us for all of you wildlife removal and animal pest control needs in Virginia including the areas of Richmond VA, Charlottesville VA, Chesterfield VA, Chester VA, Colonial Heights VA, Central VA, Henrico VA, Short Pump VA, Glen Allen VA, Hanover VA, Ashland VA, Mechanicsville VA, Midlothian VA, Bon Air VA, Woodlake VA, Brandermill VA, Amelia VA, Powhatan VA, Tidewater VA, Eastern VA, Hampton VA, Newport News VA, Norfolk VA, Williamsburg VA, Virginia Beach VA, and Chesapeake Virginia. Contact us at (804) 457-2883 to speak with a Virginia Bat Control & Removal Specialist today!

For additional information on Wildlife Removal in Virginia.