Bats

bio Bats are the only flying mammals (others may glide) Wings are made of skin stretched between very long forearm and finger bones, extending back to the legs Feed on insects caught in flight Nocturnal: often emerge from roosts at dusk Locate insects by echolocation: similar to sonar

Little Brown Bat – Throughout most of North America – Prefer to feed around wetlands (lots of insects) – 2 ½ -4 inches long (including tail) – Weighs 1/8 – 1/2 oz – 9-11 inch wingspan – Can live years

Little Brown Bat Breed in late fall, just before hibernation Conception delayed to early April day gestation 1 pup born blind, with no fur Pups reared during June and July Pups ready to fly in about 4 weeks

Big Brown Bat – Throughout North America – Prefers “shallow” roost – May be found in urban, suburban, or rural areas – 4 ½ to 5 ½ inches long (including tail) – About 0.8 ounces average weight – 13 inch wingspan – Can live up to 19 years

Big Brown Bat Breed in late fall, just before hibernation Conception delayed to early April 60 day gestation 1 or 2 pups born blind, with no fur Pups flying by early July

Habits (big and little brown bats) Females form maternity roosts in spring, males roost alone or in small groups at this time in bachelor roost Male and female (and young of the year) will roost together starting in late summer, and through the winter Start hibernation when temperature drops – At the end of insect season Feed only on insects May use a “night roost” to digest a meal, before returning to their regular roost before dawn

Common entrypoints: (in no particular order) Under fascia boards Unscreened or poorly screened gable vents Dormers, where soffit meets main roof Poorly-fitted boxed soffits Generally higher than a typical rodent entrypoint

Signs of roosting activity Bats seen emerging from wall/roofline of house at dusk Rustling, chirping, squeaking noises in wall or ceiling at night Urine stains on ceiling (soaked through drywall/plaster Urine/fecal smell Feces seen in attic/crawlspace, etc Pile of uneaten insect parts under entrypoint Pile of droppings on ground under entrypoint “rubmarks” around well-used entrypoint

management Exclusion. – Interior: block up holes/gaps that may allow bats out of wall/attic : focus on basement, where many pipes run through hollow chases up into attic areas – Exterior: all gaps that may allow bat access are sealed (as small as ¼ inch, same as for mice) : known or suspected entrypoints are fitted with a “bat valve”

management Also available: – Guano removal – Removal and replacement of contaminated insulation – Disinfectant service – Parasite treatments