Little Brown Bats

About Little Brown Bats

Little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) are small, insectivorous bats common throughout North America. These nocturnal creatures play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, including mosquitoes and agricultural pests. Little brown bats are known for their agile flight and effective echolocation abilities, which they use to navigate and hunt at night. Despite their small size, they can consume a significant number of insects, making them beneficial for natural pest control. However, they can become a nuisance when they roost in buildings and homes.

What Do Little Brown Bats Look Like?

Little brown bats are small, with a wingspan of 8 to 11 inches and a body length of about 2.5 to 4 inches. They have glossy brown fur on their backs and lighter, grayish-brown fur on their undersides. Their wings are long, narrow, and hairless, adapted for swift and agile flight. Little brown bats have a short, rounded face with small, rounded ears and a blunt nose. Their eyes are small but functional, although they rely heavily on echolocation to navigate and find food in the dark. These physical traits make them well-suited for their nocturnal lifestyle.

Facts About Little Brown Bats Gestation

Little brown bats have a reproductive cycle that begins with mating in the fall. Females store sperm through the winter and fertilize their eggs in the spring. The gestation period lasts about 50 to 60 days, resulting in the birth of a single pup in late May or early June. Newborn bats are born blind and helpless, clinging to their mothers for warmth and nourishment. They begin to grow fur within a few days and open their eyes at about two weeks. By four weeks, the young bats are capable of flight and start foraging independently. Maternity colonies, where females raise their young, are often found in warm, secluded areas.

Little Brown Bats Habitat and Behavior

Little brown bats are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including forests, fields, and urban areas. They roost in trees, caves, and buildings, often selecting warm, dry locations such as attics, barns, and under bridges. Little brown bats are nocturnal and use echolocation to navigate and hunt insects during the night. They emit high-frequency sounds that bounce off objects, allowing them to detect prey and avoid obstacles. Their diet primarily consists of moths, beetles, and flying insects. In winter, they hibernate in caves or abandoned buildings, where they remain inactive until spring.

What Are 5 Unique Facts About Little Brown Bats?

1. Little brown bats can live up to 10 years in the wild, although some individuals have been known to live over 30 years.
2. They can consume up to 1,000 insects per hour, making them highly effective at pest control.
3. Little brown bats use a unique form of echolocation, emitting ultrasonic calls and interpreting the returning echoes to navigate and hunt.
4. They enter a state of torpor during hibernation, significantly lowering their metabolic rate to conserve energy through the winter.
5. Female little brown bats form maternity colonies in the summer, where they raise their young together, often returning to the same roosts year after year.

What Are the Problems Related to Little Brown Bats?

Little brown bats can cause several problems when they roost in buildings and homes. Their presence can lead to noise disturbances, particularly at dusk and dawn when they are most active. Accumulated bat guano and urine can create unpleasant odors, stain surfaces, and pose health risks due to the potential for fungal growth, such as histoplasmosis. Bats can also introduce parasites like mites and fleas into homes. Structural damage is another concern, as bats can squeeze through small openings to access attics and walls. Managing these issues requires effective exclusion and cleanup strategies to ensure a safe and bat-free environment.

What Are the Risks Associated with Little Brown Bats?

The primary risks associated with little brown bats involve health hazards and property damage. Bat guano can harbor the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which causes histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease that can affect humans and pets. Inhaling spores from disturbed guano can lead to severe respiratory issues. Additionally, bats can carry rabies, although the incidence is low; a bite or scratch from an infected bat can transmit the disease. Structural damage can occur when bats roost in buildings, as they can squeeze through small gaps and create entry points. Their presence can also attract secondary pests like mites and fleas. Effective management and exclusion are necessary to mitigate these risks.

Get Rid of Little Brown Bats Treatment

To get rid of little brown bats, start by identifying and sealing non-active entry points around your home, such as gaps and holes in the roof, eaves, and walls. Use bat-proofing materials like heavy-duty mesh or caulk to block these access points. Install one-way exclusion devices over active entry points to allow bats to exit but prevent re-entry. Avoid bat removal during the maternity season (May to August) to prevent trapping young bats inside. Clean up guano and disinfect affected areas while wearing protective gear to avoid exposure to harmful spores. For large infestations or complex exclusion needs, hire a professional wildlife control service to ensure safe and effective bat removal.

Little Brown Bats Prevention Advice

Preventing little brown bat infestations involves regular maintenance and vigilance. Inspect your home for potential entry points and seal them with durable materials. Install chimney caps and cover vents with fine mesh to prevent bats from entering. Maintain screens on windows and doors to keep bats out. Trim tree branches that hang over or near your house to reduce access points. Use outdoor lighting strategically to avoid attracting insects, which can draw bats. Educate family members about the benefits and risks of bats, encouraging them to report sightings. Implementing these preventive measures can help keep little brown bat populations under control and protect your property.