LITTLE BROWN BAT
Myotis lucifugus
General Characteristics:
- These mammals belong to the order of mammals Chiroptera meaning 'winged hand'
- Over the millennia membranes formed between their hands and forearms extending down the side of their bodies to the hind limbs
- Bats emit a high frequency sound inaudible to humans they then detect these sound waves as they bounce off prey and other objects
- Bats are nocturnal they have functional eyes but rely on their 'radar' capabilities to navigate and hunt
- Bats can consume up to their body weight in insects each evening, averaging about 7 insects per minute
- Most bats live for 4-10 years
- The Little Brown Bat and Big Brown Bat are the two most common species of bats in Ontario to roost in buildings
Little Brown Bat Characteristics:
- Measures about 75mm (3 inches) in length
- Wingspan of 222-269 mm (9-11 inches)
- Weighs about 8g (1/4 ounce)
- They have a rich brown appearance with a slight glossy sheen to their fur
- Hibernates in small to large colonies in structures or caves
Reproduction:
- These bats prefer very high temperatures particularly for their nurseries. Temperatures exceeding 40C (104F) are ideal.
- Attics are a common location for these nurseries
- Female Little Brown Bats mate in the fall, store the sperm until after the winter hibernation and give birth in June
- Female Little Brown Bats raise one young per year
- Adult male bats are not present during the rearing of the young
For Signs of Infestation and Control Techniques see Big Brown Bat (below).
References:
Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar Communications, 1988. Pp. 354-357.
Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.
BIG BROWN BAT
Eptesicus fuscus
General Characteristics:
- These mammals belong to the order of mammals Chiroptera meaning 'winged hand'
- Over the millennia membranes formed between their hands and forearms extending down the side of their bodies to the hind limbs
- Bats emit a high frequency sound inaudible to humans they then detect these sound waves as they bounce off prey and other objects
- Bats are nocturnal they have functional eyes but rely on their 'radar' capabilities to navigate and hunt
- Bats can consume up to their body weight in insects each evening, averaging about 7 insects per minute
- Most bats live for 4-10 years
- The Little Brown Bat and Big Brown Bat are the two most common species of bats in Ontario to roost in buildings
Big Brown Bat Characteristics:
- Relatively large, measuring about 4 inches in length
- Wingspan of 325 -350 mm (12-14 inches)
- Weighs between 15-20g (½ - 3/4 ounce)
- Copper-brown in colour with dark brown or black ears, face, and wing membranes
- Hibernates individually or in small groups of 2-4
Reproduction:
- Female Big Brown Bats raise 1-2 young per year
- Babies born during June and July
- Big Brown Bats mate in the fall, store the sperm until after the winter hibernation and give birth in June
Signs of Infestation (Little Brown and Big Brown Bats):
- They can be found in rock crevices, under siding & shingles, behind shutters, under the bark of trees, or in attics
- They can survive in sub-freezing temperatures by hibernating, but will head to cooler areas of a structure when temperatures exceed 33 C (91F)
- Can be noisy
- Urine and guano (fecal droppings) can stain and damage surfaces both inside and outside of the structure, not to mention the accompanying odours
- Bats also bring with them a host of ectoparasites like fleas and ticks
- Many other insects, moulds, fungi, bacteria harmful to humans like histoplasmosis can also flourish in the accumulations of guano (fecal matter)
Control Techniques(Little Brown and Big Brown Bats):
When bats take up residence in a structure there are many things to consider. Primarily, is that while they need to be dealt with promptly and humanely, these mammals are beneficial to humans due to the large quantities of insects they consume. Normally they would roost inside the cavities of large decaying trees, but due to habitat loss they have found a need to settle in urban areas.
A Professional inspection is recommended wherever bats may be a concern. It is very important to determine ALL the possible structural deficiencies contributing to the bat infestation, as well as the most humane solution to the problem. Focus Pest Control’s methodology includes:
- Observing the comings and goings of the bats to determine ALL the entry points.
- Making the necessary repairs to exclude the bats after they have left the structure for the night.
- Some exclusion work can be done during the day. However, the main entrance should be left until last so the bats do not become trapped inside. A one-way door can be used to ensure all bats get out and cannot re-enter.
- Exclusion services should be done either in the fall when the young are able to fly or in the late winter or early spring before the females arrive to raise their young.
- Bats are beneficial to both the urban and rural community and should be encouraged to live nearby. All they need is a more suitable home. They provide a great service by consuming vast quantities of insect pests. Artificial bat houses can be made easily and cost effectively.
Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.
References:
Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar
Communications, 1988. Pp. 354-357.
Disclaimer:
The Focus Pest Control ‘Pest Library’ is an educational resource written largely to educate the general public about common pests in Ontario. The Focus ‘Pest Library’ does not include all species in Ontario, nor does it include the most recent scientific data about species we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While Focus Pest Control staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.
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