Big brown bats are excellent survivors. Found in places that extend from the northernmost reaches of Canada down to the northern portions of South America, it is clear that the big brown bat can live in almost any conditions. In fact, they are capable of surviving in environments that are too harsh for other bats.
Because big brown bats are so hardy, they have few challenges living in Philadelphia. This can be bad news for property owners because these bats like to roost in residential and commercial buildings. This activity causes serious, widespread damage to structures. Moreover, when people and big brown bats are in close proximity, it is almost a guarantee that people will get sick.
Still, it is preferable not to harm big brown bats. They have huge appetites for insects, so they keep pest populations under control. Additionally, getting big brown bats out of buildings is hazardous work. Specialized safety equipment is required, and it is essential to sanitize the space that the bats occupied. Extensive repairs also may be needed depending upon how long the bats occupied the space.
Many bat species in North America are endangered. While the big brown bat is not one of them, it remains wise for property owners to proceed with caution when they suspect a bat infestation. Pest management professionals know how to deal with big brown bat infestations so that people and bats are protected.
WHAT DO
BIG BROWN
BATS LOOK LIKE?
Although their name refers to these animals as being "big," full-grown adults only weigh between one-half and one ounce. They have a wingspan that may extend as far as 12 to 16 inches. When compared with the size of the overall face, the big brown bat's nose is wide and his lips are fleshy. Close observation reveals ears that are black, rounded and small. The tail and wing membranes also are black, but the fur on the back of the animal is copper-colored and glossy. The fur on the belly tends to be a lighter color.
WHAT DO
BIG BROWN
BATS EAT?
These animals love to eat beetles, but they will eat an array of other insects. Most of these are insects that fly at night, so vast quantities of gnats, mosquitoes and flies may be consumed. Many bat species appear to feed over or near water, but the big brown bat is less picky. This means that infestations may occur on properties that do not have water features, leaks or problems with standing water.
It is not unusual for a reproductive female to eat the equivalent of her body weight in one night, demonstrating how critical big brown bats are to the ecosystem.
WHERE DO
BIG BROWN
BATS LIVE?
It is possible for people to encounter big brown bats in virtually every part of North America as well as far into South America. In Philadelphia, this means that outdoor populations of insects are kept within reasonable limits. The big brown bats hibernate in the winter when insect populations sharply decline. Hibernation usually takes place in an abandoned mine or a cave in which temperatures remain constant and winds are rare.
These same roosting places may serve well for other seasons, but big brown bats tend to opt for alternative roosting sites the rest of the year. A pile of rocks or wood might be a good place to roost. However, many big brown bats will choose to roost in man-made structures.
Bats may choose different roosts for when they need to rest during the day as opposed to when they rest at night. When they roost in buildings, the animals are likely to use attics, chimneys and fireplaces. Occasionally, an eave or overhang will be used, and big brown bats sometimes will roost behind a shutter.
When female big brown bats have babies, they may cluster together in relatively large numbers to form a maternity roost. When these roosts are established in a building, special care must be taken when property owners want to end the infestation.
Pest management professionals deal carefully with big brown bat infestations. The actions they take do not harm the animals, and they wait to install bat exclusion equipment until the baby bats are mature enough to leave the roost at night with the adults.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY
BIG BROWN
BATS
All bat species cause significant damage when they are able to enter buildings. Some of the damage occurs when big brown bats repeatedly enter and leave the structure. Considerable staining is left around the opening, which can become enlarged and ragged, and this allows more pests and the weather to enter the structure.
Additional damage occurs inside the structure wherever the bats roost. Whether it is an attic, wall void or elsewhere, these areas become incredibly contaminated with bat waste products. Extremely caustic, big brown bat feces and urine are capable of eating through virtually all of the common materials that are used in construction. When bat infestations are not dealt with soon after they begin, the damage can be extensive.
No big brown bat infestation can be considered truly ended until all of the mess is cleaned up and the damage is repaired. Fortunately, licensed pest control technicians are trained to complete all of these tasks.
ARE
BIG BROWN
BATS AGGRESSIVE?
People frequently harbor a mistaken impression that many bat species are aggressive. In reality, big brown bats and members of other species tend to want to stay away from people. They may aggressively hunt insects, but this is the only real aggression they demonstrate.
How did bats get such an aggressive reputation? Part of the problem is Hollywood. The rest of it seems to stem from simple misunderstanding. When bats blunder into occupied parts of buildings, their natural and immediate reaction is panic. This may make them appear to be aggressive, but they really only want to find a way outdoors. People can shorten the episode by opening all windows and doors that lead to the outside to help the bat escape.
DO
BIG BROWN
BATS CARRY DISEASE?
It is always possible that a big brown bat is infected with rabies. However, studies have revealed that not as much of the bat population actually carries this disease as used to be believed. Still, anyone who accidentally tangles with a bat is advised to seek immediate medical treatment as any bite or scratch may transmit this or another illness. Treatment is necessary whenever people have been in an enclosed place with a bat. Thanks to the animal's incredibly sharp and tiny teeth and claws, it is possible for people to be bitten or scratched and not realize that they are wounded.
A fungus that is commonly found in big brown bat waste products is responsible for far more instances of sickness. The lung condition known as Histoplasmosis may be spread when people inhale the infected waste products of a bat. Anyone who lives or works in an infested building probably should be screened for this disease.
HOW TO DETECT
BIG BROWN
BATS
Signs of a big brown bat infestation include:
• An ammonia-like scent is detected • Building exteriors, including windows, are stained • Squeaking, rustling and scratching sounds may be heard behind walls
HOW TO PREVENT
BIG BROWN
BATS
To help prevent big brown bat issues the following steps should be taken:
• Make certain that chimneys are blocked with caps • Use weatherstripping, caulk and heavy-duty wire mesh to cover other openings • Hire a pest control company to minimize the number of pests on the property • Correct problems with standing water and leaks • Place bat houses on poles or trees in the landscaping
HOW TO TREAT FOR BATS
Bat control can be complicated and potentially dangerous involving many procedures that are governed by state law. A licensed pest management professional should always be consulted to ensure safe and proper bat removal, decontamination, and prevention.
