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​​There are many different types of bats in Ontario. The two main species we deal with in Eastern Ontario are the Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the Big Brown Bat     (Eptesicus fuscus).
 
The Little Brown Bat ranges in size from 60-102 mm and weighs only 7-13 grams. They can be pale brown to dark brown in colour. They are one of the most common bats in North America. We tend to find them in barns, houses, churches and other structures. We see them more in houses as that is when they begin to become a problem. They roost in attics, under soffits, in vents and behind siding and shutters. There are huge benefits in having bats around. They eat almost half their body weight in insects every night and they are more effective seed dispersers than birds.  Bat roost sites are more common near bodies of water where they do most of their hunting for insects. The Little Brown is currently listed as an endangered species in Ontario. That listing comes with the forthcoming disease, White Nose Syndrome in our area.
 
The Big Brown Bat adheres to its namesake and is larger then the Little Brown Bat. It ranges from 87-138 mm long and weighs between 11-23 grams. The Big Brown Bats shares many of the same tendencies as the Little Browns. We may even find them roosting in the same structures. Both bats migrate to winter hibernating areas. We also find some that will stay in structures where they can find spots that stay above freezing.
Bats can be harmful to your home without even entering. Shown here is bat guano found on a roof vent that seeped through into the attic of this home.
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No one wants a bat in their house, but bats are not as big of a scare as some people may lead you to believe. Only 0.1% of all bats have rabies and only 3% of bats that come in contact with people carry the rabies virus. However, this is not to be taken lightly.  You should not handle bats with your bare hands. If it’s possible that a bat has come in contact with elderly people, children, or pets in your home it is best to have the bat checked for rabies. Treat any bat on the ground as a sick bat.

Bat guano (feces) carries histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by breathing in spores of a fungus often found in bird and bat droppings. Histoplasmosis is most commonly transmitted when these spores become airborne, often during cleanup or demolition projects. Stirring up the dried feces is only the real problem with very minor cases of guano. Only in large colonies does the bat guano and urine really cause a major problem structurally. Staining at entry points is a more minor problem. Bats also carry a variety of fleas and bugs, you don’t want in your home.
 
Due to the endangered status of the Little Brown Bat, and the health risks associated with all bats, it is best to have a professional take at look at your situation, if you think you have a problem. There is a wide range of solutions that can be done. Choosing the right ones will help ensure bats are around for many years to come.
Nuisance W​ildlife Control INC is proud to offer our expert Residential and Corporate Services for Bats.
List of Services:
Our Local Service Areas for Bats includes: Athens, Brockville, Iroquois, Kemptville, Mallorytown, Morrisburg, Prescott, Smiths Falls, Spencerville, Winchester and Surrounding Areas!