Squeek, squeek, squeek. Through the air. Squeek, squeek, squeek, squeek. Echoes, echoes, echoes. It’s difficult to tell what kind of bat is in the dark. Flap, flap, flap. It’s most likely a little brown bat or big brown bat. They’re common in Ontario. I think it’s headed for our home. Squeek, squeek, squeek. Luckily, I inspected for any holes, gaps or cracks. Don’t want bats in the attic.

Common Ontario bat species.

There are many different types of bats found in Ontario. All vary in size and behaviour. But, any can find their way into a building to roost. Identifying the type of bat can help narrow the ways to protect your home.

Little Brown Bat

• Most common bat in the province.
• Identifiable by dark brown and glossy fur on its back.
• Adults are generally 6 to 10 cm long and females tend to be larger than males.
• Hibernate in caves or unused mines.

Big Brown Bat

• Found in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America.
• Similar looking as Little Brown Bat, but with wingspan between 28 to 33 cm.
• Nocturnal and roost in hollow trees, rock crevices or man-made structures.
• Only give birth to one pup a year.

Eastern Small Footed Bat

• Smallest species in Ontario.
• Very few left because of white-nose syndrome.
• 65 to 95 mm long, wingspan of 210 to 250 mm and weighs between 4 and 8g.

Northern Long-eared Bat

• Fur and wings are light brown with long ears reaching past its nose.
• Switchs roosts every other day and migrate in the winter.

Hoary Bat

• Largest bat in Ontario with a 40 cm wingspan.
• Very solitary and roost alone in trees hidden in foliage.

Make sure to inspect your home for possible bats.

A lot of species will roost anywhere warm and safe. With winter approaching bats will be searching for a place to hibernate. Make sure you regularly search for evidence of intruders. Bat prevention starts by identifying if they’re already in your home. Check attics for droppings and roosts. If you don’t find anything make sure to look for holes potential bats could sneak through. Seal all access points to the outside.

Waterloo animal control for bats. 

If you notice signs of bats make sure to call a professional. Disturbing roosts can result in activating airborne bacteria and parasites found in bat droppings. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control removes any colonies.

Trained professionals make sure to get rid of any bat colonies while cleaning up any mess and preventing their re-entry. Call Skedaddle today for animal control bats – 1-888-592-0387