Virginia Bat Facts

Virginia is home to 17 bat species, with the most common being the little brown bat and the big brown bat. These two species are the most likely bats to be seen across all areas of Virginia, including Alexandria. They are among Virginia's cave bats, which is why they are frequently found roosting in attics, church belfries, underneath window shutters, and within commercial structures.

Bats are among Virginia's most environmentally beneficial mammals. They primarily feed on insects and can ingest up to 1,000 mosquitoes or agricultural pests per hour, making them an essential part of the ecosystem. Common pests they consume include moths, wasps, beetles, gnats, mosquitoes, and midges.

Because bats play such a vital ecological role, federal and state laws protect them from harm. Wildlife control operators must utilize humane methods, primarily bat exclusion techniques, to address infestations. For more information on safe, humane bat exclusion in Alexandria, give Xceptional Wildlife a call today at (800) 373-3411!

It is a common misconception that all bats carry rabies. In reality, only a tiny fraction of wild bats are rabies carriers. Furthermore, rabid bats are rarely aggressive toward humans. According to the CDC, human rabies cases remain extremely rare in the United States, though proper care should always be taken when encountering any wild animal.

Another common myth is that bats are blind. While bats do not see in full color, they are not blind and actually possess excellent vision in low-light conditions. They forage for food using echolocation—emitting high-frequency sound waves into their surroundings and listening to the returning echoes to navigate and detect insects in complete darkness.