Little Brown Bats in Alexandria, VA

The Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) is one of the most common bats encountered in Alexandria, Virginia. It is a small mammal with a body length of 3" to 3 1/2" and weighs approximately 1/8 to 1/2 ounce. The wingspan ranges from 8 to 10 inches, and individual bats can live 20 to 30 years. Bats are the only mammals capable of true sustained flight. As their name suggests, they feature glossy dark brown fur with a lighter buff underside.

Little Brown Bats range from Alaska and Canada south through the Appalachian region of Virginia. In Alexandria, they are among the most frequent species involved in residential attic roosting conflicts.

Little Brown Bats are insectivorous, consuming mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and midges. A single bat can consume up to half its body weight in insects nightly, using echolocation to navigate and capture prey in low-light conditions.

Females reach sexual maturity in 6 to 9 months, while males mature at 1 year. Mating occurs in autumn, with females giving birth to one offspring (and occasionally two) in early summer. Pups become self-supporting within a month.

Little Brown Bats forage primarily over streams, rivers, and wetlands throughout Northern Virginia. They utilize dark, sheltered cavities such as attics, soffits, and building gaps for summer maternity roosts. If Little Brown Bats have established a roost inside your home or building, contact Xceptional Wildlife at (800) 373-3411 for humane, professional bat exclusion services.