Big Brown Bats in Attics • Chimneys • Fireplaces
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Big Brown Bat overview
The Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) is one of the most common bat species to enter and roost in buildings. In Virginia, big brown bats are frequently found in attics, barns, churches, chimneys, and wall voids. Because they can enter through small gaps, they may also show up inside living spaces—often through a fireplace or chimney.
If you suspect big brown bats in your attic, the safest solution is humane bat exclusion performed by a trained bat removal company.
Identification and characteristics
Big brown bats are typically:
- Dark brown with glossy fur
- Broad-nosed with relatively short, dark ears
- Strong, direct flyers often seen 20–30 feet above ground
In addition, they often form small groups or nursery colonies. Nursery colonies in buildings commonly occur in late spring and early summer, when young are born and raised.
Why big brown bats end up in homes
These bats use man-made structures because they provide:
- Shelter from predators
- Warm, stable roosting spaces for raising young
- Safe winter hiding places (they can use the same structure year-round)
They are generally less migratory than some other bat species and may remain near the same roost for both summer and winter. Because they can shift within a structure (attic to basement, walls to chimney areas), homeowners may notice increased contact if the bats move.
Where big brown bats roost in Virginia homes
Common roost locations include:
- Attics and roofline voids
- Chimneys and behind fireplace dampers
- Gable vents, ridge vents, and soffit gaps
- Barns, churches, and other older structures
Tip: Staining near small roofline gaps and bat guano beneath entry points are common signs of an active roost.
Range and distribution in Virginia
Big brown bats can be found across Virginia and are commonly associated with buildings. Unlike some other bats, their summer and winter range is often similar. Therefore, if entry points aren’t sealed correctly, the problem can return year after year.
What big brown bats eat
Big brown bats are beneficial insect-eaters. They feed mainly on beetles and other insects, and they can fill their stomach in about an hour during foraging. Even so, bats should not be roosting in an attic or inside occupied living spaces.
What to do if you have big brown bats in the attic
If you suspect bats:
- First, do not go into the attic at night.
- Next, avoid sprays, mothballs, lights, or sound devices, because they rarely solve the cause.
- Then, schedule a professional inspection to identify entry points.
- After that, use humane bat exclusion to allow bats to exit safely.
- Finally, seal and repair openings to prevent re-entry and discuss guano cleanup if needed.
Professional big brown bat removal in Virginia
Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services provides safe, humane bat removal and bat control in Virginia, including help for big brown bat infestations in attics, chimneys, and other structural roost sites.
You can also return to our Virginia Bat Species page to compare other bat species found in Virginia.
Our service areas include the Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Tidewater / Hampton Roads, and the Shenandoah Valley / Southwest Virginia regions.
For the full list of the cities, counties and towns where we provide service, visit:
If you don’t see your city listed, contact us—we often serve nearby areas and can confirm availability quickly.
Call for help with big brown bats
For fast, safe, and humane bat removal, call (804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383.
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