Eastern Red Bat in Virginia

eastern red bat in virginia

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Found an eastern red bat or another bat in your home, attic, or garage? The Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis) is one of Virginia’s most common tree bats. They usually roost in foliage and trees, but they can occasionally end up in homes, especially during migration or when weather changes quickly.

We provide statewide bat removal and exclusion services across Virginia (wildlife removal + pest control).

Bats in Your Attic or a Bat in Your House in Virginia?

If a bat is inside your living space:

  • Keep people and pets away
  • Close interior doors to limit where it can fly
  • If safe, open an exterior door or window and turn off interior lights
  • Call a professional if you can’t safely contain or guide it out

If there was any chance of contact (bat in a bedroom, near a sleeping person, child, or pet), contact a medical professional for guidance.

If you suspect attic activity, start with Bats in the Attic.

Identifying Characteristics of the Eastern Red Bat

The eastern red bat is easy to recognize because of its reddish fur and fully furred tail membrane. Adults are typically about 3.75–4.5 inches long.

Key ID points:

  • Bright red to rusty fur (often “frosted” with lighter tips)
  • Males are typically brighter red; females often look duller or frosted (sexually dimorphic)
  • Short, rounded ears; triangular tragus
  • White patches of fur near the shoulders/wrists

Where Eastern Red Bats Live in Virginia

Eastern red bats are found throughout Virginia and generally roost in trees year-round. In summer, females raise young in dense tree foliage. In winter, they may use tree cavities, or shelter under logs/rocks, and can even be found under log piles.

Important note: Because they are a tree bat, an eastern red bat in an attic is often a single bat or short-term situation—not always a large colony.

Maternity Season and Why Timing Matters

Eastern red bats typically reproduce in late summer, with delayed fertilization until spring. They can have up to four young (and rarely five).

If bats are using a structure, exclusion must be timed correctly. In Virginia, bats generally give birth in May or June, and pups may remain in the roost for 4–6 weeks until they can fly well. Excluding at the wrong time can trap young inside.

What Eastern Red Bats Eat

Eastern red bats are insect-eaters and often feed around lights in many settings. Moths and beetles are a major part of their diet, along with other insects.

Our Virginia Bat Removal and Exclusion Approach

1) Inspection and identification

We confirm the bat species (or likely species) and locate entry points, roost areas, and risk factors.

2) Safe removal (when a bat is inside)

We help remove bats from living spaces safely and reduce the chance of repeat entry.

3) Exclusion and prevention

When bats are using a structure, the long-term fix is professional exclusion:

  • Seal secondary gaps
  • Install one-way exit devices where appropriate
  • Complete sealing once bats are confirmed out
  • Provide cleanup guidance if needed

If guano is present, see Bat Guano Removal in Virginia.

FAQ: Eastern Red Bat in Virginia

Are eastern red bats common in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia DWR describes the eastern red bat as Virginia’s most common tree bat.

Do eastern red bats live in attics?

They usually roost in trees. If one is found in a building, it may be temporary (weather, migration, accidental entry), though bats can sometimes use structures if entry points exist.

When is the best time to exclude bats in Virginia?

Generally, early spring before pups are born or late summer after pups can fly is best.

How many pups do eastern red bats have?

They can have up to four young (rarely five), which is more than most bat species.

Why do bats show up around my house at night?

They may be feeding on insects attracted to lights and may also be using nearby trees for roosting.

You can also compare this species on our Virginia Bat Species page and see other species pages such as Silver-haired Bat and Evening Bat.

Service Area: Statewide Virginia

We provide wildlife removal and pest control services across 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.

Contact Us About Bats in Virginia

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