Eastern Small-footed Bat in Virginia

eastern small-footed bat in virginia being held in gloved hand

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The Eastern Small-footed Bat (Myotis leibii) is a small bat found in Virginia, especially in the mountain regions of western Virginia, often near rocky outcrops and boulder fields.

If you have bats in your house or suspect bats in a structure, we provide statewide Virginia bat removal and exclusion (wildlife removal + pest control).

Bat in the House in Virginia? What to Do First

  • Keep people and pets away and close interior doors to limit where the bat can fly.
  • If safe, open an exterior door/window and turn off interior lights.
  • If you can’t safely guide it out, call a professional.

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

Identifying Characteristics

Virginia DWR describes this species as the smallest myotis in the eastern U.S., with a total length of about 2 7/8 to 3 1/4 inches.

Common ID traits include:

  • Glossy chestnut-brown fur with darker/black accents
  • Very small feet (a key clue for this species)
  • Often associated with rocky habitats and caves/mines, especially in winter

Habitat and Distribution in Virginia

In Virginia, the eastern small-footed bat is typically found in western mountain regions, commonly linked with rocky outcrops, boulder fields, rock fissures, caves, and mines.

Winter hibernation:
They hibernate in cold places near freezing and may be found in caves, rock fissures, under large boulders, and mud cracks in cave floors, often in cold, dry areas near cave entrances.

Diet (What They Eat)

Their feeding habits aren’t as extensively studied as some bats, but Virginia DWR notes they feed on insects including flies, beetles, true bugs, leafhoppers, and flying ants and may forage in slow, erratic patterns less than ten feet above the ground.

Reproduction and Why Exclusion Timing Matters

Virginia DWR notes that females form small maternity groups and that one pup is typically born each year (twins can occur).

For Virginia bats generally, the Wildlife Center of Virginia advises that exclusion should not happen during the breeding season—many species give birth in May or June, and pups often remain in the roost 4–6 weeks until they can fly well.

Our Virginia Bat Removal and Exclusion Approach

1) Inspection and species-aware plan

We identify likely species, locate entry points, and check for signs of roosting.

2) Safe removal (bat in living space)

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

3) Exclusion and prevention (long-term fix)

When bats are using a structure, the best solution is professional exclusion:

  • Seal secondary gaps first
  • Install one-way exit devices (when appropriate and seasonal timing is safe)
  • Final seal once bats are confirmed out
  • Provide cleanup guidance if needed

If you suspect attic activity, see Bats in the Attic. If guano is present, see Bat Guano Removal in Virginia.

Conservation Note (Why Careful Handling Matters)

Virginia DWR lists the eastern small-footed bat as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Tier 3a), and notes white-nose syndrome as a primary threat—so protecting hibernation sites and roost habitat is important.

FAQ: Eastern Small-footed Bat in Virginia

Is the eastern small-footed bat common in Virginia?

Virginia DWR notes it may be rare in the state and is most associated with western mountain habitats.

Where do they hibernate?

They hibernate in caves and mines, often in cold areas near entrances, and may also use rock fissures, boulders, and cracks in cave floors.

What do they eat?

They eat insects such as flies, beetles, true bugs, leafhoppers, and flying ants.

When is the best time to exclude bats from a building?

In general, early spring (before pups) or late summer (after pups can fly) is best. Many Virginia bats have pups in May–June, and pups often remain 4–6 weeks.

Can this species use buildings?

Yes—Virginia DWR notes it can occasionally inhabit buildings in summer, though caves/mines are the only known winter habitat.

You can also compare this species on our Virginia Bat Species page and see more common structure-roosting species on our Big Brown Bat page and Little Brown Bat page.

Service Area: Statewide Virginia

We provide service 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.

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