Evening Bat in Virginia

evening bat being held by wildlife technician in virginia

Call (804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383

The Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis) is a small bat found in Virginia that can roost in buildings as well as tree cavities and loose bark. If you have evening bats or other bats in an attic, vent, soffit, or living space, 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 or window and turn off interior lights.
  • If you can’t safely guide it out, call a professional.

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

Identifying Characteristics of the Evening Bat

Virginia DWR describes the evening bat as a “scaled-down” version of the big brown bat. Adults are typically 3–3.8 inches long and weigh about 0.25–0.5 ounces.

Key ID clues:

  • Short, dull dark-brown fur (lighter underside)
  • Short ears and a blunt, curved tragus (helps separate it from Myotis bats)
  • Unlike many tree bats, the fur does not extend onto the wing or tail membranes
  • Often has a noticeable acrid odor compared to other Virginia bats

Distribution and Habitat in Virginia

The evening bat is largely a bat of the southeastern U.S. In Virginia it’s known mainly from the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, with only a couple of records from the mountains.

They are considered a tree bat that has adapted well to human structures. In forests, they use tree cavities and sloughing bark for roosts and maternity sites.

Virginia DWR also notes that evening bats are one of the species most likely to take residence in buildings in Virginia (along with big brown bats, little brown bats, and Brazilian free-tailed bats).

What Evening Bats Eat

DWR notes that while feeding habits aren’t well studied, the available studies show primary prey items include beetles, moths, and leafhoppers.

Maternity Season and Why Exclusion Timing Matters

Like other tree bats, evening bats typically produce two young, with birth in early summer. Females nurse their young for at least two weeks, and young can fly at about three weeks of age.

Because pups may be present in warm months, exclusion must be timed and performed correctly to avoid trapping young inside a structure.

Our Virginia Bat Removal and Exclusion Approach

1) Inspection and species-aware plan

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

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 (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 seasonally safe
  • Final seal once bats are confirmed out
  • Cleanup guidance if needed

If guano is present, see bat guano removal. If you suspect attic activity, see Bats in the Attic.

FAQ: Evening Bat in Virginia

Do evening bats live in attics?

They can. Virginia DWR notes evening bats have adapted well to human structures and can use buildings as roost sites. For structure-related problems, see Bat Removal in Virginia.

How do I tell an evening bat from a big brown bat?

Evening bats look like a smaller big brown bat. DWR notes adults are about 3–3.8 inches, smaller than big brown bats, and have short ears with a blunt curved tragus. Compare with our Big Brown Bat page.

Where are evening bats found in Virginia?

They are known mainly from Virginia’s Piedmont and Coastal Plain, with only a couple of mountain records reported by DWR.

What do evening bats eat?

Available studies summarized by DWR suggest beetles, moths, and leafhoppers are common prey.

How many pups do evening bats have?

DWR notes evening bats typically have two young, born in early summer.

You can also compare this species on our Virginia Bat Species page and our 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.

Contact Us About Evening Bats in Virginia

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Call (804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383