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The Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) is a federally endangered bat species. In Virginia, proper identification and lawful, humane handling matter—especially if bats are found in or near buildings.
If you have bats in your house, attic, or vents, we provide statewide Virginia bat removal and exclusion (wildlife removal + pest control), using species-aware methods and timing that protects pups.
Bat in the House in Virginia? What to Do First
- Keep people and pets away and close interior doors to isolate the bat to one room.
- If safe, open an exterior door/window and turn off interior lights.
- If the bat won’t leave, 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 and your local health department for guidance.
Indiana Bat Identification and Characteristics
The Indiana bat is a medium-sized Myotis that can resemble other brown bats. It is often described as having pinkish-brown to gray-brown fur and is closely related in appearance to species like the little brown bat.
Key life history points (high level):
- Mating typically occurs during fall swarming
- Females use delayed fertilization (fertilization after hibernation)
- Summer roosting is often under exfoliating bark and in tree habitats
- One pup is born each year in late June or early July
Habitat in Virginia and Seasonal Behavior
Indiana bats rely on different habitats through the year:
- Winter: hibernation in caves and mines (hibernacula)
- Summer: roosting in forested habitats, often using trees with loose bark; foraging frequently occurs near forest edges and waterways
Virginia DWR also notes that, for bats in buildings generally, the best time to exclude bats is before they enter in spring or after they leave in fall, to avoid trapping flightless young inside.
What Indiana Bats Eat
Indiana bats are insectivores. They commonly feed on flying insects and forage around forest canopies and along waterways. (Diets vary by season and region, but moths and beetles are common prey items across much of their range.)
Why Timing Matters for Bat Exclusion
Bat exclusion is the best long-term solution when bats are using a structure—but it must be done at the right time.
- Indiana bats typically have pups in late June/early July
- Virginia DWR advises exclusion either before spring entry or after fall departure for building bats to avoid trapping young
If bats are present, we’ll recommend the safest, most appropriate plan based on season and signs of maternity activity.
Our Virginia Bat Removal and Exclusion Approach
1) Inspection and species-aware plan
We identify likely species, entry points, roost areas, and risk factors.
2) Safe removal (bat in living space)
If a bat is inside, we help remove it safely and reduce the risk of repeat entry.
3) Humane exclusion and prevention (long-term fix)
When bats are using a structure, we focus on:
- Sealing secondary gaps
- Installing one-way exit devices (when seasonally safe)
- Final sealing once bats are confirmed out
If you suspect attic activity, see Bats in the Attic. If guano is present, see Bat Guano Removal in Virginia.
FAQ: Indiana Bat in Virginia
Yes. The Indiana bat is listed as federally endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Indiana bats primarily use caves/mines for winter hibernation and trees in summer. If bats are using an attic, it’s often another species—but proper inspection is the best way to confirm. See Big Brown Bat and Little Brown Bat for more common structure-roosting species.
Virginia DWR notes Indiana bats have one pup per year, typically born in late June or early July.
Virginia DWR recommends excluding bats before spring entry or after fall departure to avoid trapping flightless young.
Yes. We provide bat removal and exclusion statewide across most of Virginia.
Related Bat Pages
You can also compare this species on our Virginia Bat Species 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 Bats in Virginia
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Contact Us at (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383