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The Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) is a forest bat found in Virginia and across much of the eastern United States. It is now listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act due to severe declines largely associated with white-nose syndrome.
If you have bats in your house, attic, or vents, we provide safe, humane bat removal and exclusion statewide in Virginia—with a species-aware approach and proper seasonal timing.
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 (sleeping person, child, or pet present), contact a medical professional for guidance.
Identifying Characteristics
Virginia DWR notes this bat is similar to several other Myotis species, but can be identified by long ears and a dagger-shaped tragus. The ears are typically 0.5–0.7 inches, and when laid forward they extend past the nose by about 0.2 inches.
Virginia DWR also lists typical size as about 3–3.5 inches long and 0.17–0.35 ounces.
Habitat and Where They Live in Virginia
Northern long-eared bats are closely tied to forested habitat. They often roost in trees (including under bark and in cavities) and forage under the forest canopy. Virginia DWR lists this species as occurring in the state and provides species-specific identification guidance.
Because they are an endangered species, any situation involving bats should be handled carefully and lawfully.
Diet (What They Eat)
Northern long-eared bats are insectivores that feed on small flying insects. They typically forage in and around forested areas and along wooded corridors.
Why Timing Matters for Bat Exclusion
When bats are using a structure, the long-term fix is humane exclusion plus sealing, but it must be done at the right time to avoid trapping flightless young inside.
Virginia DWR recommends excluding bats before they enter in spring or after they have left in fall.
Our Virginia Bat Removal and Exclusion Approach
1) Inspection and species-aware plan
We locate entry points, roost areas, and signs of activity, then recommend the safest plan based on season and structure type.
2) Safe removal (when a bat is inside)
If a bat is in living space, we remove it safely and help reduce re-entry risk.
3) Humane exclusion and prevention (long-term solution)
- Seal secondary gaps
- Install one-way exit devices when appropriate and seasonally safe
- Confirm bats are out
- Permanently seal final openings
If you suspect attic activity, see Bats in the Attic. If guano is present, see Bat Guano Removal in Virginia.
FAQ: Northern Long-eared Bat in Virginia
Yes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassified the northern long-eared bat as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Virginia DWR notes key identifiers include long ears and a dagger-shaped tragus, with ears extending past the nose when laid forward.
Virginia DWR recommends exclusion before spring entry or after fall departure.
Yes. We provide bat removal and exclusion statewide across Virginia.
Related Pages
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