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Rafinesque’s big-eared bat is one of Virginia’s most distinctive bats—known for its very large ears and use of coastal bottomland forests, swamps, hollow trees, and old buildings. Virginia DWR lists this bat as State Endangered and a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Tier 1a).
If you have bats in the attic, bats in vents, or a bat in the house, we provide safe, humane bat removal and exclusion statewide in Virginia.
Quick ID Guide
Virginia DWR notes key identifying features:
- Large ears that can measure about 1.25 inches and stand vertically
- Medium-sized bat about 3.5–4.2 inches long with ~11-inch wingspan
- Two noticeable glands on the upper surface of the snout
- Long toe hairs that extend past the claws (helps distinguish it from the Virginia big-eared bat)
Where It’s Found in Virginia
Rafinesque’s big-eared bats occur in Virginia primarily in bottomland hardwoods and swamps in the Coastal Plain.
Roosting and Habitat
This species can function as a tree-roosting bat or a cave-roosting bat depending on location and available habitat. In coastal Virginia and much of the Southeast, it often roosts year-round in hollow trees and old buildings, and may use abandoned structures when natural habitat is limited.
What Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bats Eat
Virginia DWR reports that moths make up to 90% of the diet, with beetles and other flying insects making up the remainder.
Reproduction and Seasonality
Virginia DWR notes:
- Reproduction occurs fall through winter
- Females form maternity groups (from a few up to ~100)
- One pup is produced in late spring/early summer (early June through mid-July)
- Young typically fly at ~3 weeks and wean at ~6 weeks
Why this matters: exclusion timing is important so young bats are not trapped inside.
Humane Bat Removal From Virginia Attics (What Works)
1) Inspection and identification
We locate entry points, confirm activity areas, and build a plan based on the season and structure.
2) Safe bat-in-house removal (when needed)
If a bat is in living space, we remove it safely and help reduce the risk of repeat entry.
3) Humane exclusion (best long-term fix)
When exclusion is appropriate, we:
- Seal secondary gaps
- Install one-way exit devices when seasonally safe
- Confirm bats are out
- Permanently seal the final openings
4) Cleanup guidance (if droppings are present)
If guano is present, we can advise on safe next steps and bat guano cleanup options.
FAQ: Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat in Virginia
Yes. Virginia DWR lists it as State Endangered and a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Tier 1a).
They often roost in hollow trees and old buildings in coastal parts of the range, and can use abandoned structures. If a bat colony is in an attic, an inspection helps confirm the species and the safest plan. Start with Bats in the Attic.
Virginia DWR reports moths are a major food source (up to ~90%).
Timing depends on the presence of pups and the structure. The safest approach is to schedule an inspection so exclusion is done when it won’t trap young bats inside.
Yes—our bat removal and pest control services are provided statewide.
Related Bat Pages
You can also compare this species on our Virginia Bat Species page and our Virginia Big-eared Bat page.
Service areas: 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
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Call (804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383