Southeastern Myotis Bat in Virginia

southeastern myotis bat

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The Southeastern Myotis bat (Myotis austroriparius) is uncommon in Virginia, but like other bat species it may roost near water, trees, caves, or occasionally buildings. If you have bats in your attic, vents, or walls, we provide safe, humane bat removal and bat exclusion throughout Virginia.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Myotis austroriparius
  • Size: about 77–97 mm total length; 5–8 g
  • Look-alike: often mistaken for the Little Brown Bat, but fur texture differs
  • Virginia occurrence: uncommon/rare and mostly associated with southeastern VA waterways
  • Diet: insects (including mosquitoes)

Characteristics

The Southeastern Myotis looks similar to the Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus), but it can often be identified by its shorter, thicker, woolly fur.

  • Color: gray-brown to orange-brown on the back, with a buff-colored belly
  • Toe hairs: noticeable long toe hairs that may extend beyond the claws
  • Hibernation (northern range, including VA): may hibernate up to 7 months, sometimes in clusters up to 100
  • Breeding: mating occurs in fall, with delayed fertilization (sperm stored through winter)
  • Young: typically two pups born in April or May
  • Colonies: females can form large nursery colonies

Distribution in Virginia

Across the U.S., the Southeastern Myotis range extends from extreme southeastern Virginia west to Texas and south to Florida.

In Virginia, documented occurrences are limited, with records associated with the Blackwater River area near Zuni, Virginia. This bat tends to roost near permanent water sources.

  • Summer roosts: commonly caves
  • Winter roosts: may include hollow trees, mines, caves, and sometimes buildings
  • Key habitat feature: reliable access to water

Foods

The Southeastern Myotis is insect-eating (insectivorous). Its diet includes many flying insects, including mosquitoes.

If bats are in your attic or home, the solution is not repellents or poisons. The correct approach is humane exclusion:

  • We identify entry points and activity zones
  • We install one-way exit devices when timing is appropriate
  • We seal and repair entry points to prevent return
  • We can advise on cleanup if guano is present

If you suspect attic activity, start with Bats in the Attic.

For fast, safe, and humane Virginia bat removal, call (804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383.
Call us with questions about the Southeastern Myotis bat in Virginia or any bat issue in your attic, vents, or home.

FAQ — Southeastern Myotis Bat in Virginia

Is the Southeastern Myotis common in Virginia?

No. It is rare/uncommon in Virginia and is mostly associated with southeastern waterways and specific documented areas.

Can it live in houses or attics?

It can sometimes use buildings, but it more commonly roosts in natural sites (trees, caves, and similar structures). If bats are in your attic, the species is more often Big Brown Bat, Little Brown Bat, or Evening Bat, depending on location.

Does this bat eat mosquitoes?

Yes. Like many bats, it eats a variety of insects and may include mosquitoes in its diet.

What should I do if I find a bat in my house?

Close interior doors to limit where it can fly, keep people and pets away, and call a professional. If there was any possible contact with a person or pet, contact your local health department for guidance.

Do bat repellents work?

Almost always no. Effective bat control is humane exclusion plus sealing entry points, done at the right time of year.

When is the best time to exclude bats?

Timing matters because of bat maternity season. Exclusion is typically done before pups are born or after pups can fly. We’ll advise based on your situation and your location in Virginia.

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

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