There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of species of bats all across the world. From large-winged, fruit eating bats like the Megachiroptera, to the tinier, insect eating, Echolocating bats like the Microchiroptera, bats come in all different shapes and forms. But in North America, there are 3 particular species of bat seen most often. These bat species include the Little Brown Bat, the Big Brown Bat, and the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat. Continue reading to learn some fun and interesting details about each bat species, and who to call if your home is bothered by nuisance bats.

Little Brown Bat

“Myotis lucifugus”

The Little Brown bat is a member of the “mouse-eared” bat species, Myotis. This is why they are also referred to as the Little Brown Myotis. They are one of the most common species of bat in North America. Their fur is brown, as the name suggests, with dark grey underbellies. Their length average is between 6 to 10 centimeters, and they can weight up to 14 grams.

They are often confused for the Indiana Brown Bat, but can be easily distinguished by the absence of a keel on the calcar and long-haired hind feet. They are nocturnal, use echolocation to hunt and navigate in the dark, and primarily eat insects, like mosquitoes.

Big Brown Bat

“Eptesicus fuscus”

The Big Brown Bat is a member of the fuscus species, and most native to North America, the Caribbean, and even parts of Central America. As medium-sized bats, they grow up to 13 centimeters in length, and can weight up to 16 grams. Like the Little brown bat, they are also nocturnal, echolocating, and insectivorous.

They roost during the day, usually in hollow trees, and hunt for insects at night. They are known as a nuisance bat in some areas, commonly taking refuge in residential and commercial structures like sheds, attics, crawl spaces, and more.

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat

“Tadarida brasiliensis”

The Mexican Free-Tailed Bat is also commonly referred to as the Brazilian free-tailed bat. They are native to many parts of North America, but unfortunately experiencing population decline in California, making their preservation a growing concern. The Mexican Free-Tailed Bat is a medium-sized bat that has much in common with the above-mentioned species.

They are nocturnal insectivores that use ultrasonic sounds called echolocation to navigate and hunt for insects at night. Growing up to 9 centimeters in length and up to 12 grams in weight, the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat is a medium-sized species.

Bat Problems

If you are experiencing nuisance bat problems on your property, you require non-lethal bat exclusion and extraction services from a professional bat removal and control company. They use safe and humane methods to get rid of bats and prevent their return. But don’t just call any service, trust only an experienced wildlife rescue and control company in your town!

Indianapolis Bat Removal

Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional Indianapolis bat removal you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control contractors that specialize is safe, non-lethal bat exclusion and extraction services. Whether commercial or residential, we are fully-equipped to extract from any property. Call 317-535-4605 to learn more about getting rid of bats in Indianapolis, IN today.