Little Brown Bats and Large Brown Bats in the Midwest: A Focus on Kansas City

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Hi my name is Luis Gonzalez, with another What’s Bugging You podcast.

In the Midwest, particularly around Kansas City, two species of bats are commonly found: the Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the Large Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus). These two species are often misunderstood, yet they play an essential role in local ecosystems. While they help control insect populations and contribute to pollination, they can also create challenges for homeowners when they take up residence in attics, barns, or other structures. Understanding these bats—how they live, their habits, and how to manage them—is key to living harmoniously with these fascinating creatures.

The Little Brown Bat: Characteristics and Ecology

The Little Brown Bat is one of the most common bat species in the Midwest. As the name suggests, these bats are small—about three to four inches in body length, with a wingspan of around eight to ten inches. They typically weigh less than a quarter of an ounce, making them one of the smallest bat species in North America.

Diet and Behavior
Little Brown Bats are insectivores, meaning they feed on a variety of insects, including moths, beetles, and mosquitoes. They hunt primarily at dusk and through the night, using echolocation to locate and catch their prey in mid-air. This makes them incredibly effective at controlling insect populations, especially in residential areas during the warmer months.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Little Brown Bat is its hibernation pattern. In winter, these bats often hibernate in caves, abandoned buildings, or attics in homes. In Kansas City, it’s not uncommon for these bats to seek shelter in attics, particularly in the colder months when natural roosts may not be available. However, with hibernation comes the risk of bat infestations, particularly as droppings (guano) accumulate in attics. Bat guano can carry diseases like histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease caused by the fungus that grows in bat droppings, posing a health risk to humans.

Conservation Concerns
Unfortunately, the Little Brown Bat is facing serious population declines due to White-nose Syndrome, a fungal disease that affects bats in North America. The disease disrupts hibernation, causing the bats to wake prematurely during winter, which leads to death from starvation or dehydration. This has had a devastating impact on bat populations, and conservation efforts are ongoing to help protect them.

The Large Brown Bat: Characteristics and Habits

The Large Brown Bat is another common bat species in the Midwest, including Kansas City. As its name implies, it’s larger than the Little Brown Bat, with an average body length of about four to five inches and a wingspan of up to thirteen inches. These bats typically weigh between half an ounce and three-quarters of an ounce, making them heavier and more robust than their smaller counterparts.

Diet and Behavior
Like the Little Brown Bat, the Large Brown Bat is an insectivore, preying on a wide variety of nocturnal insects, including beetles, moths, and flies. These bats are particularly adept at hunting larger insects like beetles, which they catch in flight. The Large Brown Bat is known for its adaptability and is frequently found in both urban and rural environments, making it a common sight in and around Kansas City.

Roosting Habits
Large Brown Bats are more likely than Little Brown Bats to roost in man-made structures, such as barns, attics, and sheds. They tend to seek shelter in dark, undisturbed areas where they can rest during the day. In Kansas City, homeowners may find these bats roosting in attics or other sheltered areas of their homes. While they help control insect populations, they can create problems if they establish a colony inside your home.

Health Risks and Damage
Like the Little Brown Bat, the Large Brown Bat poses certain health risks if it roosts in a home. Bat droppings can accumulate in attics, leading to the growth of harmful fungi. In addition to histoplasmosis, prolonged exposure to bat guano can cause other respiratory issues. Additionally, if bats find a way into living spaces, there’s the risk of direct contact, which could lead to bites or scratches, potentially transmitting diseases like rabies.

Bat Control and Prevention

If you suspect you have a bat infestation, it’s crucial to take swift action. Bats are protected species, and there are strict regulations in place to ensure their humane removal and relocation. At Midway Pest Management, we specialize in safe and effective bat control services. Here’s what our bat eviction process typically involves:

1. Inspection:
   Our trained experts perform a thorough inspection of your home, attic, or property to identify signs of bat activity, including droppings, noise, and entry points.
2. Bat Eviction:
   We use humane methods to remove the bats from your home, ensuring that no harm comes to the animals during the process.
3. Exclusion:
   After the bats are safely removed, we seal up all potential entry points, such as gaps, cracks, or holes in the roof or walls. This prevents future infestations and keeps your home bat-free.
4. Restoration and Clean-Up:
   If necessary, we offer attic restoration services to clean and sanitize areas affected by bat droppings. This is important for maintaining a healthy, safe environment in your home.

Bats like the Little Brown Bat and Large Brown Bat are vital to the health of our ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and contribute to plant pollination. However, when they roost in or around our homes, they can become a nuisance and even pose health risks. If you believe you have a bat problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest management service like Midway Pest Management. We offer safe, humane, and effective bat removal and exclusion services to keep your home and family safe.