Characteristics
This is a large, dark brown bat with long, glossy fur, a broad nose and wings, and short, black ears. The average total length is 103-130 mm, with a weight of 13-18 grams (0.4 - 0.6 ounces). There are usually 2 young born in a nursery colony in late May-early June. Nursery colonies are usually located in manmade structures, such as barns, houses and churches. They fly strong, nearly straight courses at about 20-30 feet. They are usually solitary or in small groups. It often uses man's habitats and, because they are less tolerant of heat , they are often forced to move (e.g. to a basement) causing even more contact with man. They are not migratory like other bats and can use the same roost for both summer and winter. Light (unless very bright) and air movement were the limiting factors in hibernacula selection. The longevity record is 19 years. Predators include rat snakes, hawks, screech owls, common grackles, long-tailed weasels, house cats and bullfrogs. This is the most common bat to enter a house through the fireplace.
Distribution
The winter and summer range is identical. The big brown bat can be found through out the state of Virginia. This is one of two species that roosts in caves in the summer, but it is found most often in manmade structures.
Foods
These bats are efficient feeders, and fill their stomach in about an hour. The feeding habits are beneficial to man since many of the food insects are harmful. They feed mainly on beetles and other insects.
Characteristics
This is a small to medium size myotis, with glossy fur that is a dark yellow-brown to olive brown. . The face, ears, and membranes are dark, with the membranes sparsely or not furred. The total length is 85-98 mm with a wingspread from 222-269 mm. It has a weight of 5-14 grams and the female is slightly larger than the male. This species mates primarily in the fall, and there is delayed fertilization until spring ovulation, after depart from the hibernacula. Nursery colonies of several to 1000 or more females form in late April-May in warm dark locations. The summer colony may disperse to several hibernacula, and the hibernating colony may come from many summer colonies. When not hibernating, these bats emerge to forage at late dusk, and often repeat hunting flight patterns. They may use waterways, escarpments, even highways for orientation only. The mean life expectancy of the males was 1.55 years and for females 1.17-2.15 years (closer to 2.15).
Distribution
Migration generally is north to south, but some in all directions. There are 13 caves with 100-1000 individuals of this species and eight caves with more than 1000. This species will roost in caves, buildings, rocks and trees, under bridges, in mines and in tunnels. They also may dwell in man-made structures. This is one of the most abundant insectivorous bats in Virginia. They are found in all forested regions.
Foods
Moths are a major part of the diet as well as midges, mayflies and aquatic insects. Lactating bats select larger insects than males or nonparous females. They are very effective at feeding in patches of insects. They forage at about 10-20 feet over trees, lawns, pastures, and about 1-2 meters over open water. They may sweep low over water for drink before they begin foraging.
Bats
Bats are great neighbors to have around the house. One little brown bat has been documented eating upwards of 600 mosquitoes in one hour! Imagine what several individuals flying around in your yard could do! Sometimes the bats don't stay outside and this is when they become a problem. If a bat is found indoors with people, the Virginia Department of Health recommends capturing the bat and having it tested for rabies. While less than ½ of 1% of all bats actually carry rabies, this is a time for caution. Heavy leather work gloves should be worn if you must handle the bat in any way. If you find you have bats in your attic or under the eaves, here are some solutions that may help. If you have an area with a large buildup of bat guano (droppings) and you must be in the contaminated space, immediately put on gloves and something to cover your nose and mouth. Bat droppings can harbor histoplasmosis fungi spores and should be cleaned up by a professional. Easy solutions for removing bats include:
• Wait until dusk and watch the outside of your house until about a half-hour after sunset, see if you can detect where the bats are leaving from as they go out to forage. Once you are sure all of the bats have left, cover the hole with wire mesh (screen door mesh is sufficient). CAUTION: From May through August, bats may have young still present in the inhabited space. Be sure no young have been left behind before you plug the hole.
• If possible, put up a bat house on your property to encourage roosting away from your house.
Mostly found in large warehouse type buildings.
Nuisance animals that will proliferate quickly if not removed.
Pigeon droppings are so acidic that they can et away many substrates, especially tar-based materials, and can fade paint finishes on automobiles, airplanes, and othe vehicles by actually eating into the protective coating and the paint itself. (WCT Vol 16 No. 3)
Pigeon droppings also carry numerous amounts of bacteria including histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. The larger risk though, is transmission of the avian influenza virus.
The Rock Pigeon breeds at any time of the year, but peak times are spring and summer. Nesting sites are situated along coastal cliff faces, as well as the artificial cliff faces created by apartment buildings with accessible ledges or roof spaces. In urban areas, parking garages, the tops of large apartment buildings and inside large warehouse-type buildings.