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

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

In the Midwest, especially around Wichita, two species of bats are commonly found: the Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the Large Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus). These two species, while often misunderstood, play an important role in local ecosystems. They help control insect populations and contribute to pollination, but they can also become a nuisance when they roost 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 found in Wichita and the surrounding areas. As the name suggests, these bats are small—typically about three to four inches in body length, with a wingspan ranging from eight to ten inches. They 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, feeding on a wide range of insects, such as moths, beetles, and mosquitoes. They hunt mostly at dusk and during the night, using echolocation to locate their prey. This makes them highly effective at controlling insect populations, particularly mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance in Wichita’s warmer months.

One of the most interesting characteristics of Little Brown Bats is their hibernation pattern. During the winter, these bats often hibernate in caves, abandoned buildings, or attics in homes. In Wichita, it’s not uncommon for Little Brown Bats to seek refuge in attics, especially when natural roosting sites are scarce during colder months. However, with hibernation comes the risk of bat infestations—bat droppings (guano) can accumulate in attics, and the guano may harbor diseases like histoplasmosis, a fungal infection that poses a respiratory risk to humans.

Conservation Concerns
Unfortunately, Little Brown Bats are experiencing significant population declines, largely due to White-nose Syndrome, a fungal disease that disrupts bat hibernation. The disease causes bats to wake prematurely during winter, which leads to starvation or dehydration. Efforts to combat the disease and protect bat populations are ongoing.

The Large Brown Bat: Characteristics and Habits

The Large Brown Bat is another commonly encountered species in Wichita and other parts of the Midwest. As the name implies, this species is 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 larger and heavier than their smaller counterparts.

Diet and Behavior
Like the Little Brown Bat, the Large Brown Bat is an insectivore, feeding on insects such as beetles, moths, and flies. They are particularly good at catching larger insects like beetles, which they capture in flight. These bats are adaptable and thrive in both rural and urban environments, which makes them commonly found around Wichita, in both residential areas and agricultural settings.

Roosting Habits
Large Brown Bats tend to roost in man-made structures more frequently than Little Brown Bats. They often seek shelter in barns, sheds, and attics. In Wichita, homeowners may find these bats roosting in their attics, behind siding, or in other sheltered areas of their homes. While they are beneficial for insect control, they can be a nuisance when they establish colonies inside buildings.

Health Risks and Damage
Just like the Little Brown Bat, the Large Brown Bat can present certain health risks if it roosts in or around your home. Bat guano can accumulate in attics, potentially fostering harmful fungi. Besides histoplasmosis, long-term exposure to bat droppings can lead to respiratory issues. Additionally, if bats find their way into the living spaces of a home, there is the risk of bites or scratches, which could transmit diseases like rabies.

Bat Control and Prevention

If you suspect a bat infestation, it’s important to address the issue quickly and safely. Bats are protected species, and strict regulations are in place to ensure their humane removal. At Midway Pest Management, we specialize in bat removal and exclusion services in Wichita, providing safe and effective solutions. Here’s how we typically handle bat infestations:

1. Inspection:
   Our trained professionals will conduct a thorough inspection of your property, including attics and other areas, to identify signs of bat activity such as droppings, noise, or visible entry points.
2. Bat Eviction:
   Using humane methods, we will carefully remove the bats from your home, ensuring no harm comes to the animals during the process.
3. Exclusion:
   After removing the bats, we will seal off any entry points, such as cracks, holes, or gaps in the roof, walls, or vents. This will prevent future infestations and keep 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 step is important for ensuring a healthy and safe living environment for your family.

Bats like the Little Brown Bat and Large Brown Bat are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem by controlling insect populations and assisting with pollination. However, when they roost inside or around homes in Wichita, they can become a problem. If you suspect a bat infestation, it’s important to act quickly. Contact a professional pest management service like Midway Pest Management to ensure safe and humane bat removal and exclusion. Our team is here to help you protect your home and family while respecting the natural role these bats play in the environment.