Have you noticed bats flying through your yard in the evening? York Region is home to a variety of bat species, each with its own behaviours and habits. While bats are important for controlling insect populations, they can sometimes become a problem for homeowners when they get too close. Understanding how to address these nocturnal animals often starts with identifying what species you are dealing with.
If you’re wondering how bats get into your house or looking for ways to keep them away, we’ve created a guide to the most common bat species in York Region. By learning about their appearance, habitats, and what attracts them to homes, you can take steps to manage their presence safely and effectively.
Why Should You Know What Kind of Bat is Around?
Bats are fascinating creatures with a surprising amount of variety. Some are social and form colonies, while others are solitary types that keep to themselves. While many bats tend to stay outdoors, hunting insects around trees and gardens, a few species do find their way into human homes. Knowing which bat has crossed paths with you helps you predict their behaviour and address any issues they may cause.
Accurate identification matters for another reason, too. All bats are protected animals, and managing them often requires professional guidance to ensure no harm comes to your family—or to the bats themselves. That’s where we’re happy to help. But before calling in experts, here’s everything you need to know about the bats you’re likely seeing in York Region.
Meet the Bat Species in York Region
There are six bat species you might encounter in this area. From their appearance and habits to the small signs they leave behind, here’s how to recognize each one.
- Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
Big Brown Bats are the giants of York Region’s bat world—or at least, they appear that way compared to some of their smaller cousins. With their glossy brown fur and wingspan of 12-14 inches, these bats are a common sight near residential areas.
They’re robust animals, often choosing attics, barns, or even the space under eaves as their go-to resting spots. They’re night owls—although technically, they’re night mammals. Once the sun sets, these bats fly out and feast on beetles and other larger insects.
What really makes them notable is how easily they adapt to human environments. They can sneak through small gaps that you wouldn’t think a creature of their size could fit through. Those little openings around vents, windows, and rooflines? That’s practically an open invitation to them.
- Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)
Little Brown Bats may be smaller than their “big” relatives—sporting a wingspan of 9-11 inches—but they’re absolute powerhouses when it comes to pest control. These bats have light brown or golden fur, with dark wings that make them easy to identify in the air.
They’ve earned a bit of a reputation for being people-oriented—not by choice, but because they often settle in attics, sheds, and behind the shutters of homes. What they lack in size, they make up for in numbers, forming large colonies that can quickly fill your home with the telltale signs of bat activity.
On the bright side, they’re mosquito-eating machines. But having a colony roosting in your space comes with challenges, including guano accumulation, odour issues, and potential health risks.
- Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis)
If you spot a bright flash of red-orange fur gliding between the trees, chances are, you’re seeing an Eastern Red Bat. These bats are as stunning in appearance as they are unique in behaviour. Look for their striking white patch on the shoulder and a wingspan measuring 11-13 inches.
Eastern Red Bats are solitary animals—not fans of colony life like some other species. While they usually hang out in forested areas, migration can sometimes bring them closer to your home. If you have plenty of trees nearby, you might find them roosting near rooflines or in overgrown branches.
These bats rarely move indoors, but when trees are too close to your home, it creates a perfect bridge for them to explore. Trimming back nearby branches can go a long way in discouraging them from settling near you.
- Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
With their large size and lush silver-tipped fur, Hoary Bats stand out as one of the most striking types in York Region. Their wingspan of 14-16 inches makes them true giants among local bats.
Hoary Bats prefer to keep their distance from people. They’re solitary by nature, usually roosting high in the branches of trees during the day. At night, they take to the skies to feast on moths and other insects.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one, it’s probably around a yard with mature trees. While they’re not houseguests like some other types, they’re a good reason to pay attention to the landscaping around your property.
- Tri-Coloured Bat (Perimyotis subflavus)
The Tri-Colored Bat lives up to its name, with yellowish-brown fur, pinkish forearms, and a wingspan of 8-10 inches. Known for their slow, fluttering flight, these bats are often mistaken for butterflies from a distance.
While they prefer caves and hollow trees, Tri-Coloured Bats will sometimes find their way into attic spaces or basements. They don’t form massive colonies, but even a small group can create a mess with their guano. Not to mention, guano can present health concerns if left unattended.
- Silver-Haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)
Dark brown to black with a silvery sheen—Silver-Haired Bats are nothing short of distinctive. They measure 10-12 inches in wingspan and tend to favour wooded areas over urban-haunt lifestyles.
However, during migration, they might take short-term shelter in sheds, garages, or other quiet and dark spaces. They’re drawn to areas near water sources, where food like moths and flies is abundant. If your home happens to fit these criteria, don’t be surprised if one finds its way into your space temporarily.
How Do Bats End Up Inside Homes?
Ever wondered how something as delicate as a bat can suddenly wind up inside? The truth is, they don’t need much room to wiggle in. Gaps along rooflines, loose siding, vents, and even chimneys can provide easy entry points. Once inside, the cozy warmth of attics or basements provides the ideal roosting space.
If you’re noticing strange noises at night or signs of small droppings, these are red flags. It’s time to act before the problem worsens.
Why Professional Help Matters
When it comes to removing bats, DIY solutions can backfire. Handling bats improperly risks harm to both the homeowner and the bats. And remember, these animals are often protected by law. That’s why it’s always best to rely on experts trained to resolve the issue without causing harm.
Bats in your home are no small issue, but we offer a safe and effective solution. Our team at Skedaddle specializes in humane removal methods, including the use of one-way doors. Once the bats leave, we ensure they can’t return, giving you peace of mind while respecting these amazing animals.
Protect Your Home and Respect Nature
Bats are an integral part of York Region’s ecosystem, playing a crucial role in insect control and biodiversity. Understanding their habits and respecting their protected status is essential when dealing with a bat intrusion in your home. By addressing the issue promptly and humanely, you ensure the safety of your household while aiding in the conservation of these fascinating creatures.
If you’re struggling with how to get rid of bats safely, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experienced team is here to provide professional, humane wildlife control in York. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and reclaim your home with confidence!
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