Florida is home to many native bat species, which are a key component in keeping insect populations in check. One species that stands out for its unique roosting habits and widespread presence in the Southeast is the southeastern myotis. While generally not aggressive, these bats can become an issue when roosting in or around homes. Knowing what to look for and when to take action can help you respond quickly and safely. Here’s what you need to know about the southeastern myotis species, including how to identify them, where they live, and how to handle a possible infestation.
How To Identify Southeastern Myotis Bats
The southeastern myotis species (Myotis austroriparius) is a medium-sized bat with soft, dense fur. These bats are usually gray to brown on the back, with lighter fur on the belly. Southeastern myotis bats can be difficult to identify without a close look, as they resemble other small brown bats.
However, unlike other bat species, the southeastern myotis has long toe hairs extending beyond the claws, which helps distinguish them from others in the area. Southeastern myotis size, adults typically measure around 3.2 to 3.7 inches long, with wingspans of about 9 to 11 inches. They weigh around 5 to 8 grams.
Their flight is agile and fluttery. They are most often seen near water sources at dusk, feeding on insects. Their high-pitched calls, used for echolocation, are typically outside the range of human hearing.
Lifecycle
Breeding for southeastern myotis bats occurs in the fall, but fertilization is delayed until spring, like many temperate bats. Most females give birth in late April through June, usually to twins. These young bats grow quickly and begin flying within a few weeks.
The average lifespan for a southeastern myotis in the wild varies, but many can live more than 10 years under the right conditions. Roosting habits are seasonal, with these bats forming larger colonies in spring and summer, especially in maternity roosts.
Habitat
The southeastern myotis lives in cypress swamps, floodplain forests, and places with lots of water and trees. These bats commonly roost in hollow trees, under bridges, inside caves, or in human-made structures like culverts and attics. They like places with high humidity and steady temperatures. This helps keep them and their young safe from harsh weather. Colonies can reach thousands, especially in great spots like tree holes and old buildings.
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Southeastern Myotis in America
The southeastern myotis is found throughout the southeastern U.S., including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Florida provides ideal conditions for this bat species, and they are especially common in the northern and central parts of the state. As they rely heavily on roosting near water, they are often spotted in wooded wetlands and along riverbanks. As one of the more common bats in Florida, they play an essential role in the local ecosystem by feeding on flying insects.
Southeastern Myotis Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Southeastern myotis bats are nocturnal and feed mainly on flying insects such as mosquitoes, beetles, and midges. They begin foraging shortly after sunset and may feed several times a night. Their diet makes them beneficial to have around, but when they roost in homes or buildings, they can create sanitation issues with droppings and odor. These bats are not aggressive, but like all wildlife, they can carry parasites or diseases that pose risks to people or pets if you come into contact with them. It’s best to avoid handling them and rely on professionals to remove them.
Are Southeastern Myotis Hard to Get Rid of?
Once southeastern myotis bats establish a roost inside a structure, they can be difficult to remove without proper tools or expertise. DIY exclusion methods may also be illegal in your state because bats are legally protected. Legal DIY methods may only provide short-term relief and fail to address the whole problem. One of the most important pest control factors is locating and properly sealing all entry points, which can be difficult without professional training.
It’s important to call in professionals to get rid of bats in the long term and protect your home. Our bat control services at Florida Pest Control are designed to help you get rid of bats safely and legally, with minimal disruption to your home. We can help identify where bats enter and offer solutions that protect your home while respecting local wildlife laws.
How Many Southeastern Myotis Count As An Infestation?
Only a few evening bats roosting indoors can be considered an issue, especially if they return nightly. If you notice signs of roosting, such as droppings, stains near entry points, or high-pitched sounds at dusk, there’s probably an infestation, and you’ll need to call on professional help for the best solution. Bat guano (feces) can also attract other pests leading to more problems to solve. So, act fast.
Dealing with the issue early helps prevent more contamination or damage. For peace of mind, our team can inspect the area and determine the best way to manage the situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Identify A Southeastern Myotis?
They are small, gray to brown bats with long toe hairs and soft fur. Adults measure around 3.2 to 3.7 inches long with wingspans up to 11 inches.
How Big Are Southeastern Myotis?
They typically weigh 5 to 8 grams and have wingspans of 9 to 11 inches.
What Do Southeastern Myotis Eat?
They feed mostly on small flying insects like mosquitoes and midges.
What Is The Longevity Of Myotis?
Southeastern myotis can live over 10 years in the wild under good conditions.
