The Eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) is one of the most striking bat species in North America. With the male’s reddish-orange fur, these bats are often a welcome sight outdoors. They are less welcome when they decide to roost inside your home.
Western Exterminator appreciates how important bats are to our ecosystem, and we’re here to help guide them safely out of your property using humane bat control methods that protect both the bats and your property.
This bat stands out for its vivid coloring and strong flying abilities. Males tend to have bright orange-red fur, while females have a duller shade. They’re medium-sized bats, typically weighing about half an ounce with a wingspan of 11 to 13 inches. Despite their small frame, the Eastern red bat's size gives them impressive endurance.
These solitary bats roost in trees, blending well with dried leaves so that they’re often overlooked. That camouflage helps protect them from predators during the day. At night, they become agile and prolific predators.
The Eastern red bat's habitat is primarily in wooded areas where they can roost in trees. They prefer deciduous forests - where trees lose leaves seasonally - but also adapt well to suburban neighborhoods with plenty of tree cover. In the colder months, they migrate south or seek shelter in leaf litter and tree bark for hibernation. They rarely form large colonies. Unlike some bats that prefer caves or attics, this bat species spends most of its life outdoors, though it may occasionally take refuge in man-made structures during storms or migration.
These bats can be found throughout most of the United States, from the Midwest to the Atlantic coast and down through the southern states. They’re especially common in areas with abundant tree cover, including parks and residential neighborhoods.
The Eastern red bat’s diet mainly consists of moths, beetles, and other night-flying insects. This makes them beneficial for natural pest control. Their feeding habits help reduce populations of insects that can damage crops or become household pests.
When it comes to the Eastern red bat’s life cycle, females typically give birth to two to four pups each summer, caring for them while roosting in trees.
Although red bats are not aggressive, they can carry parasites and diseases like other wild animals. It’s best to keep your distance and let trained professionals handle any close encounters.
Because red bats roost alone and are protected wildlife, removal must be handled carefully and humanely. Western Exterminator uses professional methods such as funneling and exclusion to guide bats out of your home safely.
Funneling involves attaching a mesh barrier over the main exit points, allowing bats to leave but not re-enter. Once all bats are gone, exclusion begins, sealing openings with durable materials to prevent future entry.
Unlike other bats that cluster in groups or attics, red bats are usually solitary. Homeowners are more likely to see them during migration or when one accidentally enters a building. If you find a bat indoors, avoid direct contact and let one of our trained technicians remove it.
The Eastern red bat is a medium-sized North American bat known for its bright reddish fur and solitary habits. It plays an important role in controlling insect populations and helping maintain healthy ecosystems.
No, Eastern red bats are not aggressive and typically avoid people. They only become a concern if handled or cornered, so it’s best to leave removal to a professional.
Like all bats, they can carry rabies, but the risk is low. Avoid touching any bat you find indoors, and contact a healthcare professional if there’s been possible exposure.
Male Eastern red bats have reddish-orange fur, rounded ears, and a fluffy tail membrane that looks like a folded leaf when they roost. The females have a duller color. Their vivid color and solitary nature make them easy to recognize compared to other bat species.
They roost primarily in trees across the U.S., blending in with foliage for protection. They can take refuge in man-made structures, though, and professional removal is advised when this happens.
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