Michigan is home to eight different species of bats, all of which contribute to the ecosystem by helping control the insect population. These flying mammals are often misunderstood, but they play a vital role in maintaining balance in our natural habitats. From forested areas in the Upper Peninsula to urban rooftops in southern Michigan, they can show up just about anywhere.
While bats might seem spooky to some, they’re incredibly helpful for the environment. A single bat can eat hundreds of mosquitoes and crop-damaging insects in just one night, making them nature’s own pest control team. Learning to identify these species not only helps you appreciate their role but also ensures you take the right steps if one finds its way into your home.
This article will walk you through the Michigan bat species you’re most likely to see, and what to do if one finds its way into your home or attic.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan has eight kinds of bats that live in trees, buildings, and forests across both peninsulas.
- Some bats like quiet homes and barns, while others roost in trees or migrate through wooded neighborhoods.
- A few bats are endangered and protected, so disturbing them can cause harm and may break the law.
- Bat control means knowing where they roost and calling a licensed expert instead of handling it yourself.
1. Northern Long-Eared Bat
Northern long-eared bats prefer roosting under tree bark and inside hollow trees. These bats are most active in forested areas, especially in the northern parts of the state. They are a quiet hunter, using echolocation to detect prey in cluttered spaces like dense woods.
Once one of the most widespread bats in Michigan, their numbers have dropped significantly due to the spread of white-nose syndrome. As a result, they’re listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and protected under the state of Michigan guidelines.
2. Little Brown Bat
Often found roosting in attics and barns, the little brown bats are the most common bats seen in Michigan homes. These colonial bats gather in large colonies during summer months and hibernate in caves or other quiet places in winter. With their dark brown fur and small wingspan, they’re efficient predators of mosquitoes and midges.
Bat houses can sometimes encourage them to roost away from your home, sheltering them without letting them into your attic.
3. Big Brown Bat
Big brown bats are robust, reddish brown bats that adapt easily to suburban and urban environments. With one of the largest wingspans among Michigan bat species, they’re often spotted flying at dusk around streetlights. They also roost in man-made structures during the winter, sometimes choosing attics for hibernation.
Because they’re so common in southern Michigan, bat removal calls involving this species are frequent, especially during colder months.
4. Indiana Bat
The Indiana bat is one of Michigan’s federally endangered species. These small, colonial bats prefer roosting under tree bark during warmer months and migrate to caves to hibernate in winter. They’re easily affected by habitat loss and are another species suffering from white-nose syndrome.
If you see bats gathering in large colonies near wooded areas in southern Michigan, don’t disturb them. This species is protected, and the Department of Natural Resources should be contacted for proper guidance.
5. Silver-Haired Bat
The silver-haired bats are solitary bats with a striking frosted appearance. They tend to use loose bark or tree cavities for roosting and migrate through Michigan in spring and fall. While they’re less likely to be found in homes, they sometimes end up in garages or sheds while seeking shelter.
These bats are among the slowest flyers but make up for it with a strong bite that helps them tackle larger insects.
6. Hoary Bat
Known for their large size and unique coat, hoary bats are solitary and elusive. They roost in the upper canopy of trees and are less commonly seen unless disoriented during migration. Their presence is more likely in forested parts of Oakland County and northern Michigan.
As the largest of the North American bats, they have a wingspan that can reach 16 inches.
7. Eastern Red Bat
The eastern red bats are easy to spot with their vibrant, reddish brown fur. These bats are solitary and often found hanging from tree branches in plain sight. They blend in well with dead leaves and are more active in forest edges and along open fields in southern Michigan.
Their presence in suburban areas often surprises homeowners, especially during their fall migration south.
8. Tri-Colored Bat
Formerly known as the eastern pipistrelle, the tri-colored bats are a small species with pale yellow fur and dark wingtips. They prefer roosting in hollow trees and secluded buildings. These bats are among the first to emerge in the evening and rely heavily on echolocation to track insects.
Due to population decline linked to white-nose syndrome, this species is also under consideration for endangered species listing.
What to Do if You See a Bat in Michigan
If you come across one in your home or on your property, don’t rush into action. Here’s how to approach bat control safely and responsibly in Michigan:
Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance
Most North American bats are not aggressive.
If a bat ends up in your home, remember it’s likely just looking for a quiet place to roost. Avoid cornering or chasing it. It can panic and fly erratically if it feels trapped, especially in enclosed areas like attics.
Identify Where It’s Roosting
Look for guano or greasy smudge marks near soffits, vents, or window shutters. In Michigan homes, attics and porches are common roosting sites, especially for species like the little brown bat or big brown bat.
Knowing where bats enter and exit will help determine the right time for exclusion.
Avoid Sealing Entry Points Right Away
Don’t seal holes or gaps while bats are inside. Doing so can trap them, leading to serious sanitation issues and increasing your exposure risk.
Wait until the bats have left for the night or are no longer using the space before closing any access points.
Don’t Try DIY Removal
Some bat species, like the Indiana bat or tri-colored bat, are protected by law. Disturbing or relocating them on your own could put you in legal trouble.
Plus, identifying Michigan bat species requires training—silver-haired bats and juvenile big brown bats can look alike at a glance.
Call a Licensed Bat Removal Professional
Professionals understand the biology and behavior of different bat species. They can guide removal and exclusion efforts that comply with guidelines from Bat Conservation International.
By working with a licensed expert, you avoid harming protected species and reduce the risk of costly damage or contamination. Professionals use safe exclusion methods to let bats exit without letting them return, giving you long-term peace of mind. Plus, they’ll help you bat-proof your home to prevent future visits, so both you and the bats can live safely, apart.
At Pest Pros of Michigan, we specialize in humane bat removal and exclusion that protects your home without harming these valuable flying mammals.
Reach out today to get peace of mind and a safe home for both you and the bats.
