Bats have to be one of the most misunderstood wild animal species around the world. They are perceived to be scary, flying rodents, when in fact, they are one of the most interesting mammals on earth. That’s right; bats are mammals, not rodents, and they are the only mammal on the planet capable of true flight! Although some animals might float, drift, glide, or hover, bats can actually fly just like a bird. Their ability to fly is a major factor in why bats are so important.

Continue reading to learn how bats play a vital role in our surrounding ecosystems, and what you can do to continue the national initiative to conserve and protect these valuable mammals.

The Role Bats Play in the Supporting Our Local Ecosystems

Bats are nocturnal mammals that come out at night to hunt for their prey. They use their bio-sonar abilities, called echolocation, to better dive and dart for their meals. As insectivores, microbats commonly dine on all sorts of bugs, including gnats, flies, moths, beetles, and their favorite, mosquitoes. This is one of the main reasons why they are so ecologically important. Bats play an integral role in pest management.

You see, just one bat can consume more than 1,000 insects in a single night. And since bats are not solitary mammals, there is always dozens, sometimes hundreds, of bats hunting for insects in a particular area.  With so much insect control, people are safer from transmissible diseases that can be spread by biting insects, as well as potential anaphylactic reactions from stings. Furthermore, our backyards and outdoor areas are more comfortable since there are not as many bugs bothering us.

Bats and the Economy

Bats also play an integral role in the local economies as a result of their insect control skills. Farmers and gardeners see better value in their crops and yields because there are less pests eating away at their produce. Farmed lands are better protected against pest destruction and tampering when bats are around. Better crops mean better business for everyone; it also means healthier, tastier food for consumers.

Managing Nuisance Bats

If you have a bat problem in your vicinity, do not take it out on the bats. They are innocent creatures just doing what they can to survive in nature. Land over-development, pollution, and more, sometimes drives bats out of their natural habitat and into ours. When bats are a bother on your property, call in licensed professionals for safe and humane abatement service.

Do you need to get rid of bats in or around your house? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for licensed bat removal and control services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial clients all of Virginia, including Richmond, Virginia Beach, Midlothian, Roanoke, and more.

You Should Also Read:

Fantastic Bat Facts for Kids
Get to Know Our State Bat!
How to Properly Maintain Bat Houses