Chiroptera

Bats are the second largest group of mammals in the world.  There are more than 1,300 species and they live in most locations. Bats are the only mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. Bats are really good exterminators. They have been documented eating bugs that attack pecans, almonds, rice, cotton, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans. Studies have estimated that bats, by eating insects, have saved the U.S. agriculture over 3.7 billon a year, and possibly as much as $53 billion.  In addition, bats are also pollinators, just like bees. Bats are protected in many states.

Identification and Appearance – What do bats look like?

Bats are typically black or brown in color but can also be red, orange, grey, or white. Bats have hairy bodies. They have four appendages. The front two are used as wings and all four are used for crawling. Bats have a variety of physical appearances with species having an assortment of facial features, fur patterns, color, tail lengths, and ear lengths. Bats have small eyes and very sensitive vision. Depending on the species, bats can range from 2 1/4 inches to 7 1/2 inches in length and have a wingspan of 6 inches to 6 feet.

Habitat and Habits of bats

Bats typically live in caves, hollow trees, and man made structures like bridges or attics. They are the most significant predators of night-flying insects. Bats use echolocation to navigate and find food in the dark. In order to echolocate, bats send out sound waves from their nose or mouth. When the sound hits the insect or object it bounces off and returns to the bats’ ears.
Bats have one pup a year between April and the end of August. It is illegal and inhumane to exclude bats during their maternity season. Some bat colonies have millions of bats.

Diet – What do bats eat?

Most bats eat insects and are called insectivores. Mosquitoes are a mainstay in their diet. One small brown bat can eat up to 500 mosquitos an hour. Bats eat insects that destroy crops as well. Some bats are frugivores. They eat fruit, seeds, and pollen. Some bats eat birds, fish, frogs, and lizards. Only 3 species, call vampire bats, will drink blood from cows, sheep and horses (they all live in Central and South America). Bats do not drink human blood.

Bat Control – How to get rid of bats?

Bats are a protected species. Bat removal is not simple,  and there is no effective bat repellent. The proper way to get rid of them is to exclude them. Remove all of the bats from the building safely and seal off 100% of possible secondary entry points on the home. It is often very challenging, and it must be done just the right way. Call Rocky Mountain Bird and Pest, we are trained to remove bats safely and permanently.