Bats

Overview

Bats are nocturnal, flying animals that are known for inhabiting dark and secluded locations. Since the discovery of the first bat fossil dating back 53 million years ago, scientists have identified over 980 species of bats worldwide , 40 of them liv ing in the United States. Depending on the species, bats can live for up to 30 years. You can r ead more bat facts below, including how to identify them, and how to get rid of bats .

What Bats Look Like

Size: Adult bats average 2 3/16” to 7 ½” (5.5cm - 18.8 cm) in length. They have a wingspan of about 6” to 15” (15.2cm - 38 cm).

Legs: Four legs used for crawling; Front two are used as wings

Region: All, with the exception of colder regions beyond the limit of tree growth

Behavior & Habitat

Most bats leave their roosts at dusk and return around dawn. When traveling, they first stop at a stream or pond for a drink of water before feeding. Female bats of most species tend to only reproduce one pup, but some species can give birth to two to four pups. At birth, a baby bat weighs up to 25 percent of its mother’s weight. While young bats are taken care of by females in the colony, male bats do not contribute to the caring of the babies.

Bats are a very important part of the pollination process, as they feed on insects that visit flowers and also feed on various types of fruit that helps disperse seeds. Since many bats do feed on insects, they can help keep pest insect populations down.

A few common bat species in North America are the big brown bat, the little brown bat, and the Mexican free-tailed bat.

Big brown bats: A female big brown bat will form her nursery colony with other pregnant females in the spring while the male roosts somewhere else, usually alone or with other males. These bats can become an issue around the home, as they commonly build colonies in attics and shutters. Big brown bats feed on insects like beetles, ants and flies. This species is able to fly up to 40 miles per hour, the fastest flight speed reported for any bat. When migrating, big brown bats travel short distances and hibernate in small groups in hollow trees, caves and buildings.

Are Bats Dangerous?

Bats , in fact , will bite if they feel threatened or if they are handled improperly. A common misconception is that bats will attack humans for no reason , a myth that has been proven inaccurate. Most bat species feed on insects like moths and beetle s . If you or someone you know has been bitten by a bat , it is important to seek medical care immediately to test for rabies transmission . Be sure to wash the bite and any other locations that have come in contact with the bat’s saliva.

A big concern most homeowners have is whether or not the bats infesting their home have rabies. Unfortunately, it is impossible to tell if the bats have rabies solely based on appearance, so testing must be conducted. If transferred, rabies is a deadly disease that causes inflammation of the brain and sometimes death. However, bats are rarely rabid, with only less than 10 percent documented of becoming rabid.

In addition to the threat of rabies, the fungi that harbor in bat droppings can cause a lung disease known as histoplasmosis. An accumulation of droppings should be professionally decontaminated and removed.

Aside from affecting human health, bat droppings can also damage the home. One bat can produce between 20-30 droppings a day. Because bats typically colonize in large groups, the number of droppings in a home can easily pile up and cause roofs to cave in. Their waste also attracts other pests like cockroaches, and the smell of their feces encourages other bats to invade the home.

Bats can pose a serious health threat to humans if they are found inside a structure. Fungi that harbors in bat droppings can cause the lung disease, histoplasmosis. An accumulation of droppings should be professionally decontaminated and removed.

A small percentage of bats are also infected with rabies, but may not show symptoms. Rabies can be transmitted when saliva or even the body tissue of an infected animal comes into contact with another animal or human. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you've had any unprotected, physical contact with a bat.

In addition, if an infestation develops, it is important to treat the area for bat mites and bat bugs, which will bite humans.

Prevention & Control

Bat-proofing a structure is the best way to prevent an infestation and t he best time to bat-proof is after bats have left for their hibernation periods in the autum n. Attempting to bat-proof at any other time raises the possibility of boxing in babies who will then look for other parts of the house to escape to. At dusk, homeowners should inspect the exterior of the home and observe where bats enter and exit. Common access points include attic louvers and under facia boards. It is recommended that homeowners seal any cracks or crevices with caulk and steel wool. Pay special attention to holes in the structure that lead to dark secluded areas, like attics and belfries. Also, screen attic vents and openings to chimneys, and install door sweeps. Exclusion is the only method to keep bats out long term.

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Common questions about Bats

Are Bats dangerous?

Bats , in fact , will bite if they feel threatened or if they are handled improperly. A common misconception is that bats will attack humans for no reason , a myth that has been proven inaccurate. Most bat species feed on insects like moths and beetle s . If you or someone you kn

What do Bats look like?

Size: Adult bats average 2 3/16” to 7 ½” (5.5cm - 18.8 cm) in length. They have a wingspan of about 6” to 15” (15.2cm - 38 cm).

How do I get rid of Bats?

Bat-proofing a structure is the best way to prevent an infestation and t he best time to bat-proof is after bats have left for their hibernation periods in the autum n. Attempting to bat-proof at any other time raises the possibility of boxing in babies who will then look for oth

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