Bats evolved about 52 million years ago and have since then expanded into 1232 different species. They display vast ecological and physiological diversity. Their food and roosting habits have also emerged over time. Bats are mostly found roosting in daylight within caves, crevices, tree hollows, and human-made constructions. They are most productive at night; that’s when they dine on things like nectar, fruits, seeds, smaller mammals, fish, insects, and even blood. At Accurate Pest Control, we have outlined five fascinating facts about bats in this blog.
Bats aren’t blind
Few species of bats use echolocation as their primary means of navigation. The vision of some bats is powerful than humans. Vision is a boon and a bane, nevertheless, because sight can confuse echolocation signals. For example, a bat may fly into a window because it sees the light outdoors, even if echolocation tells it the surface is hard.
Not all bats hang upside down.
The majority of bat species hang upside down. Their feet have emerged to be eased in a clenched posture. When they’re ready to fly, they let go and get force from falling since their tiny legs and wings can’t give them the lift the birds get. But did you know that six species of bats don’t hang upside down? These bats have maximum suctioning pads on their limbs that let them cling to leaves or other surfaces.
Bat droppings are used in making gunpowder.
Bat droppings are called guano-rich in potassium nitrate (saltpeter) and are usually used as manure. Guano can also be used in gunpowder and explosives.
Bats can fly like no other mammal.
We at Accurate Pest Control believe that no other mammal can fly as a bat can. Squirrels are also similar mammals but can only glide reliably. Since bats have a robust metabolic system, they can digest their food quickly, sometimes excreting within 30 – 60 minutes of feeding. Hence, this helps them manage their weight and fly successfully like no other mammal.
There are 1200 species of bats.
Bats are classified into Megachiroptera (Giant Old World fruit bats) and Microchiroptera (small bats found worldwide). They vary in size from the giant flying foxes, with wingspans up to 5 feet (1.5 meters), to tiny bats with a 6-inch (15- cm) wingspan. Also, there are three distinct kinds of blood-drinking vampire bats.
We, being the best pest control company in San Antonio, Texas, suggest you contact us immediately if you face any bat infestation in and around your property. Our insured and bonded wildlife animal control experts in San Antonio are highly qualified professionals to give you the right solution for all your pest control needs.