Did you know over 300 species of fruit depend on bats for pollination? Yes, you heard that right! Bats help spread seeds for nuts, figs, bananas, avocados, mangoes and cacao-the key element present in chocolate. Without bats, we also wouldn’t have flora like the iconic Saguaro cactus. They are the only true flying mammals to inhabit most parts of Asia, America, Australia, and all of Europe. There are between 900 and 1250 species of bats and represent nearly 20% of all mammal species.
According to wildlife animal control in San Antonio, bats are the second largest and most diverse group of mammals after rodents. They are known to live around 30 years, which is nearly three times that of other mammal life spans. Their long lives are sometimes related to their sleeping habits. Bats hibernate and spend less energy daily during their torpor semi-hibernation state. Bats love the nighttime, and it is no secret that they are most comfortable in dark spaces. They sleep hanging upside down. These traits have helped the entertainment industry to create a picture of evil while portraying these winged mammals. This upside-down sleeping habit allows them to gather close together for protection in the cold climates and against predatory animals.
Bats are the rulers of the night sky, but many don’t know exactly what they do at night. Scientists and other wildlife technicians have been dedicating their time to observe these flying mammals and jot down their behaviors at night. The peak hours for bat activity take place mostly at dusk to dawn. That does not mean you will see all the bats out as soon as the sun sets, because bat activity starts at nightfall and increases gradually as the night progresses.
While we are all asleep, bats are out hunting and mating during the favorable seasons. Contrary to belief, their night activities are very beneficial to human beings. They can navigate the night to find water and insects using their inbuilt sonar detectors. They help in reducing the population of mosquitoes, moths, and beetles. They typically feed twice a night; each sortie consisting of around two hours. Bats are not evil like the local folklore or the rumors of Hollywood. They are nocturnal, which adds to their mystery. While bats are essential for our environment, you don’t want to have them flying around your house and roosting within the crevices. Though you are very much inclined to remove bats from your structure, we suggest you restrict them from roosting by installing fine meshing at entry points of your home.
It is imperative that you know most bat species in the United States are protected by state and federal law. Due to these laws, we at Accurate Pest Control in San Antonio suggest you leave the removal methods to the professionals. Let the experienced wildlife control professionals come up with a safe and responsible removal plan.
If by chance bats have found their way into your house or backyard, and you suspect they are roosting on the outsides or are in the vicinity of your home, contact Accurate Pest Control today!