Why bats are not your enemy

Most people don’t think of bats as cuddly, friendly creatures, but, at least in North Carolina, our species of bats are beneficial and generally safe. They are nocturnal, so they stay out of your way, and many of the myths you’ve heard about them aren’t actually accurate, even the one about them turning into vampires. 

So, before you go into attack mode, here are a few things to keep in mind about bats. 

Bats are often protected species

The NC Wildlife Resources Commision says that out of the 17 species of bats in North Carolina, three species are “federally endangered,” one is “federally threatened,” two are being considered for federal protected status, four are considered as “NC species of special concern,” and one more is listed as “uncommon.” 

This means 12 of 17 species have low populations and could be further endangered by people exterminating them. It also means that killing a bat could lead to criminal charges if you harm a bat that is part of a protected species. 

Common myths about bats

Bats are on the receiving end of many false myths. They are a very diverse grouping of mammals, the second largest class after rodents, but for the most part, these common claims about bats are simply not true. 

Bats are not prone to rabies, at least any more than any other mammal. There are diseases associated with bats, so don’t touch them or their waste, but rabies is fairly rare. 

Bats do not dive bomb people. Clouds of insects hover around people as they walk around the neighborhood, and it is these clusters, not the people under them, that the bats are after. 

Bats can see as well as we can. They just need to use echolocation to help them because they are nocturnal.

Bats eat a TON of insects

During the summer, especially, spending time outside means getting swarmed by flies, gnats and mosquitoes. Bats are an amazing help to those who get sick of bugs bugging and biting them. A little brown bat can handle about a dozen flying insects every 10 minutes. Just imagine how quickly they could remove thousands of annoying insects from your property. 

Farmers actually keep bats on their farms because of how much they can assist in keeping pests from ruining their crops. A few bats can save them big bucks on pesticides every year. 

Call Critter Control of the Triad with any questions or concerns about bats

It is possible to coexist with bats if it is done right. But you don’t want to share living space with them or to have aggressive or diseased bats around. Critter Control of the Triad can consult with you to determine the best course of action with any bats on your property. It may be best to relocate them to a bat house or even off the property altogether. 

If you live in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Burlington or the surrounding areas of Guilford, Forsyth and Alamance counties, call us today at 336-370-0445 and let’s discuss how to deal with any bat issues on your property.