Tag Archives: bat facts

Top 3 Reasons Why Bats are Ecologically Important

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In these areas, bats are more known as a nuisance rather than a pleasure. After all, they are so tiny, they can enter attics and walls through gaps as little as 3/8th of an inch! And once inside, they can cause a wide range of structural damage and health hazards, and even pose several hygienic issues. Although bats can cause home owners a lot of problems, there is another side to them. The truth is, bats play a major role in our local eco-system, which in turn, stimulates our economy.

Don’t believe it? Continue reading to learn the top three reasons why bats are so ecologically important to our society and our planet.

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control 317-535-4605

As mentioned, bats serve an imperative purpose in our local Eco-systems, and even in Eco-systems found far across the world. Their contribution delivers a long list of benefits to our society as a whole, but the top 3 benefits we get from having bats around include pest control, pollination, and economics.

❶ Built-In Pest Control

Bats are not solitary in nature; so where there’s one bat, there will likely be handfuls, or even hundreds, more. This is a significant point since a single bat can consume more than their body weight in insects, in just one night! That averages out to be around 1,000 or more flying mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other insects, per bat! What this does for us is provide free pest control. Not only does this contribution provide a comfortable outdoor experience for us, it also serves an important role in farming and crops, which, as you will see, is part of reason #2 and #3!

❷ Seasonal Pollination

Many species of wildlife help pollinate our earth, and bats are no different. Bats help by distributing pollen and other types of rich organic matter to meadows, forests, woodlands, fields, farms, and more. In turn, this behavior provides a significant contribution to our local crops and gardens. So not only do we get lush, full, gorgeous flora every spring and summer, our local economy gets a much-needed boost! See the next reason to learn why!

❸ Boosting the Economy

With the help of bat pest control and pollination, farmers reap exceptional benefits by growing larger, healthier crops, which sell much better at the local farmers’ markets and grocery stores. Healthier, improved crops deliver profits to farmers and to the vendors that sell their crops. This money goes back into the economy, and back into farming, creating a cycle of economic stimulation. It also creates jobs since more help is needed to farm and distribute annual crops.

If Bats Do Become a Nuisance, Just Remember That it is Not Their Fault!

Indiana Bat Removal 317-535-4605

Indiana Bat Removal
317-535-4605

Call 317-535-4605 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis bat removal and control, today. We are DNR licensed and insured, and can provide commercial or residential bat removal and control services at competitive prices. We also offer bat proofing, cleanup services, attic restoration, inspections, and emergency bat removal service. Call 317-535-4605 to get rid of bats in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Here is Everything You Need to Know About Bats

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Whether you are just a lover of nature and wildlife, or you have noticed some frequent bat activity around your property, you could certainly benefit from learning about the bat species. Not only can this help you better understand their ecological importance, it can give you the information necessary to resolve a bat infestation or nuisance bat problem.

Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about bats.

Bat Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Bat Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Scientific Classification

Bats are mammals. Interestingly, they the only mammals capable of flying. Bats have wings strikingly similar to that of human hands, except they have elongated fingers webbed together by a stretchy membrane. This makeup is what allows them true flight. Although many other animals can float, soar, or drift on air currents, bats can truly fly, just a like birds!

General animal classification is broken down into Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, and Suborder. As for bats, they are part of the Animal Kingdom, the Chordata Phylum, the Mammalia Class, and the Chiroptera Order. As for bats, they are classified under the Chiroptera Order, which is then categorized under two suborders, Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera. From there, bats are further categorized into nearly 200 genera, and then again into the 900+ species discussed earlier.

A recent change now has the Microchiroptera suborder contains 16 families, and is now more commonly referred to as the Yangochiroptera or Vespertilioniformes suborders, excluding the Rhinopomatidae and Rhinolophidae superfamiles. Its classification can be further broken down into 7 Superfamilies, which consists of Emballonuroidea, Rhinopomatoidea, Rhinolophoidea, Vespertilionoidea, Molossoidea, Nataloidea, and Noctilionoidea.

Diet

Bats are like nature’s pest control, because 70% of bats consume insects for meals. There are alternatives to protein rich insects, like fruits, nuts, and nectar. Other species of bats dine on these foods depending on the region they are from. There are a small population of bats that consume small prey like birds, frogs, fish, and lizards. One popular and well-known bat that does this is the South American Vampire Bat.

Regions and Natural Habitat

There are over 900 species of bats world-wide, which makes up a quarter of all mammals on the planet! With the exception of super cold Polar Regions and hot deserts, bats can be found almost anywhere in the world. Their populations, however, range from millions to dangerously declining numbers. Because bats are tiny, conservative, and nocturnal, they can be perceived as rare mammals. Many bats, closer to domestic and urban society, prefer to dwell in attics, abandoned mine shafts, barns, and caves. Others make their home on hollow trees, rock cavities, and other shelters that keep them safe from predators and fluctuating weather conditions because it gives them seclusion for breeding their young.

Breeding and Reproduction

The average gestation period for a microbat is around six months, or 40 days. This is longer for larger bats. The size of the litter is much similar to humans. There is usually one pup that is birthed, but in some cases there can be two or more. Taking into consideration the size of the bat, they are among the slowest breeders on earth. At birth, a baby bat can weigh up to a quarter of the mother’s size; this would be like a human having a 30 pound baby. Female bats care for the young as they grow stronger and capable of fending for themselves.

Average Span of Life

Mortality is fairly high among young bats. They are prone to falling out of nests in high areas, and incapable of returning to the safety of the nest. In other instances, parasites and disease is the reaper of small and young bats. But, if bats can dodge these unforgiving circumstances, they can actually grow rapidly and learn to fly within three weeks of their life! Bats can live long lives, sometimes up to 20 years or more!

Nuisance Bats

If you find a bat in the attic, house, yard, or other area of your property, it is strongly recommended to contact a local Indianapolis bat removal and control company for professional assistance. Never attempt to touch, trap, catch, or kill a wild bat. This means it is not a good idea to keep them as a pet either. Although bats are highly advantageous to our surrounding Eco-systems by controlling mosquito populations and pollinating forests, they are also dangerous to humans and pets, and should never be handled by an untrained individual under any circumstances.

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control

Indiana Bat Removal 317-535-4605

Indiana Bat Removal
317-535-4605

Call 317-535-4605 for professional, DNR licensed bat removal and control in Indianapolis and Central Indiana. We provide safe and humane solutions for nuisance bat problems on residential and commercial properties. Our DNR licensed contractors provide bat removal, bat proofing, bat cleanup, emergency service, and restorations for bat damages. Call 317-535-4605 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis bat removal and control, today.

Learn About a Bat’s Reproduction Process

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Female and male bats are known to remain separated within their large colonies until mating season comes around. In such masses, it is easy for them to find a mate right away. During mating season, it is common for impregnated female bats to form a large group called a maternity colony. This sub colony can contain hundreds of mother bats and baby bats, called pups.

Bat Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Bat Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Breeding Season

Spring is the normal breeding season and breeding time for bats, just as it is for several other mammals in nature. Springtime means outdoor temperatures are warmer, food resources are abundant, and their natural habitats are ideal. This is not only a comfortable period of time to breed, it is a safer one as well. In just one breeding season, a female bat can deliver anywhere from one to a few litters; however, bats typically only giving birth to one pup at a time.

Feeding Their Young

It isn’t always easy for mommy bats to care for their pups. Not only does she have to continue flying around in search for food while pregnant, she has to be sure to find enough resources to last during hibernation and cold seasons. When baby bats are born they are only about an inch long. They drink milk from their mother’s teats; while remaining attached to their bodies for the first few weeks of their life. This is because when baby bats are born their wings are not fully developed, making them incapable of flight. Sometimes mother bats keep their baby bats in their tail pouch, depending on the species of bat.

Taking Flight

Most of the time, mother bats will leave their pups in the maternity colony while they go out in search of food. When they return, mother bats locate the baby bats by their smell and a voice. Even in a crowd of hundred bats, a mother back and always locate pop out of all. Once a baby bats’ wings are fully developed, they will be capable of going out on their own to search for food. This process to becoming independent can take anywhere from six weeks to four months, depending on various circumstances. Again, it all depends on the species of bat.

Nuisance Bat Control

Although bats are fascinating mammals that we can appreciate the more we learn about them, they are not safe to have and are around your property. Bats can carry diseases and even harm pets and humans provoked or frightened. If you suspect that you have bats in the attic, or anywhere else inside or outside your property, contact an Indianapolis Bat Removal company right away. The longer you wait to fix a bat infestation problem, the more damages and costly repair bills you can expect.

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control

Call 317-535-4605 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis bat removal services, today. We are DNR licensed and insured, and can provide commercial or residential bat removal and control services at competitive prices. We also offer bat proofing, cleanup services, attic restoration, inspections, and emergency bat removal service. Call 317-535-4605 to get rid of bats in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Classification and Taxonomy of Bats

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Did you know that bats are the only mammal capable of true flight? They are also one of the only mammals known to consume blood! Bats are fascinating creatures, and fun to learn about. They are found in regions spanning all across the globe, varying in looks, size, diet, navigational traits, and more. Bats are certainly worth a study or two, and can actually teach you a lot about animal understanding and tolerance.

For example, bats have been pushed out of their natural habitats and forced into urban areas due to human over-development; as a result, they are frequently regarded as pests, rodents, and nuisance animals.

But the truth is, bats are an essential part of our surrounding ecosystem, and they play an integral role in mosquito and insect control in our parks and backyards every night. If you are tuned-in and ready to learn about bats, you need to start with the basics. Continue reading to learn the classification and taxonomy of bats.

What are Bats?

Bats are classified by 9 categories in terms of taxonomy. In order from biggest to smallest, these categories include kingdom, phylum, subphylum, class, order, suborder, family, genera, and species. There are two suborders of bats, Microchiroptera Megachiroptera. There are 16 “families” of Microchiroptera bats, but only 1 family of megabats called Pteropodidae. The Pteropodidae includes Old World Fruit Bats and Flying Foxes. And even more interesting, there are 187 “genera” of bats, and over 950 species!

According to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), this is the taxonomy of bats is…

I. KINGDOM: Animalia

II. PHYLUM: Chordata

III. SUBPHYLUM: Vertebrata

IV. CLASS: Mammalia

V. ORDER: Chiroptera

VI. SUBORDER: Microchiroptera, Megachiroptera

VII. FAMILY: Noctilionidae, Pteropodidae, Antrozoidae, Vespertilionidae, Rhinopomatidae, Mystacinidae, Craseonycteridae, Molossidae, Emballonuridae, Nycteridae, Megadermatidae, Rhinolophidae, Mormoopidae, Phyllostomidae, Natalidae, Furipteridae, Thyropteridae, Myzopodidae

VIII. GENERA: 187 is too many! Click here for a complete list.

IX. SPECIES: Over 950! Click here for a list.

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control

Call 317-535-4605 for affordable and safe bat removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are DNR licensed and insured bat removal and control technicians with over 30 years of experience in the bat control industry. We offer bat removal, prevention, exclusion, proofing, structural damage repairs, attic restorations, inspections, free estimates, discounts, and more! Call 317-535-4605 to get started toward a bat-free future, today.

Myths About North American Bats

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There are many myths and false stereotypes about bats in North America, and even all across the world. Here in this blog, we’ll explore a few of those urban legends and clear up the misunderstandings surrounding these highly important and fascinating mammals.

Common Bat Myths

One common myth is that all bats carry the Rabies virus and infect millions of people around the continent every year. This is far from the truth. The reality is that fewer than 10 people in the last 50 years have been infected with Rabies as a result of a bat bite. Bats typically avoid people, and rarely attack unless cornered or provoked. If you are ever bitten by a bat, all you need to do is consult a doctor and you’ll be just fine.

Another bat urban legend is that some bat species consume blood, namely human blood. This urban legend is not entirely false, just embellished a bit. It is called a vampire bat. They do not actually suck blood, but rather, initiate a bite to a large warm-blooded animal, and then lick up the seeping blood. It is usually cattle that are the common hosts for Vampire bats. They do not bite or consume human blood.

Another common myth concerning bats is that all bats are blind. This is also not true. The misconception comes from the fact that Microbats use echolocation to hunt for insects and food at night. All bats actually see quite well during the day, it’s just that they mostly remain active at night, where they do not count on their eyesight to get around.

Have you ever heard that bats have hundreds of litters of bat babies? Well hopefully not, because this is not the truth. Bats are mammals and have a gestation period of about six months. Once they give birth, it is to usually one bat pup, and in rare cases, it may birth twins. It takes a long time for an entire bat colony to grow. Once bats are grown enough to withstand predators and fly on their own, they can live to almost 30 years!

Many also believe that bat droppings are poisonous. There are some special circumstances to this myth, but for the most part, it is untrue. Bat droppings are referred to as “guano”. Guano is a huge resource for many villages and tribes around the world. People craft household necessities from guano and use it for fertilizer as well. There are many uses for bat guano. However, bat guano can be harmful to ones health if it is digested or inhaled during a sporing stage. This is when fungus species begin to grow on the guano. Around large amounts of guano, people are encouraged to wear face respirators to avoid inhaling the fungus that can cause Histoplasmosis.

The Truth About Bats

Between movies, television, Halloween, and childhood stories, bats have been given an unfair stereotype. They are actually fascinating mammals with a sophisticated system for hunting and flying at night. They breed their young as humans do, having one pup a year; and they have incredible survival skills! They will not fly into your hair or suck your cat’s blood. They are trusting creatures that deserve respect and peace. If they are a nuisance to your property, use a local bat removal service to have them safely excluded.

Indianapolis Bat Removal

Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional Indianapolis bat removal and control services. We provide safe and humane bat removal for commercial and residential properties throughout Central Indiana. Trust us to remove bats and prevent their return, all at an affordable price. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control contractors with more than 20 years of experience working with nuisance bats. Call 317-535-4605 to get rid of bats in Indianapolis, IN today.

Can I Keep a Wild Bat as a Pet?

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With so many pets to choose from these days, more and more people are keener to the idea of exotic pet ownership. But what about making wild animals pets? If you were to find a baby bat in the wild, would you keep it as a pet? Could you keep it as a pet? There are many aspects to consider when making the decision to domesticate a wild animal. Continue reading to learn about bats as pets, and what you should do if you find a bat on your property.

Pet Bats

It is common to have a pet dog or cat, or bird, or lizard, or hamsters, bunnies, and even horses. But nowadays, some people are pushing the limits when it comes to animal pet domestication. There are many who choose to tame certain wild animals that do not belong in domestication. There have been numerous reports of people attempting to tame nontraditional animals as pets and later being injured or attacked after they reach sexual maturity. And if attacks and injuries are not the problem, destruction and mess will be. Common popular exotic pets include raccoons, pigs, monkeys, and even bats.

If you find a baby bat, injured bat, or a bat in the house, it is strongly recommended to contact a local wildlife rescue and control company for professional assistance. Never attempt to touch, trap, catch, or kill a wild bat. This means it is not a good idea to keep them as a pet either. Bats are highly advantageous to our surrounding Eco-systems, as they control the mosquito populations and help pollinate plants and trees. But they are dangerous to humans and pets, and are not meant to be domesticated in any way.

The only person that should be taking in wild bats is a licensed professional or rehabilitation farm. Not only are bats destructive and have the potential to carry highly infectious and life-threatening diseases, they are healthier and happier in the wild. No home or man-made habitat could ever truly replace the freedom and opportunity they have in nature. If you find a bat in the attic, or a baby bat injured outside, contact a bat removal and control company for safe and humane exclusion services. They retain the proper tools, training, and licensing to remove bats and relocate them to a safe and faraway habitat.

Indianapolis Bat Removal

Call 317-535-4605 to get rid of bats in the attic in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are DNR licensed wildlife rescue contractors that have decades of experience in the bat control industry. We only use safe and humane methods and never kill bats. We offer residential and commercial bat removal services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-535-4605 for fast and friendly bat removal and control services in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

Does Histoplasmosis Come From Bat Guano?

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Bats can be helpful creatures, eating thousands of insects each night and contributing to the balance of our Eco-system. The problem is that bats can carry diseases and spread them through infestation and bat droppings, a concern commonly over-looked. If you have recently had a bat infestation, or have bats near your property, be sure to take note on the following information to understand the danger associated with being exposed to bat droppings and bat guano.

Bat Guano

Bat guano refers to the solid components within bat droppings; more specifically, bat feces. Guano is actually a widely-utilized natural resource used in villages and tribes all over the world for weapon crafting, building homes, fertilizer, and more. Bat guano is found in areas that bat colonies have nested, such as caves, dens, under bridges, attics, crawl spaces, and anywhere else bats reside.

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is referred to by many names, such as: Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Darling’s Disease, or scientifically, Reticuloendotheliosis. It is an infectious disease that is contracted by over exposure to bat guano. There is a fungus that grows in guano called Histoplasmosis Capsulatum. The inhalation of these spores within the guano causes flu-like symptoms, like coughing and difficulty breathing. It is not a contagious infection but can be easily contracted if precaution is not taken.

Those at Risk

Anyone, child or adult, can contract Histoplasmosis. It is rare for just anyone to get the disease because the fungus is only found in dark, warm areas that bat guano is found. So the more common people to fall victim to the illness are spelunkers, chimney cleaners, cave miners, and people that frequent attics and crawl spaces often. Because they work in areas that bats may dwell in, they are at risk to inhaling the infection causing spores and falling ill.

It is not typically fatal unless a person has severe and long term health complications, such as the elderly. Otherwise, if treated at the first signs of illness, it is no more dangerous than the common cold. In fact, in most cases, it just goes away on its own.

Bat Removal Indiana

Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional bat removal and control in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We are DNR licensed and certified wildlife control contractors that provide a wide range of bat removal and control services for residential and commercial properties. From bats in the attic and bat exclusion, to bat cleanup and minor attic restorations, our professional wildlife contractors are fully-equipped to manage your bat problem! Call 317-535-4605 for a free estimate and information about our bat removal services in Indianapolis, IN.

How to Catch a Bat in Your House

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Bats are very helpful little creatures because they eat thousands of nuisance bugs every day in backyards all across America. Bats are great to have around the home, outdoors, but indoors is a different story. No one wants to share their home with a bat, so if you find yourself in a situation where you have one flying free in your home, follow these simple steps to release it back to nature.

Protect Yourself

Be sure to grab a pair of heavy duty gloves, particularly leather if you have it. Bats do have claws and can bite if provoked, so wearing a thick glove will protect your hands when you reach for the little critter. A bat bite can be a bad situation because you never know what disease or bacterial infection they are carrying. If you are bitten by a bat, contact your doctor, local clinic, or hospital right away.

Set Up an Exit Strategy

Before attempting to catch the bat, open windows and doors in case the bat takes flight. With an open window in sight, the bat can most likely free itself.

Coax the Bat Down

If the bat is high up on a ceiling or wall, you will have to coax it down to a point where you can reach it. In order to do this, you will have to use a broom stick or something long enough to provoke the bat to change locations. Do not hurt the bat and use gently swaying motions to get the bats’ attention.

Catch and Release the Bat

Once the bat is in a reachable spot, use a plastic container, towel, or coffee can to gently trap the bat against the wall. Then slide the container or towel slowly down the wall and cup the bat without pinching it. Once you have it cupped in the towel or container, immediately take it outside and shut your door so that it cannot fly back inside again. Then place the container on the ground and allow the bat to fly free. If the bat seems fatigued, feel comfortable to help it on its way by placing it near a tree. Bats have trouble taking off into flight from the ground, so placing it by a tree can allow it to climb the tree and fly away later.

If you have difficulty catching the bat and have attempted more than a few times, it is better to call a professional bat removal expert to handle the situation with the proper equipment. It is even more important to call a Bat Control company if you have more than one bat in your home. Never try to catch and release multiple bats. It is not a DIY task. Our expert bat removal specialists have many years of experience safely and humanely capturing and relocating bats in Indiana. Call us today at 317-535-4605 for free estimates and advice on bat removal services in Indianapolis, IN.