Bat Control 101: Tips and Tricks for Indiana Residents

Posted on January 25, 2024 by batremoval

Bats play a vital role in our ecosystems as pollinators and insect controllers, but they can become unwelcome guests when they roost in our attics and buildings. Indiana residents may occasionally find themselves needing safe, effective solutions for bat control. This comprehensive guide aims to empower homeowners, building owners, and landlords with the knowledge to navigate these situations conscientiously.

An Eastern Red Bat - Lasiurus borealis — An Eastern Red Bat – Lasiurus borealis

Common Bat Species in Indiana

Indiana is home to several Microchiroptera bat species, including the Indiana bat—Myotis sodalis—which is federally endangered, and the more commonly encountered Little Brown Bat—Myotis lucifugus. Other species of bat native to Indiana and surrounding parts include the Northern Long-eared Bat—Myotis septentrionalis, Tri-Colored Bat—Perimyotis subflavus, Big Brown Bat—Eptesicus fuscus and Eastern Red Bat—Lasiurus borealis. Microchiroptera bats, or microbats, are different from Megachiroptera bat species. Megachiroptera bats, or megabats, have larger eyes, are primarily fruit eaters and can be found in warmer climates.

Basic Bat Biology and Behavior

Bats, fascinating creatures of the animal kingdom, hold a unique distinction as the only mammals naturally capable of sustained flight. Drawing closer, we discover their intriguing behavior: during daylight hours, they seek refuge in dark and secluded areas, patiently awaiting the arrival of dusk. As the sun sets and darkness envelops the sky, these nocturnal beings emerge, ready to embark on their quest for sustenance.

With graceful flight, they traverse the night, skillfully maneuvering through the air in search of insects to feast upon. It is this evening activity that plays a crucial role in their survival, as they contribute to the delicate balance of nature by helping to reduce pesky insect populations. Truly, bats are a marvel of adaptation and an integral part of our ecosystem.

Identifying Bat Infestations

Attics, eaves, and wall cavities provide favorable conditions for bats to roost. These areas offer seclusion and protection from predators, creating an ideal habitat for these fascinating creatures. With their ability to navigate in the dark and their unique echolocation system, bats have adapted to thrive in these hidden spaces. By taking advantage of the shelter and safety provided by attics, eaves, and wall cavities, bats can establish colonies and contribute to the delicate balance of our ecosystem.

Signs of a Bat Infestation:

▶ Unusual sounds (scratching, squeaking) in walls or ceilings
▶ Accumulation of guano (bat droppings) in or around your property
▶ Sighting of bats flying in or out of buildings at dawn or dusk

Health Risks Associated with Bats

While bats are typically non-aggressive, it’s crucial to note that they can carry diseases such as Rabies. Additionally, bat guano can lead to respiratory disease known as histoplasmosis. Hence, exercising caution and refraining from direct contact is of utmost importance.

Bat Control Strategies:

▶ Sealing Entry Points – Identify and seal any openings larger than a quarter of an inch—bats can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.

▶ Bat-Proofing Your Home – Installing bat boxes to provide alternative roosts and using mothballs or aluminum foil as deterrents can be part of an integrated control strategy.

▶ Maintaining a Clean Environment – Removing standing water and trimming tree branches away from structures can reduce attractants for bats seeking a habitat.

How to Ensure Humane Bat Removal

Due to the potential risks involved, as well as the humane and legal implications, it is crucial to hire professional bat removal services that specialize in bat exclusion techniques. These experts have the knowledge and experience to safely and effectively handle bat infestations, ensuring the well-being of both humans and bats.

Attempting to trap or handle bats yourself can be extremely unsafe and is potentially illegal. Bats are a protected species in many areas and interfering with them without the proper permits or expertise can have serious consequences. Indiana state law protects bats, and it’s illegal to kill or harm bats, including endangered species like the Indiana bat. Always follow state guidelines and obtain necessary permits for bat removal.

By relying on professional bat removal and control, you can have peace of mind knowing that the situation will be handled responsibly and in accordance with the law.

Conclusion

For Indiana residents, understanding the delicate balance between beneficial bat behaviors and the safety of human habitats is key. Proactive bat control is about coexistence and ensuring that we handle our winged neighbors responsibly. With the proper approach and professional guidance, you can address nuisance bat issues while contributing to the well-being of our natural environment.

Remember, if you suspect a bat infestation, prioritize safe, humane, and legal bat removal procedures. It’s essential to protect both your home and Indiana’s vital bat populations. Contact us at 317-535-4605 to schedule a critter control home inspection for bats, or for emergency bat removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also offer free estimates!

Studies Suggest That Bats Have a Favorite Food

Posted on April 14, 2021 by batremoval

Bats are divided into two suborders of Chiroptera, Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera. Each suborder has their own set of attributes, qualities, and characteristics. Megabats dine on the delicious nectar, juices, flowers, and pollen of fruit, which is why they are colloquially known as fruit bats. Whereas Microbats tend to stick with a wide range of small to medium-sized insects. Since we can probably agree that fruit is sweet and filling, most people can understand what tastes good to a fruit bat.

But what about microbats? Do insects all taste alike, or are there insects that taste better? Well luckily, researchers at both the United Kingdom’s University of Bristol and the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario Canada really wanted to know what Microbats like to eat the most. So, they decided to do a study to find out their favorite meals! Continue reading to learn what they discovered and how.

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control — Bats Love to Eat Thousands of Mosquitos Every Night!

Bat Guano Studies

Over a course of four months, between May and August of 2010, researchers visited three separate roosts of Myotis lucifugus, and using non-invasive methods collected bat guano (droppings) samples. Known as little brown bats, Myotis lucifugus are a common species of microbat currently being threatened by a deadly fungal disease called White-Nose Syndrome. This fungus looks like a white powder that covers their nose and face. It disrupts hibernation, causing bats to exert their energy reserves and die.

Researchers wanted to learn about the surrounding environment, so they started by extracting the DNA of insects that were found in the bat guano samples. Then they identified the small regions where the insect DNA was extracted, and matched that data to the databases of known insect DNA. This gave them the exact species of insect that bats were eating. And here’s what they found!

Their studies implied that bats prefer to eat insects that live near bodies of water, such as rivers, creeks, streams, and ponds. From the research, they also concluded that little brown bats are “locavores”, meaning they travel only a few hundred meters from home each night to hunt for food. Also, their diet changes with the seasons, and the type of prey available to them.

Dealing With Nuisance Bats?

Bats, although fascinating to learn about, can also be a pest to many property owners. They can enter homes and buildings, build nests, create huge unsanitary messes, and cause costly damages. If you are having bat problems, contact a trusted wildlife control company for non-lethal bat removal services.

Do you need to get rid of bats in or around your property? Contact us today at 317-535-4605for professional Indianapolis Indiana bat removal services you can afford. We are DNR licensed and insured, and serve both residential and commercial clients. Request a free estimate or advice, anytime.

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What Do Bats Eat in Indiana?

Posted on April 18, 2019 by batremoval

With spring in full affect, you are more likely to catch a glimpse of feeding bats at dusk. This is even more likely if you live near a creek or body of water where insects like to linger and fly around. As a result of these increased sightings this time of year, it is natural to feel a bit threatened by the present of local bat populations.

But do not worry; bats will not attack so long as you keep your distance and never provoke them. And most importantly, do not believe the common myth that bats will suck your blood. Although there is a species of bat that consumes the blood of livestock, here in Indiana, bats are on a completely different kind of diet.

Continue reading to learn exactly what bats are eating night after night!

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Microchiroptera Bats are Insectivores

Microchiroptera bats, also known as microbats, are the only Suborder of bats found in Indiana, and they are all insectivores. Insectivores are any living organisms with a diet that consists mostly of insects. A lot of well-known animals are insectivores, including hedgehogs, anteaters, armadillos, moles, and more. As for bats, you can add them to the list too.

A Bat’s Diet

A single bat can consume more than its own body weight in insects, in just one single evening. That’s an average of 1,000 insects or more. Since bats usually live in large colonies, a single group can eradicate millions of insects each night in just one area! That is why they are terrific pest control for our local crops, farmers, and even our own backyards. Mosquitoes are one of their favorite insects, which helps keep outdoor activities more fun, and abates the spread of mosquito-transmitted diseases.

The most common types of insects bats eat here in Indiana include:

↠ Mosquitoes
↠ Flies
↠ Gnats
↠ Moths
↠ Dragonflies
↠ Termites
↠ Beetles
↠ Grasshoppers
↠ Bees
↠ Wasps
↠ And Other Flying Insects

If Bats Get Too Close…

If you find a bat in the attic, house, yard, or other area of your property, it is strongly recommended to contact a local 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 Services You Can Trust

Call 317-535-4605 for bat removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are highly-trained and DNR licensed bat removal contractors that offer a wide range of non-lethal bat exclusion and extraction services for residential and commercial properties. We also offer bat cleanup, bat damage repair, and bat-proofing services. Call 317-535-4605 for Indianapolis bat removal you can trust.

Learn How Bats Navigate the Dark

Posted on March 30, 2016 by batremoval

Whoever said bats were blind is wrong. Bats are far from blindness! In fact, megabats, like the fruit bat, can see quite well, and have broaden optical visual centers that allow them to navigate during dusk and dawn hours. Microbats, on the other hand, can still see just fine, but do not have the acute vision of their relatives the megabat. For this reason, microbats use different methods for hunting and navigation. Let’s discuss the differences between the two species and how they navigate in the dark, or the day!

Megachiroptera

Megachiroptera, or megabats, are the larger species of bat between the two main species. They are thought to originate from the same ancestor, but somehow evolved separately. Megabats are larger, with pronounced optical centers and an acute sense of smell. This is how they navigate through the daytime, as megabats are not always nocturnal. This is also how they locate and hunt their food. Megabats eat fruit, nectar, pollen, and some small prey, like birds and fish. Certain species of megabat, like Flying Foxes, can also see in color! On the other hand, they sometimes have trouble navigating on moonless nights because they rely on some light to see. Microbats do not have this problem so much because they use a separate method to nighttime navigation.

Microchiroptera

Microchiroptera, or microbats, do not have prominent visual centers that give them the equal visual ability as their cousins, the megabat. Instead, microbats are small, and have poorly developed eyes. In the past, scientists thought microbats only retained rods in the photoreceptors of their retinas, which are used for nighttime vision; but recent studies conclude that microbats also retain cones, for daylight and color vision, but these cones are just not as developed as they are in other mammals. For this reason, microbats use a method called echolocation to navigate in the dark, even though they can see okay during the day.

Echolocation is like a sonar system for bats. As they fly, they emit small beeps that bounce off their nearby surroundings and listen for the beeps to return back to them. This creates a mental grid of their surroundings and allows them to better hunt for food and prey. Microbats eat insects for the most part, but some are known to also drink blood from other animals, like the Vampire Bat. Aside from echolocation, microbats use their regular vision to travel long distances as well.

Bat Removal Indiana

Call Bat Removal Indiana at 317-535-4605 to get rid of bats in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We are DNR licensed and experienced animal removal contractors that use safe and humane methods to extract bats from residential and commercial properties, and apply proven strategies to prevent their return. Call 317-535-4605 for more information about bat removal and control in Indianapolis, IN today.