With large bat populations native to our state, Hoosiers are naturally concerned about the well-being and safety of their property. Bats are known as nuisance wildlife capable of causing serious structural damage and pose certain health and safety risks. So, although bats are very important parts of our ecosystem and local economies, we do not want them tampering with our homes and edifices. Now that spring is right around the corner, many homeowners are preparing their garden and landscaping plans. But will nuisance bats destroy these yields once they bloom next season? That is not something you will likely have to be concerned about. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that local bats actually support and assist the quality of your gardens and flowers.
Continue reading to learn what bats eat and how they can help your garden grow.
A Bat’s Diet
Here in Indiana, the category of native bat species are microbats, which belong to the Microchiroptera order, hence their moniker. The most common microbats found in Indiana include the Indiana bat (Myotis Sodalis), Little Brown bat (Myotis Lucifugus), and Big Brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). Additional species in Indiana include the Big-Eared bat, Red bat, Southeastern bat, Hoary bat, Gray bat, Evening bat, Northern bat, Silver-Haired bat, and Pipistrelle bat. Microbats like these are insectivores, which means they eat a diet of insects. So, they will not eat your flowers and your gardens! Instead, they will eat moths, mosquitos, flies, gnats, termites, dragonflies, beetles, wasps, bees, grasshoppers, and many other types of flying insects.
Pest Control Benefits
One single bat can consume up to 1,000 insects in a single night, which is more than their own body weight given that most microbats are less than a few grams. Since bats are not solitary, and live in large colonies, a local bat population can eliminate hundreds of thousands of insects in just one night! Now that is some excellent, built-in pest control! And it’s entirely free of charge! This is a wonderful asset to your flowers and gardens because less insects are pillaging and infesting your crops. Additionally, bat guano (droppings) are a rich, organic fertilizer that can promote hardier, healthier, more vigorous growth in trees, shrubs, flowers, and more. See our blog, “Where Can I Find Bat Guano Fertilizers?” to learn more about using bat guano for your spring gardening goals.
Nuisance Bat Abatement
Now, just because bats are excellent partners for crops, pest control, and economy stimulation, they are still capable of causing damage to your property. For this reason, it is wise to ensure your home is fully-protected against nuisance bat damage and potential infestation. Contact a local and trusted Indiana bat control company for bat exclusion and proofing services you can trust. Once your home is protected, you can let the local bat populations do their work and protect your gardens from nasty bugs!
Indianapolis Bat Control Services You Can Trust
Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional Indianapolis bat control services you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control contractors that specialize is safe, non-lethal bat exclusion and extraction services. Whether commercial or residential, we are fully-equipped to extract from any property. We also provide 24 emergency bat removal, dead animal removal, bat proofing, restoration for bat damages, and more. Request a free estimate, anytime.
