Category Archives: Bat Facts

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.

Learn How Bats Navigate the Dark

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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.

3 Reasons You Might Spot a Bat During the Daytime

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Bats are fascinating mammals, in part because they are the only mammals capable of true flight. They are also highly beneficial to our surrounding Eco-systems and provide us hidden advantages many are unaware of; like how they consume more than three times their body weight in insects each night, controlling insect populations and reducing pesky bugs at our backyard barbeques.

Bats are nocturnal, which means they are active after dusk and up until dawn. During this time they are hunting for food and sometimes searching for areas to roost. But just because an animal is nocturnal does not mean we will never see them out and about during the day. There are several reasons why you might spot a bat during the daylight hours, but three primary reasons are generally to blame. Continue reading to learn why a bat could be outside during the daytime, and what to do if you come across a wild bat at any time of day or night.

Illness and Injury

One of the most common reasons why a bat or other nocturnal mammal is out in the open during daytime is due to illness or injury. A sick bat can often times leave their roost, or get confused and lost. They can also lose the ability to fly to return to their roost. The same applies to injury. An injured bat may not be able to fly home, leaving them stranded where they lie. One common illness bats are known carriers of is the Rabies Virus. In developed stages, rabies can cause confusion, erratic behavior, disorientation, and more, which can explain why a bat is active or out during the day. But keep in mind that just because a bat is out during the day does not always mean it is sick or hurt.

Lost From Mother

Another common reason for bats to be found in the daytime is because they have been stranded or separated from their mother and colony. A baby bat will simply lie in waiting until their mother finds and retrieves them, but risks being dinner to a larger predator come nightfall. Sometimes, baby bats fall from their roost high up in a tree, leaving them not only injured but marooned from their mother.

Extreme Summer Temperatures

If a bat colony is roosting somewhere that reaches extreme temperatures on exceptionally hot days, they are known to creep out of their shelter for some cool breeze and relief. One example is a tile roof, especially if the tiles are a darker color like blue or black. Roof tiles can reach temperatures of 150 degrees or more on hot summer days, and if bats are roosting in nearby soffits or attics, they may overheat, causing them to seek relief outdoors. This is a rare situation, but one that does occur.

What To Do

If you spot a bat in the day time, never attempt to approach, touch, trap, harm, or kill it under any circumstances. In fact, this is illegal in most states. It is encouraged to look, watch, and appreciate from afar while letting a wild animal be wild. If you find a sick, injured, or orphaned bat, call a wildlife rescue company right away for safe and humane assistance. They retain the proper licensing, training, and resources to exclude bats and relocate them to a safe and faraway habitat.

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control

Call 317-535-4605 for professional Indianapolis bat removal and control services you can afford. We are highly trained and experienced, DNR licensed wildlife rescue contractors that provide non-lethal bat removal services for residential and commercial properties. We also offer bat removal, control, inspections, proofing, prevention, cleanup, and minor attic restoration for bat damages. Call 317-535-4605 to get the best rates for bat removal in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding areas.

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.

Where Can I Find Bat Guano Fertilizers?

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Bat guano is the manure of wild bats. Guano is also a term used for seabird droppings as well. Both are fantastic fertilizers for their high nutrient content. There are three primary nutrients needed to grow lawns and plants; phosphate, potassium, and nitrogen. All of these nutrients are found in bat dung!

Bat manure can be used to speed up the growing process, enrich and condition the soil, eliminate nematodes in the soil, and prevent fungal growth. It can also be used a compost for faster decomposition. Continue reading to learn where you can find bat dung fertilizer, and which brands are highest in quality and most recommended.

Bat Dung Fertilizer

The first place anyone should look when in the market for some bat dung fertilizer is their local home and hardware store. Commercial chains like Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, and similar stores will carry quality bat guano fertilizer products. They may also be purchased at local gardening plots and lawn care stores. For those who prefer items to come directly to the home, they can always internet shop!

Hundreds of brands of bat guano fertilizer can be found by shopping online, anywhere. Simply type in the words and click the shopping button. The stores mentioned above also have websites that offer online shopping and purchasing. Although there is a small shipping cost, the products are sent directly to the location specified in the online order, saving a trip to the store. Some sites offer free shipping for purchases over a certain dollar amount, too.

Recommended Bat Guano Fertilizers

Some of the most popular and recommended bat guano fertilizers are available in several local home and hardware stores, lawn care stores, and more. Here is a list of recommended guano fertilizer products with the highest reviews:

Greenbelt Organics Bat Guano Fertilizer, 2LB Bag
$10-15

Sunleaves Indonesian Bat Guano, 11LB Bag
$15-20

Foxfarm Happy Frog High Phosphate Bat Guano Fertilizer, 4LB Bag
$15-20

Be sure to read the labels of bat guano fertilizer products so that you are well-versed in the application and care process. In order for any fertilizer to work, proper and routine care is necessary. Contact a local bat removal service if you suspect you might have bat guano in or around your property. Bat guano is a sign that bats are present or frequent visitors. Although a fantastic fertilizer, it can be unsafe in certain quantities if exposed to humans.

Bat Removal Indianapolis Indiana

Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional bat removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are DNR licensed bat control contractors with more than two decades of experience in the industry. We only use safe and humane methods to extract bats and prevent their return. Our bat control services are available to residential and commercial properties all across Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. On top of bat removal, we also provide bat guano cleanup services, minor attic restoration services, bat-proofing, preventative maintenance, inspections, and much more. Call 317-535-4605 to get a free estimate for Indianapolis bat removal and control from a licensed contractor.

What is the Off-Season for a Bat?

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When the weather is cold and the snow begins to fall, bats and other mammals hideaway, making winter their off-season. In fact, the peak demand for bat exclusion among residential and commercial properties is in October, November, and December, when weather is still mild, but cold enough for bats to go looking for shelter. So what happens to bats in their off-season? What kind of activity do they display? Where do they go? Continue reading for answers to these questions and more!

Hibernation or Migration

By the time bat exclusion season ends, bat off-season starts up. Once the weather gets too cold for bats, they start to look for dens, caves, and shelter; which unfortunately and often times includes our attics, crawl spaces, garages, walls, and more. If bats have not found this shelter by the time the harsh winter climates start to take over, they migrate south, following the bugs and warmer weather. For bats that find shelter, they hibernate through the winter season until spring. It is fascinating how some species of bat decide to remain and hibernate, while others prefer to travel south for warm sun and insects!

Once bats come out their 6 month-long torpor, the males are ready to mate. And with a gestation period of only 65 days, bats have their litters in the early summer. A female bat can have up to three litters per breeding season, but often times only gives birth to one single pup at a time. Just at the start of fall, their bat pups through nursing on their mother and grown enough to leave the nest and venture out to forage, feed, and prepare for winter.

Although winter is the off-season for bats, they can still be inside our properties causing damage. If you suspect you have bats in the attic, or in some other area of your home, contact a local Indianapolis bat removal company for professional and prompt assistance.

Indianapolis Bat Removal

Call 317-535-4605 for fast and affordable bat removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are DNR licensed and trained bat exclusionists with decades of experience in the bat control industry. We provide residential and commercial services, as well as, free estimates, DIY advice, and more! Call 317-535-4605 and speak with a licensed bat removal contractor about how to get rid of bats in Indianapolis, IN today.

How Do Mother Bats Find their Baby Bats in the Dark?

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When it comes to explaining how mother bats find and locate their young in the dark, in of a colony of hundreds of baby bats, we must first discuss the process of echolocation. Echolocation is a sonar system that nocturnal bats use to locate prey and their young. It is a process of emitting high-frequency sounds that bounce off nearby objects and echo back to the bat. It allows them to visualize a defined grid that they use as a map to guide them around.

On top of echolocation, both chief species of bat have moderate sight capabilities, even in daylight, enabling them to hunt and locate more food and prey. To learn more about mother bats and how they breed and care for their young, continue reading and educate yourself on some fascinating bat facts!

Mother Bats and their Young

Not only can mother bats locate their young in a colony of a thousand bats using echolocation, they can rely on their senses as well. Female nursing bats will remember the pheromones and distinct smell of each individual offspring. It is quite fascinating how nursing bats can accomplish this feat using only smell, moderate vision, and sonar!

When it comes to bats and sight, both species are capable of daytime vision. Megabats, or Megachiroptera, have big eyes and predominant visual centers allowing them to see well during the day. Although nocturnal, mega-bats find it helpful and convenient to hunt for fish, insects, small birds, and other prey in the daytime hours. Their options are much more plentiful and abundant during these times. Some subspecies of Megachiroptera can even see in color during the day, helping them avoid potential predators and search for nectar.

Microchiroptera, or micro-bats, typically eat insects and mosquitoes which are plentiful in the dusk and nighttime hours. This is why they predominantly use echolocation to find their way around. Although sonar is their chief system of navigation, microbats use their mediocre sight to get around at dusk or in the day.

Indianapolis Bat Removal

If you have a bat infestation in your home or property, call Indianapolis Bat Removal at 317-535-4605 today. We are highly trained and DNR licensed bat removal and control specialist with more than 25 years of experience! Get free estimates, consultations, DIY advice, discounts, and more when you call Indianapolis Bat Removal! Contact Us to get rid of bats for good! Call 317-535-4605 for professional bat removal services in Indianapolis, IN.

Varieties of Bat Species Found in Indiana

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There are twelve known species of bat commonly found in the state of Indiana. Among these twelve bat species, three categories can be defined; separating the species into smaller and more specific classifications. In this blog, we will explore a few of these Indiana bats while still defining the three categories and specifying all twelve species. Continue reading to learn some interested facts about Indiana bats and how they are similar and different from each other in the wild.

Species of Bat in Indiana

The twelve species of bat found in Indiana are as follows: the Big-Eared Bat, Red Bat, Southeastern Bat, Hoary Bat, Gray Bat, Evening Bat, Northern Bat, Silver-Haired Bat, Little Brown Bat, Big Brown Bat, the Pipistrelle Bat, and the popular Indiana Bat. The Big-Eared Bat has mostly migrated out of Indiana, and is not regularly seen here in the state any more but still spotted in other areas. The same goes for the Southeastern Bat.

These twelve bats can be sub classified into three separate groups. The first group is referred to as “Solitary Bats” in the Lasiurus genus, containing the Red Bat, Silver-Haired Bat, and the Hoary Bat. The second group is referred to as “Social Bats” in the Myotis genus, containing the Little Brown Bat, Northern Bat, Indiana Bat, Gray Bat, and the Southeastern Bat. The third group is referred to as the “Social Bats in Other Genera”, containing the Big Brown Bat, the Pipistrelle Bat, the Evening Bat, and the Big-Eared Bat. The solitary bats migrate south in the winter, while others migrate in spring and fall months.

These bats are commonly forced out of their natural habitats due to new construction and land developments. This forces them to find shelter by any means necessary. Common spots include residential attics and crawl spaces, as well as, basements, garages, sheds, and utility rooms. In commercial properties, bats use rooftops, insulation, and insides of walls for shelter, breeding, and nesting. It is important to hire a trusted animal control company to remove bat colonies from residential or commercial properties in a safe and humane way.

For more information about bat removal in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas, call 317-535-4605 today. Our licensed and experienced animal control technicians use safe and humane methods to capture and release bats far from your property. We offer free estimates, information, DIY advice, references, and more. Visit our website at https://www.batremovalindianapolis.com for details about our services and company background. For fast, effective, and affordable bat removal services in Indianapolis, IN, call our experts at 317-535-4605 today!

The Difference Between Megabats and Microbats

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There are several thousand bat species in the world; however, all bat species can be classified into one of two suborders, mega or micro bats. Many people are unaware that there are bats that do not use echolocation; or would be surprised to hear that some bats have fur, whereas others do not. Continue reading to learn the major differences between megabats and microbats; as well as, examples of certain species in each suborder.

Microbats

Microchiroptera is the scientific name for micro bat species. They are also known as small bats, true bats, echolocation bats, or insectivorous bats. Although these are the common names we use to refer to microbats, most of these terms are inaccurate. For example, not all microbats are smaller than megabats. Also, some microbats do not even feed on insects.

Indeed, some microbats do not eat insects; however, most do consume insects for food. Larger species of micro bats hunt lizards, frogs, and even small birds. Vampire bats, scientifically referred to as Desmodus Rotundus, have a dietary trait call hemotophagy. This means their primary food source is blood; usually of other animals.

Micro-bats use echolocation, also called bio sonar. This is a system in which sound waves are produced to create echoes that allows an animal to locate and identify objects. Echolocating bats call out to the surrounding environment, and then listen for the echoes to return. It is a system that basically helps them navigate where they are and where they are going; like eyesight without eyes. The larynx generates an ultrasound that is emitted through their noses or mouths. It is a fascinating and effective way to pilot mid-flight.

Certain species of microbats include Leaf-Nosed Bats, Vampire Bats, Bumblebee Bats, Vesper Bats, Funnel Eared Bats, Mouse-Tailed Bats, Horseshoe Bats, Pallid Bats, Disk-Winged Bats, Smoky Bats, Bulldog Bats, Fisherman Bats, and more.

Megabats

Megachiroptera is the scientific name for megabat species. They are also referred to as Flying Foxes or Fruit Bats. These bats are interesting because they do not eat insects or drink blood; rather, they feast on nectar and fruits. They have strong and sharp teeth that allow them to bite through tough fruit skins. Some bats drink the juice; while others eat the fruit.

Megabats have a heightened and powerful sense of smell; which is good considering they do not use echolocation like their cousin the microbat. Instead, mega-bats have very large eyes that help them familiarize themselves with their surroundings in twilight, caves, and forested areas.

Common species of megabat include Tube-Nosed Fruit Bats, Pygmy Fruit Bats, Spotted-Winged Fruit Bat, Borneo Fruit Bat, Short-Nosed Fruit Bat, Small White-Winged Flying Fox, Short-Nosed Fruit Bat, Madagascan Fruit Bat, Black Bellied Fruit Bat, Monkey-Faced Bat, Black Flying Fox, Nectar Bat, Small-Toothed Fruit Bat, and much more.

If you are experiencing problems at home or work with microbats or megabats, call Bat Removal Indianapolis at 317-535-4605 in Indiana, today. We are DNR licensed and insured bat control specialists that only use safe and humane capture and release methods to get rid if bats in residential or commercial properties. Visit our website at https://www.batremovalindianapolis.com for details about our services and company background. Trust our professional bat exclusion technicians to get rid of bats in Indianapolis, IN right now!