Category Archives: Bat Facts

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!

How Do Bats See at Night?

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Bats are nocturnal mammals. This means they are active at night, and sleep through the day. They are known to live in caves, hollow trees, and other dark hidden areas in nature. In residential neighborhoods, bats are known to infest our attics and crawl spaces. Bats are fascinating animals, but their way of vision is extraordinary. Continue reading to learn how bats see where they are flying in the night time.

Indianapolis Indiana Bat Removal and Control
Indianapolis Indiana Bat Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Echolocation Like Dolphins

Although nocturnal, bats have weak and fragile eyes. They are very small and virtually useless. So how do bats see tiny insects when feeding, and avoid hitting trees mid-flight? The answer is their ability to hear. Bats have extremely acute hearing that allows them to hear the smallest sounds, like a flying beetle. As they fly, the make small chirps or squeaks. Their sounds move through the air and bounce off objects, creating an echo. Bats can hear these echoes, even the smallest ones. This method is commonly referred to as echolocation, similar to what dolphins and some birds use.

Their echolocation chirps are very high-pitched, making them nearly invisible to the human ear. When they use this system, it allows them to hear what is all around them and in front of them as well. It draws a vivid mental map for them to hunt and find shelter. The Navy and submarines use a system that is very similar to bat and dolphin echolocation; it is called sonar. They use sound vibrations to track objects underwater and determine their location.

Nuisance Bat Control Services

Bats are very interesting creatures, but sometimes they can intrude onto and even into our properties. When this happens, it is advised to call a professional bat removal company. For details about bat removal in Indianapolis, Indiana, call our licensed bat control specialists at 317-535-4605 today. You can also visit our website for information about bats and getting rid of bats in Indianapolis, IN.

The Facts about Bat Guano and Histoplasmosis

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Bat guano is more commonly known as bat droppings, which refer to their fecal discharges. Bat guano, in other cultures, is a dominant natural resource used for fertilizer and other agricultural commodities. It even has a history as an ingredient in war explosives. Bat guano is prevalent in caves, of course, being a widely-known bat dwelling area. However, in residential and commercial areas of society, bat guano can sometimes be found in other areas, such as homes, buildings, attics, crawl spaces, and other dark, secure places.

What is Histoplasmosis?

Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease that goes by many names. Among its various aliases, you will see it be called Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Ohio Valley Disease, Reticuloendotheliosis, and Darling’s Disease. Histoplasmosis is a disease passed on by a fungus called Histoplasmosis Capsulatum that grows in bat guano. This disease has symptoms similar to the flu, such as coughing and difficulty breathing. It is caught by inhaling the spores of the fungus. It is not contagious, but is can be easily inhaled unknowingly and active within days.

Who is at Risk to Catching the Disease?

Anyone can get Histoplasmosis, depending on where they are and what is happening around them. For example, a person with an extreme bat infestation problem in their attic can unknowingly inhale fungus spores and get the illness eventually. The more common victims would be cave miners and spelunkers, chimney cleaners, construction workers, repair people and HVAC workers, or anyone else in a field where they might be around dark, warm places often. Basically, anyone who comes across the fungi can be exposed and conflicted with it.

Is it Life Threatening?

In most cases, the answer is typically no. In other rare or extreme cases, fatality can occur. If an elderly person with a weakened immune system is heavily exposed over a long period of time, then it could be fatal. If the symptoms are bad and go untreated, fatality can also occur. But in most cases, the symptoms are mild and tend to go away on their own. Many people are unaware they even had Histoplasmosis because it is so similar to the common cold. If you are even feeling under the weather and think it could be related to bat guano or Histoplasmosis, contact your family doctor to set up a checkup right away.

For more information on bats in the attic, or bat removal, contact our licensed animal control company in Indiana at 317-535-4605 today. We are happy to provide free estimates, DIY assistance, and guidance on bat infestations and more. Be sure to visit out Indianapolis Bat Removal website for a list of our services too!