Bats do not have the best reputation. This is a result of story-telling, movies, fear, misconceptions, and more. It certainly doesn’t help their case that they are also a nuisance wildlife in most states. But despite the social stigma that surrounds them, bats are also fascinating creatures, and an important part of our eco-system. They deserve far more credit than they get, and you will soon find out why! Continue reading to learn more about bats, and some fun facts about their species!
There are Two Kinds of Bats
All bats can be put in one of two categories: Microchiroptera or Megachiroptera. Microchiroptera, also called microbats, are small and mostly eat insects and small rodents. Megachiroptera, or megabats, are much larger and consume only the nectar and pollen from fruits and plants. The Vampire Bat and Little Brown Bat are two common micro-species. The Fruit Bat and the Flying Fox are two common mega-species.
Bats are the Only Mammal that Can Fly
Not only is it a surprise to some that bats are indeed mammals, they are the only mammals on Earth that are capable of “true” flight. Other mammals might have the ability to leap, jump, soar, or float to great extents, but the bat is the only one that can actually take flight and maintain flight. This is a cool fact!
Bats Can Eat More Than 1,000 Insects in One Hour
Bats play a major role in our surrounding eco-system simply by the amount of insects they consume on a nightly basis. Bats can eat more than 1,000 insects and mosquitos in as little as one hour! Not only does this make outdoor summer activities more comfortable for us, it plays a part in protecting plant life from over-infestation.
Not All Bats Use Echolocation to Navigate in the Dark
Microbats use echolocation to hunt and navigate in the dark, but Megabats do not. Megabats have a more pronounced visual cortex, giving them better visual acuity, as well as, an excellent sense of smell. For this reason, they do not require echolocation capabilities.
Bats are 20% of the Entire Mammalia Species
Bats are categorized into orders, classes, suborders, genera, and then species. And there are more than 900 species of bats! This adds up to nearly a quarter of all the mammals in the animal kingdom. That is a lot of insect control!
It is Illegal in Most States to Harm or Kill Bats
Most states prohibit those without a proper animal control or hunting permit to harm, trap, or kill bats. Bats are an important part of our eco-system, and should never be exterminated unless they are infected with a terminal disease or injured beyond the point of return. And in the case that a bat needs to be put down for injuries or illness, only a licensed wildlife control company has the resources and license to do so legally. So if you have nuisance bats in or around your home, call a licensed bat removal and control service for non-lethal wildlife control services you can trust.
Bat Removal in Louisville
Call 502-553-7622 if you need prompt and professional bat removal in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control specialists that have decades of experience in the bat exclusion industry. We offer full-service bat removal and control, all of which are safe and humane. We never harm or kill bats, and instead, relocate them to a safe and faraway habitat where they can thrive in seclusion. We also offer free estimates, free advice, emergency bat removal, restorations for minor attic damages caused by bats, and much more. Call 502-553-7622 for trusted bat removal and control in Louisville and its surrounding locations.