Tag Archives: bat information

How Do Bats Fly?

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One of the most fascinating and fun facts about bats is that they are the only mammal on earth that is capable of true flight. This means bats are the only member of the Mammalian family that can really fly. Most other mammals can glide, float, hover, or soar, which makes them appear to be natural flyers; but bats are the only species of mammal that can actually achieve true flight. Bats use their own body and wing power to fly and control their flight. Continue reading to learn more about bats, how they fly, and more.

Bat Wings

Bats are not like birds and covered in feathers, instead, they are covered in fur. They have large wings that, depending on the species, can range in length and width. The wings are a thin and almost-transparent membrane that are similar to the webbing in our hands. At the tip of a bat wing is one large hook-shaped claw, which is used in the same way we use our thumbs. Bats use this “thumb-like” talon to climb, mostly. Some species of bat have wing-membrane that extends all the way to their tail, capable of being used a as a pouch. But it’s not just the wings that help bats fly, it’s also their bodies.

Bats are light in weight. They have short, thick bodies, with a chest-size broader than their tail-span. All of these traits, as well as their wings, assist them in achieving flight. In order to fly, bats use a row-like maneuver to create lift-off. Their wings also retract, allowing bats to tuck their wings close to their chest to move more swiftly, mid-flight and between flaps.

When it comes to flying, bats are agile, aerodynamic, and swift. Many people believe bats are blind, and that their eyesight affects the way they fly. But this is simply untrue. Bats have very good vision, and can see just fine; but they do have narrow optical centers that inhibit their vision capabilities. This is why microbats also use echolocation, a sonar-like ability, to locate food and map their surroundings. Megabats, like the Flying Fox, have larger and wider visual centers that allow them to see well and not need echolocation.

Bats are amazing creatures and a significant part of our Eco-system, but sometimes they can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, making them nuisance wildlife. If you have a bat infestation on your property, or may have bats in the attic or some other interior area of your home, contact a Louisville bat removal company for safe and humane assistance.

Bat Removal and Control Louisville, KY

Call 502-553-7622 for professional and licensed bat removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR licensed bat exclusionists with decades of experience in the industry. We provide several bat removal and control services for residential and commercial properties all throughout the state. We also offer free estimates, emergency services, bat-proofing, and more. Call 502-553-7622 and speak with a friendly and knowledgeable Louisville bat removal expert about getting rid of bats, today.

The Facts about Rabies and Bats

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Bats and rabies are constantly linked together due to horror movies, Halloween, and embellished stories.  The facts are actually different than common belief.  Read on to learn more about rabies and how they affect bats and other mammals as well.

Do All Bats Have Rabies?

The answer is, of course not; not all bats have rabies.  Among the various bat species all over the world, (which makes up more than a quarter of the world’s mammal population), less than two percent are infected with rabies.  In fact, less than ten people in the past 50 years have been reported to have contracted rabies through a bat.  The myth behind bats and rabies stems from movies, books, and rumors.  The truth is, bats are intelligent and helpful creatures of nature, and should be respected and protected as much as possible.

Signs of an Infected Bat

Although not all bats have rabies, they can still carry other infectious diseases just the same as any other animal could.  To determine if a bat is infected, look out for tell-tale signs that point toward danger.  If a bat is seen out during the daylight hours and/or is flying rapidly in an unorganized fashion, this could be a sign that it is sick. The simplest way to explain why is that bats are nocturnal, meaning they sleep at day and come out at night.  It is very uncommon to see a bat during daylight.  Odd behavior like that can represent an ill bat.  A bat will not likely attack, but can bite or lunch if instigated or approached.

Why Are They Helpful?

Bats are insect eaters, and big eaters at that.  In a single evening, a bat can consume nearly 1/3 of its body weight in insects.  That’s like 1000 insects per hour.  So at our cookouts and bonfires, fewer mosquitoes will be out biting because they are being preyed upon by your local bat colonies.

For more information about bats and rabies, contact a professional at 502-553-7622.  We have been removing bats from residential and commercial properties for over 20 years.  Call us today for information, services, and estimates, or visit our Louisville KY Bat Control website anytime!