For many people, bats can be scary. This is often from connotations with horror stories, and associations with unwanted encounters with humans. But bats are an important part of our local ecosystem. Below, we will discuss how these misunderstood critters are crucial to our environment and local ecology.
Bats and Pollination
When people think of pollinators, their first thoughts go to bees, butterflies, and birds. But bats are also critical pollinators across the world. Bats that eat plant material are critical pollinators for a wide assortment of plants, all over the world.
Insect Management
Insectivores keep bug populations in check and can reduce the use of pesticides in gardens and farmland. Throughout its life, a single bat can eat thousands of mosquitoes and crop-eating insects. In some areas, bats are responsible for limiting insect-borne diseases like Malaria and the Zika virus. Overall, they can minimize diseases spread by bugs, help crops flourish, and protect human health.
Bats Outside vs In the Home
While bats are important to the environment, you won’t want them in your home. For humans, bats are best appreciated from a distance. Colonies roosting in your attic, chimney, or shed should be relocated safely and properly. Their droppings (guano) can damage your property and can lead to the spread of illness. Close contact with any wild animal could risk disease transmission.
If you have a bat infestation contact a humane wildlife service that is trained in bat removal. NY/NJ Wildlife Removal Inc. is NWCOA bat standards compliant. We are certified in the safe handling and relocation of critical bat species.