How Much Do You Know About Bats?

While some people may find bats to be creepy and disgusting, they're actually quite interesting and beneficial creatures! Now, we realize that not everyone will agree with our sentiments, but bats actually play a crucial role in the environment. They’re an important species that impact our daily lives in ways we might not even realize. From pollinating our favorite fruits to eating pesky insects to inspiring medical marvels, bats are heroes of the night. So, this week, we at A B Pest Control & Insulation wanted to share some facts about bats that you might not have known before now! Check it out: 

1. There are over 1,400 species of bats worldwide.
Bats can be found on nearly every part of the planet except in extreme deserts and polar regions. The U.S. and Canada are home to about 45 species of bats and additional species are found in the U.S. territories in the Pacific and Caribbean. While Missouri has seen about 9 common species of bats within its state lines, only one family of bats predominates in Missouri: the evening bats. More than this have been spotted, but are not commonly seen in Missouri.

2. Not all bats hibernate. 

Even though bears and bats are the two most well-known hibernators, not all bats spend their winter in caves. Some bat species like the spotted bat survive by migrating in search of food to warmer areas when it gets chilly. 

3. Bats help pollinate fruit. 

Over 300 species of fruit depend on bats for pollination. Bats help spread seeds for nuts, figs and cacao -- the main ingredient in chocolate. Without bats, we also wouldn’t have plants like agave or the iconic saguaro cactus. 

4. Bats help keep the bug population in check. 

Bats can eat their body weight or more in insects, numbering in the thousands! This insect-heavy diet helps foresters and farmers protect their crops from pests.

5. Bats can find their food in total darkness. 

Not all bats are nocturnal. But those that are can locate insects to eat by emitting inaudible high-pitched sounds, 10-20 beeps per second and listening to echoes. This is called echolocation.

6. Bats are the only flying mammal. 

While the flying squirrel can only glide for short distances, bats are true fliers. A bat’s wing resembles a modified human hand -- imagine the skin between your fingers larger, thinner and stretched. This flexible skin membrane that extends between each long finger bone and many movable joints make bats agile fliers.

7. Bats are fast little creatures. 

Recent studies have showing that bats can fly at speeds of 60 mph or more. How fast a bat flies depends on the species, but researcher recently discovered that the Mexican free-tailed bat could reach speeds up to 100 mph, making it by far the fastest mammal on Earth.

Now that you know a little more about these wondrous creatures, we hope that you'll find the beauty and value of them as we do! Rarely are bats a nuisance, and can often be more of a benefit to have around than a pest. If you do happen to come across bats in your attic or outdoor building, contact A B Pest Control & Insulation. We'll come out and safely remove these harmless creatures and relocate them where they can thrive and continue to benefit our ecosystem!

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