BAT WEEK: WITCHES, VAMPIRES, AND BATS… OH MY!

While bats often get a bad rap, it is important to note the significant role they play in our ecosystem. Bats are often associated with vampires and Halloween. Most things people know and believe to be true about bats are solely misleading myths surrounding the world’s only flying mammal. They are thought of as these bloodthirsty creatures when actually only three of the more than 1,300 species of bats feed exclusively on blood. Most bats eat insects as they are the primary predator of night-flying insects, and they play a major role in controlling insect populations.

Since bats do play an important role in the ecosystem, it is important to note the most frightening thing about them may just be how quickly they are disappearing. Unfortunately, these pests are in some trouble. According to public affairs supervisor at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Ann Froschauer, bats are facing many threats, including impacts from wind energy, loss of habitat, and the disease known as white-nose syndrome. If you feel compelled, one thing you can do to help protect and combat the threats of this animal is to build and/or install a bat house.

Many people see it as a blessing to have bats around their property, especially during the summer months, to control the bloodsucking mosquitoes, moths, beetles, crickets, leafhoppers, others near their home. If that’s the case, still remember bats can bite and do carry diseases, such as rabies. Please steer clear of them if they get too close to you or your family. As they are useful outdoors on your property, they can cause a threat if they set-up roost inside your home.

If you do notice any bats in your home or attic, do not hesitate to call a professional to the scene for not only your safety but for the safety of the bat population as well. Black Diamond will safely and humanely remove bats from your property, as well as help point out the causes as to how bats may be infesting your home. Also, ask about our No Problem Plan! This Black Diamond program will cover the control all insects and wildlife in your home.

The past week was recognized as International Bat Week and has gained growing interest in importance of bat conservation and education. To round up International Bat Week and in celebration of Halloween, we’ve gathered some of our favorite photos from across the web of these vampire-associated pests. Enjoy!