Learn the Primary Scientific Classifications for Bats

Posted on May 8, 2020 by virginia

Although many people fear them, bats are unusual and incredible creatures, as well as the second largest order of mammals. They play a vital role in our Eco-system, and even help control nuisance insect populations in the spring and summer. Their significant contribution to our environment means they deserve a much better reputation. Perhaps by learning some interesting facts and information about bats, you too can change your opinion and fear them no more.

Continue reading to learn some basic facts about bats, including their collective taxonomy and scientific classifications.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)

The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) is an American partnership of federal agencies intended to provide steady, dependable information on the categorization and nomenclature of biological species. In terms of bats, they have categorized the taxonomy of mega and microbats as follows:

Kingdom = Animalia

Phylum = Chordata

Subphylum = Vertebrata

Class = Mammalia

Order = Chiroptera

Suborder = Megachiroptera (Megabats) & Microchiroptera (Microbats)

Family = There are a total of 16 families in the suborder Microchiroptera. In the Megachiroptera, there is only one family called the Pteropodidae, also known as flying foxes and Old World fruit bats.

Genera = There are a total of 187 bat genera’s.

Species = There are at least 950 known bat species, but there are likely as many as 1,200 species or more.

More Fun Bat Facts!

Bats are mammals. What’s even more shocking is that bats are the only mammals in the world that are capable of true flight. Other mammals, like the flying squirrel, have the ability to leap, jump, soar, or float over great distances, but bats are the only ones who can actually take and maintain flight just like a bird.

Microbats use echolocation to help hunt their prey and navigate around in the dark; however, they are not blind. In fact, microbats can see quite well (and hear quite well), but they use their bio-sonar abilities to navigate their course, as well as, dart and dash for prey at a more precise rate.

Megabats, or fruit bats, do not have Echolocating abilities. They have big eyes and great vision, so they have no need for echolocation. To learn more about bats, see our blog, “5 Educational Facts About Bats” and really get to know this incredible mammal!

How to Safely and Quickly Stop a Nuisance Bat Problem in Virginia

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We use safe and humane methods to deliver effective 24 hour bat control for residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Facts About White Nose Syndrome Disease in Bats

Posted on April 27, 2020 by virginia

White Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a devastating illness that has killed millions of hibernating bats all across the nation. Continue reading to learn more about White Nose Syndrome, and how it affects wild bat populations.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

White Nose Syndrome (WNS) Facts

White Nose Syndrome happens to be one of the most misunderstood bat diseases. This fatal malady gets its name from the distinguishable white residue that grows on the snouts and wings of infected bats during hibernation. The residue that grows on the noses of bats is actually a fungus caused by the fungal pathogen, Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Back in 2010, new evidence proved that a fungus called Geomyces destructans can also cause WNS in bats.

Discovery and Range

The initial documentation of White Nose Syndrome occurred in 2006 near Albany, New York. The following year, several nearby caves were recorded to have WNS infected bat colonies. From there, the deadly disease continued to spread across the country, as well as Canada. As of October of 2017, the fungal pathogen has been detected in 33 U.S. states and 5 Canadian provinces. Furthermore, the actual disease has been confirmed in 31 of the 33 U.S. states, and in all 5 Canadian provinces.

So far, Canadian White Nose Syndrome has killed more than 7 million bats, and has successfully wiped out entire colonies. Some of the most at-risk bat species include the Indiana bat and the Gray Bat. These species are federally-endangered, and at a higher risk of becoming extinct due to this disease. Common species affected by WNS include the Big Brown bat (ptesicus fuscus), Eastern Small-Footed bat (Myotis leibii), Gray bat (Myotis grisescens), Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), Little Brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), Tricolored bat (Perimyotis Subflavus), and the Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis).

Searching for a Workable Solution

The extensive rate of mortality is devastating, and unfortunately, there is no cure. Research laboratories and state and federal biologists continue to investigate and study these WNS deaths, in hopes for a solution. In fact, back in March of 2012, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced 8 grants totaling approximately $1.6 million to continue the examination of white-nose syndrome, and to find ways to manage it.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control Services

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for humane bat removal and control in Virginia. We serve all of Old Dominion, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas, with 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate, anytime.

Did You Find a Bat Infestation During Your Annual Spring Cleaning?

Posted on April 17, 2020 by virginia

Spring cleaning is a tradition for many families, and right now, many of us have plenty of time on our hands to get it all done. But beware, it is very common to come across some scary stuff; stuff that has been piling up for over a year. One such scary spring cleaning discovery happens to be quite common: bat infestations!

That’s right; bats often find shelter in our attics, garages, and patios, and spend all winter long keeping cozy and reproducing. Come spring, they are often discovered since many people begin to get their outdoor supplies and equipment ready for the warmer seasons ahead. This is bad news for homeowners since bats are dirty, contagious, and destructive.

If you find a bat infestation in your house after a spring cleaning, continue below to learn exactly what you need to do.

Bat in the House

If you have a bat inside the house, whether inside a wall void or flying around the kitchen, your first priority is to separate people and pets from the area the bat is occupying. Once all people and pets are secluded in a room with shut doors and windows, proceed to open all windows and doors in the area closest to the bat. If the bat does not fly out on its own, use a broom with a long handle to gently tap the surface of the wall next to the bat and encourage it to fly out. If the bat still does not move, use a shoe box and thick piece of paper to capture the bat. Then you can transfer the bat outside to an area where it can take flight, at least 3 feet off the ground.

Bats in the Attic

Bats in the attic are not something you want to take on. If you find bats in the attic, your first step is to contact a local Virginia bat abatement company for emergency bat removal service. The longer a bat infestation remains, the worse the damages will be, which results from their nesting habits, as well as their smelly urine and droppings. Needless to say, the more damages, the costlier the repairs. Not only will bats in the attic need to be removed, your attic space will require a certain degree of restoration, such as guano cleanup, sanitizing, parasite fumigation, insulation replacement, and more.

Bat in the Garage

Finding a bat in the garage, whether attached or not, is an easier dilemma to deal with. All you have to do is leave the garage door open for as long as you can. Obviously, you might not want to leave your garage door overnight, or when you are away from home. Eventually, the bat will fly out, but not until nighttime, when they are most active. If you find bats roosting in an outdoor barn or shed, use the same method to encourage them to fly out. Just be sure to shut the door when you see they are gone!

Bats Under the Porch

If you find a bat infestation underneath your porch or deck, your first step is to close off the access to the patio from children and pets. Once the area is secure, you will need to contact a local bat removal company for bat removal and control service. Not only must the bats be removed, certain measures must be taken to ensure they cannot access your porch voids in the future. This requires professional materials like heavy gauge galvanized steel mesh screening, industrial caulking, high-density polyurethane foam, and more.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control Company

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at a fair price. Regardless of the size or scope of your bat abatement and cleanup needs, we have the experience and resources necessary to remedy your bat problem in no time at all. Our professionals are focused on safe and effective results, but more importantly, our client’s complete satisfaction. Contact us anytime for free estimates, advice, and assistance.

FAQS About Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Posted on April 10, 2020 by virginia

Bats are exceptional helpers in the surrounding Eco-systems when it comes to insect control; but when it comes to homes and businesses, they are not something you want to have around. Not only are bats capable of causing tremendous structural damage inside and out, their presence can pose several health risks to both people and pets.

Unfortunately, bat infestations are quite common since they can gain access inside somewhere through a hole as little as 3/8th of an inch wide. So many homes and buildings are susceptible to bat infestations. And once they are inside, the problems really start to get serious. They can get through crumbling mortar, dry rotting wood, attic vents, exterior cracks, and more. For these reasons, it is vital to address a bat infestation problem right away by contacting a local and trusted Virginia Bat Removal and Control Company for non-lethal bat abatement service.

Before you contact a wildlife control specialist, continue reading to review the answers to some of the most common questions people have about bat removal and control. This can help you understand what to expect, and help you make the best decisions regarding your property’s wildlife protection needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Bats are Blind; Right?

Microchiroptera, or microbats, use echolocation to help hunt their prey and navigate around in the dark; however, they are not blind. In fact, microbats can see quite well (and hear quite well), but they use their echolocation abilities to navigate their course, as well as, dart and dash for prey at a more precise rate. Megabats, or fruit bats, do not have echolocation abilities. They have big eyes and great vision, so they have no need for echolocation.

Will a Bat Attack?

Due to movies and television, many people fear that bats will attack or bite them. The truth is, they CAN if they want to, but most often, they WON’T. Bats are more afraid of us than we are of them, and it is very unlikely for bats to attack a person or other animal. However, there are exceptions. Bats that are ill, injured, mothering, and/or aggravated, may defend themselves upon provocation by biting or scratching. If you have a bat in the house, simply leave it alone to avoid any trouble. If you give it space and let the professionals take it from there, you should not be at risk of a bat bite or attack.

Can I Catch a Bat and Kill It?

Most states forbid anyone from harming, trapping, or killing bats without the proper permits. Bats are a vital part of our Eco-system; they should never be exterminated unless they are infected with a fatal or infectious disease, or injured beyond the point of rehabilitation. Only licensed wildlife rescue organizations have the resources and permissions to put a sick or injured bat down. Never attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill bats. Not only is it likely illegal in our state, it is highly unethical and inhumane. See our blog, “State Laws Surrounding Wild Bats” to learn more.

What Do I Do if I Find a Bat in the House?

If you discover a lone bat in your house, your first step should be to isolate it from the rest of the family and your pets. This means closing off the room it is in, but leaving open a window for an exit point. For example, if you find a bat in your bathroom, shut the bathroom door so that it cannot move to other areas of the home, but leave the bathroom window open so the bat can let itself out. Wait 12 hours for the bat to leave. If it is still there, contact a licensed bat removal and control company. If you discover a bat colony living in your home, or suspect that you might have bats in the attic, contact a licensed bat removal and control company for professional inspection and service.

Where Can I Find Trust Bat Removal Service in Virginia?

Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at the right price. Regardless of the size or scope of your bat abatement and cleanup needs, we have the experience and resources necessary to remedy your bat problem in no time at all. Our professionals are focused on safe and effective results, but more importantly, our client’s complete satisfaction. Contact us anytime for free estimates, advice, and assistance.

Which Bats are Most Common in the Western Parts of Virginia?

Posted on March 31, 2020 by virginia

Here in Virginia, our state is home to many species of bats. In fact, we are home to the famous, Virginia Big-Eared Bat, which was officially appointed the prestigious title of our state bat more than 14 years ago, and continues to be an admired and protected species, both locally and nationally, to this very day.

But when it comes to the Western parts of the state, bats are more abundant since the border is near so many cave systems and dense forests. From Roanoke to the West side border, a long list of bats can be spotted, including native species, federally-endangered species, and even just the occasional visitors.

Continue reading to learn more about them all!

Bat Species in Western Areas of Virginia

The Western parts of Virginia are known for their beautiful and abundant cavernous systems, making it no surprise that many bat species live in the region. Some of the most common bats found in Western parts of the state include Little Brown bats, Big Brown bats, and of course, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat. But there are plenty more fascinating bat species that are spotted in West VA caves, forests, riverbanks, and even abandoned mines!

Virginia Big-Eared Bats

Virginia big-eared bats range consists of eastern Kentucky, eastern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina. As for habitat, they are mostly found dwelling in the limestone caves of western Virginia since they provide the proper temperature and humidity levels vital to their survival; but they are also commonly found in heavily vegetated oak-hickory or beech-maple-hemlock forests.

Little Brown Bats and Big Brown Bats

Little Brown bats (Myotis Lucifugus) and Big Brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) are often confused for one another because they live in the same areas and look very similar. See our previous blog, “The Difference Between the Big Brown Bat and Little Brown Bat” to learn all the interesting facts about these two incredible species, and what sets them apart.

Endangered Species

There are 3 particular species of bat in Virginia that are Federally-endangered, and 1 that is state-endangered. All of them are currently protected by the Endangered Species Act. This act strictly prohibits anyone from attempting to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct” with any endangered or threatened species of wildlife, including bats. The bats that are on this list include the Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens), Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalist), Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus), and Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (State Endangered; also known as the Southeastern Big-eared Bat).

Occasional Visitors:

? Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii)
? Seminole Bats (Lasiurus seminolus)
? Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

Trusted Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for humane bat removal and control assistance you can trust. We serve all of Old Dominion, including Roanoke, Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and more. We offer 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us today for a free estimate.

The Difference Between the Big Brown Bat and Little Brown Bat

Posted on March 24, 2020 by virginia

Although they may look a lot alike, and they are both part of the Vespertilionidae family, the Big Brown bat and the Little Brown bat are two completely separate species in a different genus. When you scroll down the scientific classification of both species, they have the same Kingdom (Animalia), Phylum (Chordata), Class (Mammalia), Order (Chiroptera), and even Family (Vespertilionidae). But once you reach the genus, they separate.

Continue reading to learn where and some facts that make them unique in their own right!

The Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

The Big Brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) is part of the Eptesicus genus and fucus species. Adults have an average wingspan of 13 to 16 inches, and a body length of 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 inches. They are a little bigger as you can see! The rest of their biology and behaviors are the same, with just slight differences.

Their fur is the same as Little Brown bats, ranging in colors from dark browns to reddish hues and lighter-colored bellies. Gestation periods and breeding are the same for both species, as well. Females carry their young for 60 days, before giving birth to a single bat pup each year.

Mating season usually begins in early fall, while birthing season starts in May and continues through June. After 14 days in their mother’s care, bat pups are weaned from milk and taught to fly and hunt for insects. In contrast to Little Brown bats, Big Brown bats tend to roost in smaller colonies, ranging from as little as 20 bats, up to 500 or more.

The Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)

Little Brown bats are part of the Myotis genus and lucifugus species. Adults have an average wingspan of 9 to 11 inches, and a body length of 2 1/2 to 4 inches. They are small! Their fur ranges in colors of dark browns to reddish browns, with lighter-colored, pale tan bellies. Females carry their young for 60 days, before giving birth to a single bat pup each year.

Mating season usually begins in early fall, while birthing season starts in May and continues through July. After 14 days in their mother’s care, bat pups are weaned from milk and taught to fly and hunt for insects. Little Brown bats, like all bats, are nocturnal, which means they are active from dusk until dawn. Generally, this bat species remains in large numbers, with colonies reaching hundreds or even thousands of bats in some regions.

Typically, Little Brown bats roost in hollowed tree cavities, abandoned mines, caves, log piles, and similar private areas. They are a hibernating species, so in winter, they either migrate to winter roosts, or hibernate in caves, rock crevices, storm sewers, and if they can access them, our attics! As insectivores, Little Brown bats hunt for mosquitoes, gnats, moths, crane flies, beetles, mayflies, and other small flying insects. A single bat can consume more than 1,000 flying bugs in just one night!

Where to Get Humane Virginia Bat Control Near You

Why Bats are Scratching Around Inside Your Walls

Posted on March 9, 2020 by virginia

We mention this all the time, but we cannot mention it enough: Virginian bats are very tiny and can squeeze through an opening as little as 3/8^th of an inch! So, what does this mean for your home? It means that bats can easily access your wall voids to gain access to other parts of the home, such as the attic, if certain precautions are not taken before prime bat infestation season. If you hear scratching and squeaking noises coming from the inside of your walls, you can safely assume it is bats.

Want to know why they are so noisy? Continue below to learn what bats are doing inside those walls of yours, and what you can do to get rid of them for good!

They’re Looking for a Comfortable Temperature

Just like us, bats want a comfy and cozy environment to live in. They do not want a space that is too hot nor too cold. For this reason, it is common behavior for bats to rise and lower within the walls in search of a comfier climate. The noise you are hearing is the resulting scuffling of bats moving around.

They are Lost and Disoriented

Within a wall void, there is very little light, and everything looks the same above and below. For this reason, bats within walls can become disoriented, and as a result, lost from the rest of their colony. This causes a lot of noise since they are working hard to move about and find the location of their peers.

They are Baby Bats

Baby bats are generally born between February and May, so if your walls are making a lot of noise during this time, it could them. Before pups learn to fly, they crawl and wiggle around just like human babies do. This crease noise, but so does their yearning for mothers’ milk.

They are Just Interacting

When you hear bats in your walls making noises, it could just be them interacting and being bats. Bats are nocturnal, so they are active between the hours of dusk and dawn. If you are hearing these noises overnight, you can chalk it up to bat conversation.

How to Get Rid of Bats in Virginia

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance. We serve all of Virginia and its surrounding areas. We offer 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us today for a free estimate.

The Fastest Solution for Nuisance Bat Problems in Virginia

Posted on February 27, 2020 by virginia

There is just no reason why you should have to suffer through a nuisance bat problem this season. Trust in the esteemed and accomplished team at Virginia Bat Pros to offer prompt, workable solutions you can feel good about and afford!

Dealing With Nuisance Bats?

When you hear noises in the attic, or spot some suspicious animal droppings around your window seals, it is time to take action. Not only are bats known to produce a massive amount of damage and destruction in a very short amount of time, they are also common carriers of several infectious diseases; everything from the Rabies Virus to mites and lice. To make matters worse, bats are not usually solitary, so if you have one bat around the house, you most likely have more. Now, the more bats you have, the more extensive the damages and risks will be. So, when destructive bats are taking over your property, it is time for some professional intervention.

✨ Fortunately, you are already in the right spot, because that’s exactly what the licensed and insured professionals at Virginia Bat Pros do! ✨

We offer a wide range of residential and commercial services, including bat removal, bat control, bat cleanup and restoration, integrated pest management, environmental monitoring and medications, full property inspections, estimates, and much more. We also provide emergency bat removal service 24 hours a day, and can even work with your homeowners’ insurance company to repair damages caused by bats!

Virginia Bat Control at Your Service

Virginia Bat Pros has more than 27 combined years of hands-on experience and retains the tools and resources necessary to extract and exclude nuisance bats, safely and humanely. This is what allows our teams to provide exceptional service at economy-based prices. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Contact Us Today for a Free Quote

Contact us anytime by email, or call our main headquarters at 804-729-9097 to request written estimates and information about bat removal and control from one of our friendly office managers. With a strong dedication to outstanding service, you will feel confident that our licensed and insured bat control professionals can eliminate your nuisance wildlife problem within a time frame that is convenient for you, and at a price you can afford.

Top 3 Traits of a Microbat

Posted on February 17, 2020 by virginia

Bats are mammals that are a part of the Chiroptera order. The word “Chiroptera” is derived from the Greek word “hand-wing” in reference to a bat’s webbed hand-like wings. Chiroptera is the scientific classification of bats. There are thousands of bat species all over the world, but all species can fall under one of two main categories, Microchiroptera and Megachiroptera; colloquially referred to as microbats and megabats. Although recent evidence more so supports the division of bat species into Yinpterochiroptera and Yangochiroptera, it is still very common to use the terms microbat and megabat.

But since we don’t see any megabats in Virginia, continue reading to learn the top 3 traits of a microbat!

Virginian Bat Species

Here in Virginia, we have microbat populations. Three species of bat in Virginia are Federally-endangered, and include the Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens), Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalist), and the Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus). In addition, there are 12 non-game protected species of bat found in Virginia, including the Eastern Small-footed Bat, Northern Long-eared Bat, Eastern Pipistrelle Bat, Silver-haired Bat, Eastern Red Bat, Hoary Bat, Seminole Bat, American Long-Eared Bat, Lump-Nosed Bat, Ozark Big-Eared Bat, Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat, and the Northern Myotis.

Although there are 15 species of microbat in our state, each species exhibits common microbat traits. The top three traits are ones that all microbat share, regardless of species: small, omnivorous, and echolocating.

? Small

Microbats are not called micro because they are big! Microbats are small in stature and size, which is why they are so good at finding places to roost. The average microbat can fit through an opening or crack as small as 3/8^th of an inch. That is equivalent to the thickness of a pencil eraser! Take the Virginia Big-Eared Bat for example; although it is one of the largest Microchiroptera species in its range, it still only weighs an average of 7 to 12 grams (0.25 to 0.42 ounces).

? Insectivorous

Microbats are insectivores, which means they strictly eat bugs. They mostly dine on flying ones, like mosquitoes, flies, gnats, moths, wasps, and bees. They also will consume termites, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and beetles. A single bat can consume more than its own body weight in insects, in just one single evening. That’s an average of 1,000 insects or more.

? Echolocating

Microbats use echolocation, much like dolphins and whales. Echolocation is a natural biological sonar ability that works by measuring the returning echoes of emitted signals that bounce off surrounding objects. Bats are not blind, but they use echolocation because it gives them a superior advantage when it comes to hunting and diving for prey at night.

Got Nuisance Bat Problems in Virginia?

Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at a fair price. Regardless of the size or scope of your bat abatement and cleanup needs, we have the experience and resources necessary to remedy your bat problem in no time at all. Our professionals are focused on safe and effective results, but more importantly, our client’s complete satisfaction. Contact us anytime for free estimates, advice, and assistance.

Learn How Bat Guano is More Than Just Animal Waste

Posted on February 7, 2020 by virginia

Although animal droppings are the result of the body eliminating waste and non-digestible content, they can serve a valuable purpose. As is the case with bat droppings, otherwise known as guano. Continue reading to learn how bat guano is used for various applications and benefits around the world!

? Gunpowder

As early as the late 18^th century, our country played its hand in mining caves for bat guano in order to sustain gunpowder manufacturing enterprises. During these times, gunpowder and other explosive materials were produced from bat guano. Believe it or not, bat droppings retain unique properties that allow the production of saltpeter. Saltpeter, or potassium nitrate, is a nitrogen-containing compound use in common technologies like fireworks and rocket propellants. Why? Because it is highly flammable. So flammable in fact, that during the Civil War, the Confederate army actually resorted to using bat guano for ammunition in reaction to the Union’s blockades.

? Pottery

In ancient times, various tribes all around the world used bat guano to make pottery, such as bowls, plates, platters, cutlery, and even statutes and other forms of art. Anyone over the age of 30 surely remembers the scene from “Ace Ventura Pet Detective When Nature Calls”, in which Jim Carey’s character is shocked to learn that the bowl he is licking clean was made from bat guano.

? Fertilizer

All over the world, and since ancient times, bat guano has been used as fertilizer for gardens and crops of various kinds. It is a common practice here in the U.S. to make bat tea, which is a combination of de-chlorinated water and guano. Bat guano tea is used during watering to supplement and stimulate garden growth. Because it contains key nutrients essential for plant growth, such as beneficial microorganisms, and high levels of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, bat guano tea is an excellent fertilizer. It also makes a great soil conditioner, compost activator and fungicide.

Importance of Bats

Bats play a vital role in our surrounding ecosystems, and even our local economies. You see, just one bat can consume more than 1,000 insects in a single night. Since bats are not solitary mammals, there are always dozens together at one time, sometimes even in the hundreds, all hunting for insects in an area. With so much insect control, people are safer from transmissible diseases that can be spread by biting insects, as well as, potential anaphylactic reactions from stings. Furthermore, our backyards and outdoor areas are more comfortable since there are not as many bugs bothering us.

Bats also play an integral role in the local economies as a result of their insect control skills. Farmers and gardeners see better value in their crops and yields because there are less pests eating away at their produce. Farmed lands are better protected against pest destruction and tampering when bats are around. Better crops mean better business for everyone; it also means healthier, tastier food for consumers.

Do You Have a Nuisance Bat Problem?

Contact a local Virginia bat control professional for help protecting your home against potential bat damages before they can happen. If you suspect you have bats in the attic, or bats in your house, contact them for emergency bat removal services as soon as possible. The longer bats are in your house, the more damages add up. So to prevent costly damages and invasive repairs, be sure to act fast and schedule an inspection.