Bats are among the wildlife which people encounter from time to time. These encounters will be more frequent for those who spend time in areas that are close to the bats habitats. In fact, when it comes to animal control services, Milwaukee residents often request bat control and exclusion. Very often the perception of bats (many of which are based on misinformation) causes the winged mammals to be seen in a negative light with little, if any, attention being paid to their unique and important features and characteristics.
Close up of the common little brown bat.
Bats Are Valuable Members of the Ecosystem
Even though they are not at the top of the world’s list of adorable animals, bats are invaluable to the ecosystem. These flying mammals keep the insect population in check as insects are their main food source. Millions of insects are removed from the ecosystem by bats. Bats live long with a life expectancy rate of 13-18 years.
Bats also help to repopulate green spaces. As they fly from place to place they scatter seeds that germinate into plants. Additionally, their droppings serve as an excellent fertilizer for reforestation. In tropical and desert environments especially, bats are instrumental in the proliferation of green life as they pollinate flowers.
Surprising Bat Tidbits
The popular belief that bats are blind is actually flawed as the winged mammals are neither blind nor afraid of light. The truth is that they are nocturnal, prefering to hunt for food at night. Our fear of bats is ironic considering that bats consider people predators and will frantically try to escape when they feel as though they are cornered by people. When they fly around erratically, they are simply trying to escape.
Example of a brown bat attempting to enter through the soffit.
Frequent Home Invaders
The bats that you are likely to see in your home are the big and little brown bats. Other bats steer clear of human domains, preferring to live and hibernate in more natural environments such as caves and abandoned mines. The bats that enter our homes do so through unseen openings in the roof or vents. Many people assume that bats gnaw their way into homes but this is not so. They do not have the type of teeth to accomplish this feat. Their teeth are more suited for the job of grasping insects.
Since most bats are protected by animal protection and conservation legislation, people must be cautious when attempting to manage bat infestations. In fact, it is best to leave this task to the experts. Animal protection legislations forbid the trapping and baiting of bats.
Expert Protection from Bat Invasions
For comprehensive and effective bat-related animal control services, Milwaukee residents can rely on Skedaddle’s team of experts. Our expert bat exclusions services include the installation of screens similar to insect screens. Our humane bat removal strategies include the use of one way doors through which bats exit the property but cannot re-enter.