There are a lot of reasons to like bats. They eat insects including mosquitoes and cockroaches. Plus, they are surprisingly cute if you get a good look at one. While a lot of people simply don’t like bats at all, some people are really into them. This occasionally leads our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Madison to get questions about whether bats can be kept as pets.

Can a Bat Be a Pet?

Technically, sure bats can be kept as pets. However, we strongly recommend against trying to keep one – at least in the traditional sense of a pet. The purpose of wildlife is to be in the wild and domesticating them would be detrimental to them, and their role in the ecosystem. 

Some animals, such as cats and dogs, make excellent pets. They can remain happy and healthy while living in your home and tend to socialize well with humans. Conversely, bats need to be able to fly around freely to remain healthy. If they are kept in cages, they will slowly weaken. Although bats are social animals and can bond with humans, they tend to be less happy with human companionship. Most species of bats require a bat colony to survive.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Many bat species in the wild can live over 30 years. Pet bats rarely make it past one year. Simply put, they are extremely difficult to care for properly without the type of large, custom-made enclosure you would find at a zoo.

Here are just a few insights to give you a picture of what it would be like to care for a bat. There are many different species, each with its own dietary requirements. These are some common types of bat food:

• Milk: Bats are mammals and, like most other mammals, eat primarily milk for their early life.
• Insects: Most species eat insects such as flies, beetles, mosquitoes and cockroaches.
• Fruit: Some species like to eat fruits, particularly sweet, ripe fruits.
• Nectar: A few smaller species eat nectar. They have long snouts and tongues.
• Blood: A small number of species from Mexico and South America feed on blood from mammals and birds.
• Fish and Animals: Some species occasionally eat fish and other animals.

Additionally, you should keep in mind that bats are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. This means that they will likely need to be kept in an area in which they won’t cause a disturbance when you are sleeping.

Generally, if you are interested in bats, it is a better idea to use a bat box to attract wild bats. You can watch them and even leave food for them. However, remember that bats may carry rabies and other diseases. You should never attempt to handle a wild bat.

Bats Take Care of Pests Around Your Home

Bats can be a great way to deal with pests around your home, particularly insects. However, they can also be unwanted visitors themselves. If you need bat removal at your home or elsewhere, do not attempt to get rid of them yourself. Instead, call professionals to deal with the problem.

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control of Madison can handle the removal of bats and other wildlife from your home or business. Our methods are proven to be highly effective. Plus, working with us means that you will be protected against the risks of disease posed by wildlife.

Schedule Bat Removal Services

Although a bat may not make a very good pet, they are wonderful creatures that play an important role in our ecosystem. If you have an issue with bats or other wildlife around your home or business, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Madison. We will handle the issue in a manner that protects you and your loved ones, while also protecting the wildlife around us.