The Vital Role Of Bats To Milwaukee’s Ecosystem

Bats are probably one of the most misunderstood animal groups in the world. Popular and urban myths have developed around bats, which is why so many people are afraid of them. But bats actually have a crucial role in the ecosystem, especially in one that is as diverse as Milwaukee. Bats are mammals, and not rodents as some people believe.  They are from the order of Chiroptera, meaning hand-wing, and are the only mammals to have developed true flight. There are about 1,200 species of bats in the world, which is about one-fifth of all known mammalian species. If they seek out shelter inside human dwellings, though, they require professional animal control services. [caption id="attachment_15028" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Common sign you have a bat problem, guano.[/caption]

Why Are Bats so Important for the Ecosystem?

Bats play a vital role for many ecosystems – not just in Milwaukee. These winged mammals actually serve as seed-dispersers and pollinators for many plants. They are also among the major consumers of forest and agricultural pests. Similarly, they also play an important role in reducing the risk of insect-borne diseases such as the West Nile Virus because they are also natural predators to insects such as mosquitoes. If you’re looking to benefit from these interesting beings, consider constructing a bat home somewhere on your property to discourage them from seeking shelter in your residence, while at the same time encouraging them to protect your property from pesky insects.

Little Known Bat Facts

As helpful as they can be, there are also a number of problems bats can cause for humans. Here are some interesting facts regarding these majestic creatures:

• Bats sometimes do bite people if they try to catch them or if the bat feels threatened. Bat droppings (guano) can also cause histoplasmosis if inhaled, which is a disease characterized by flu-like symptoms.
• When temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, bats will hibernate. Similarly, if a parent is killed, young bats may be left to die.
• Bats usually feed on a 24-48 cycle, removing the active bats from your home may mean that you’re only effectively removing half the colony.
• Closing entry holes doesn’t work when it comes to keeping bats away as they can fit through holes the size of a dime. They will often find another way into the home and if they should die in the process, they will cause not only damage but also a terrible odor. [caption id="attachment_15029" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Baby bats, bats can squeeze through the size of a dime.[/caption]

If You Need Bats Removed from Your Milwaukee Home, Contact Skedaddle Right Away

When it comes to professional bat and animal control services for your Milwaukee home, there is no better choice than Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Skedaddle takes pride in using only humane hands-on removal and exclusion techniques during the removal process, which means its technicians go where the critters go and remove babies by hand. The babies are then reunited with their parents safely, and the affected areas are cleaned, sanitized and even re-insulated if needed. The final step in the process is the future-proofing, which protects your residence against any and all subsequent re-entry of bats. Get in touch with Skedaddle today to keep your family and property safe from these flying mammals.