Big brown bats are a misunderstood species, often shrouded in myths and misinformation. For homeowners, these creatures can be a source of concern as they occasionally find their way into attics and walls, especially in places where winters are harsh. This leads to common questions like “How do bats survive the winter?” and “What do bats eat?” At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we aim to provide clarity for homeowners seeking services like wildlife control in Thornton or other cities.

Misunderstanding these animals leads to unnecessary fear and ineffective solutions, so it’s important to separate fact from fiction. As wildlife control experts, we want to help you understand the reality of these animals. Together, we’ll explore some common myths about big brown bats and unpack the surprising truths to help you make informed decisions about your home and its winged visitors.

Myth 1: Bats Only Live in Caves

It’s a common belief that bats exclusively live in caves. While caves provide ideal roosting places for some species, big brown bats have adapted to thrive in a diverse range of environments—including urban areas. Homes and buildings are often choice roosting spots for these resourceful creatures. Structural features like attics, eaves, and walls mimic the dark, enclosed spaces they seek for shelter and protection from predators. 

Big brown bats are particularly drawn to attics during the winter months because of their unique method of survival. Wondering how they survive the winter? They hibernate! When temperatures drop and their food sources—mainly insects—become scarce, these mammals enter a state of torpor. This lowers their metabolism, allowing them to conserve energy while they rest. Your attic, with its consistent temperature, serves as the ultimate hibernation destination. 

It’s important to note that these animals do not intentionally “move in” to disrupt your home. Instead, they’re simply responding to their natural instincts and the challenges of surviving in an urban environment. This makes humane wildlife removal essential for addressing their presence safely and ethically.

Myth 2: What do Bats Eat?

The centuries-old association between bats and vampires has done little to help their reputation! Movies and media often portray them as bloodthirsty creatures, but this couldn’t be further from the truth—especially where big brown bats are concerned. These mammals are insectivores, which means their primary diet consists of insects.

Curious about what they eat? Big brown bats are nature’s pest controllers. They consume a variety of nocturnal insects, including moths, beetles, and wasps. A single bat can eat up to three times its body weight in insects in just one night. This makes them incredibly beneficial for ecosystems, as they help keep insect populations in check. If you’ve enjoyed fewer mosquitoes outdoors, thank a bat.

However, their diet poses a challenge when winter arrives. Since flying insects become dormant during colder temperatures, bats must rely on their fat reserves while hibernating. This is yet another reason why they seek out warm spaces in homes—they need tranquil environments to rest undisturbed until their food source returns in the spring.

Understanding a bat’s diet and role in the ecosystem can help dispel unnecessary fear and highlight why humane species management is so critical. They aren’t here to cause harm; they’re simply surviving in a world that’s changing faster than they can adapt.

Myth 3: Bats are Aggressive and Dangerous

A bat darting across the night sky might look menacing, but these creatures are far from aggressive. Big brown bats are shy, non-confrontational animals that prefer to avoid humans whenever possible. If you’ve encountered one unexpectedly in your living space, it’s likely that it became disoriented while navigating your home—not because it was deliberately seeking you out.

Most bats use echolocation for navigation and hunting, which is an extraordinary ability to “see” their surroundings by soundwaves. This helps them maneuver effortlessly through dark spaces. But even this advanced skill doesn’t guarantee indoor navigation success. When attics or wall cracks lead into living spaces, they can find themselves lost and simply want to return to their roost.

The biggest health risks associated with bats come from their droppings, known as guano, which can carry histoplasmosis spores harmful to human respiratory health if inhaled. Additionally, like many mammals, they can carry rabies, though this is rare. At Skedaddle, we emphasize the importance of leaving bat removal to professionals to ensure both your safety and the humane treatment of these animals. DIY approaches can lead to greater risk for both you and the animals.

Myth 4: Bats are Blind

Despite the common saying, the myth that bats are blind is entirely false. They are, in fact, not blind and many species have excellent eyesight that allows them to see in various lighting conditions, including low light. Their vision is particularly adapted to the needs of their nocturnal lifestyle, with some species capable of seeing better in darkness than humans can. This myth likely arose due to their reliance on echolocation, leading to the misconception that they lack the ability to see.

Echolocation, while a critical tool for navigation and hunting, complements rather than replaces their vision. This sophisticated biological sonar system enables them to emit high-frequency sounds that bounce off objects in their environment, creating a detailed spatial map. Combined with their eyesight, echolocation makes them exceptional navigators, especially in the dark. This dual capability highlights their remarkable adaptability as nocturnal creatures and their ability to survive in diverse environments.

It’s important to dispel this myth to foster a better understanding and appreciation of bats. Misconceptions like this can perpetuate fear or lead to unwarranted negative perceptions, ultimately affecting conservation efforts. These animals play an essential role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations and pollinating plants. Understanding the truth about their biology helps us recognize their importance and treat these remarkable animals with the respect they deserve. At Skedaddle, we are passionate about educating our communities to promote coexistence with these beneficial creatures.

Myth 5: All Bats Carry Rabies  

A common myth is that all of them carry rabies, leading to unnecessary fear and avoidance of these vital creatures. While it is true that they can contract rabies, the percentage of bats infected with the virus is minimal—typically less than one percent of the total bat population. Unfortunately, this misconception has contributed to the unwarranted eradication and mistreatment, harming ecosystems that depend on their valuable roles.

The presence of rabies in bats should be approached with the same caution applied to any wildlife. Humans and pets should always avoid direct contact with wild animals, and anyone who encounters a bat behaving unusually—such as being active during the day or unable to fly—should contact local wildlife professionals. It is important to handle these situations responsibly to ensure both human safety and the well-being of the animal.  

At Skedaddle, we prioritize safe and humane wildlife removal practices, including addressing situations where bats require attention. By spreading accurate information about bats and debunking myths like this one, we aim to foster understanding and support for these creatures. Eliminating fear-based misconceptions encourages coexistence and strengthens conservation efforts, safeguarding the essential roles bats play in the environment.  

Why Choose Skedaddle for Wildlife Control in Thornton?

At Skedaddle, we combine expertise, professionalism, and a commitment to humane practices to provide the most reliable bat removal services available. Our team of trained specialists uses proven techniques to safely and effectively remove bats from your property while ensuring no harm comes to these vital creatures. We don’t just remove bats—we also identify and seal entry points to prevent future issues, offering long-term solutions that protect both your home and local wildlife. With a focus on customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility, Skedaddle is the trusted choice for bat removal in your community.

Take Action to Protect Your Home and Understand the Truth About Bats

Big brown bats are a fascinating species deserving of respect and understanding. By separating myths from facts, we can take the right steps to ensure our homes remain safe while coexisting harmoniously with the wildlife around us. Whether you’ve wondered, “What do bats eat?” or “How do bats survive the winter?”, knowledge is the first step to informed decision-making.

If you suspect bats are roosting in your home, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in humane, expert solutions to address wildlife concerns efficiently and permanently. Contact us today, and rest easy knowing your home is in good hands.