Most of us have heard all the negative myths out there floating around about bats. They may be from the spooky Halloween type sector that states that they are creatures of the night that are out to suck our blood to survive or the germaphobe they will infect me with rabies and other diseases sector. While a few of these may be true, there are many facts about bats that are misconceived or unknown to us.

The best way to protect our natural environment and the ecosystem that we live in is to stay informed and know the truth when it comes to what is fact or fiction.

So, here are just a few facts about bats that you may not know.

 

• Did you know that there are more than 1200 species of bats, and can you guess how many of them drink blood to survive? Out of more than 1200 only three species of bats survive by drinking blood. Lucky for us, these three species can only be found in Central and South America, so if you live in the US, it is pretty safe to say that you do not have to be worried about being attacked by a bat that is out for your blood.             In fact, vampire bats can help humans. They have a protein in their saliva called Draculin, which can help stroke patients. This protein prevents the blood from clotting and can break up blood clots in the stroke victim’s brain to help the blood start flowing smoothly once again.
• They are great for natural pest control. Bats make up a large portion (25%) of all the mammals on earth, and 70% of these animals feed on insects. In one hour, one tiny brown bat can eat up to 1000 mosquitoes. This could help many of us out who are looking forward to spending more time outdoors this summer. Just think of how much nicer it would be without having to worry about being feasted on by mosquitoes. These insect eating bats can also help your gardens thrive. Bats will eat many of the bugs and insects that love to destroy our gardens. This is why many people install bat houses on their property. You can take advantage of these natural pest controllers but still keep them at a good distance from you and your home.
• Many of us know that bats can carry rabies and many other diseases. Their droppings and their bites are something to worry about. They can easily spread many diseases to people, but this is why we should keep our distance. Bats are necessary to keep our fragile ecosystem in check, so this means that we should give them their space and allow them to    do what they do. This is why many people that build a bat house on             their property find a safe place to put it. You need to look for a spot that is close to your yard or garden but not too close to your house or outside gatherings. As long as you keep your interactions with any bats limited, you should be fine.

 

There are many misconceptions out there concerning bats; however, once you learn the truth about bats you may appreciate them a little more. If you do come across any bats on your property or in your house that you need to remove, remember to call in a professional. They will know how to properly handle the bats, sanitize any areas the bats have been in and seal off any entry points the bats may be using.

As we stated before, bats can transmit diseases to people, and you do not want to contaminate yourself by attempting to remove the bats on your own. The best course of action would be to always rely on a professional wildlife removal service.