Bats are surrounded by mystery. These fascinating creatures have been featured in myths and stories across the globe, often unfairly earning themselves a reputation as eerie or even dangerous. 

But when you dig deeper, you find a different truth. What are bat myths around the world, and what is the truth behind them? Today, we’ll uncover misconceptions and fascinating bat facts, and why these creatures are more than just symbols in folklore.

From their association with vampires in Europe to their role as lucky symbols in Asia, the world’s cultures have painted bats in a mix of light and shadow. 

It’s time to separate fact from fiction, so you can truly appreciate how important these creatures are—and why, if you find them in your home, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Toronto is your best solution for making sure they’re handled safely and responsibly.

Bat Myths Around the World

Every culture seems to have its take on the enigmatic bat. Here are some popular bat myths—and the real stories behind them.

Myth #1: They Are Blind 

Imagine walking outside at dusk only to see bats flying effortlessly through the fading light. Many say, “They must be blind—it’s too dark for them to see!” However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While they can hunt using echolocation, which involves bouncing sound waves off objects to detect food or obstacles, their eyesight works perfectly fine.

Key facts about bat vision:

• They’re not blind—they can see just fine.
• Megabats, like fruit bats, use their sharp vision to find food.
• Echolocation helps bats hunt in the dark, but it doesn’t replace their eyesight.

Next time someone says, “Blind as a bat,” you can set the record straight!

Myth #2: They Fly into People’s Hair 

Have you heard this one? Supposedly, bats love swooping in and tangling themselves into people’s hair—a tale passed down for years. While it might seem like they’re heading straight for your head, they’re usually just chasing a mosquito or other insect flying nearby. They have no interest in hairstyling. Thankfully, these animals are skilled navigators and rarely make contact with people.

Myth #3: All Bats Drink Blood 

Blame novels like Dracula and Halloween for this misconception. While it’s true that a handful of vampire bats in Central and South America consume blood as their primary food source, these species are in the minority. Most of them feast on fruit, nectar, or insects.

What do they really eat?

• Most eat fruit, nectar, or insects.
• Only three species drink blood, and they prefer livestock like cows or pigs.
• Vampire bats don’t “suck” blood—they lap it up after making tiny bites.

Even vampire versions aren’t as scary as they sound!

Myth #4: They Always Carry Rabies 

Yes, bats can carry rabies, but the story is exaggerated. Statistics show that less than 1% of bats are infected with the rabies virus. That said, any bat found acting oddly, like flying during the day or lying on the ground, should never be touched. It’s always better to rely on professionals, such as Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, to handle encounters with bats safely.

Myth #5: They Are Bad Luck 

You might’ve heard myths linking bats to bad luck and even death, especially in European folklore. This belief largely comes from their nighttime habits and eerie association with caves. However, bats are symbols of good fortune in cultures across the globe. For instance, in China, bats represent happiness and prosperity. Their image is even carved into art and furniture to bring good luck into homes.

The Importance of Bats to Our World 

While myths give bats a spooky reputation, they play a vital role in our ecosystems.

• Natural Pest Control: They eat thousands of insects, including mosquitos, every single night. This keeps bug populations in check while making evenings more comfortable for us.
• Pollinators of Plants: Many plants rely on bats to spread pollen, just like bees. Agave, the plant used to make tequila, is primarily pollinated by bats!
• Seed Dispersers: By eating fruit, bats spread seeds far and wide, helping new plants grow.

Without bats, our fields, forests, and food supply would look very different.

Misconceptions About Bats in Stories and Legends 

Bats have been the stars of spooky stories and legends for centuries, often painted as mysterious or even scary creatures. But many of these tales are based on myths, not facts, and it’s time to uncover the truth behind them!

• Vampires and Bats: Some of the most famous vampire stories originated in Europe, though vampire bats were discovered in Central and South America centuries later. The creatures’ nocturnal habits and blood-consuming tendencies naturally tied them to folklore. While the connection makes for thrilling books and movies, real-life bats are far less sinister.
• Liminal Creatures: They’re often described as “in-between” animals—straddling the line between bird and mammal, night and day. Because of this, cultures in Africa and Asia viewed them as supernatural beings that lived between the human and spirit worlds. For example, some legends claim these animals carry messages between the living and the dead. Interesting as these tales are, these animals are just nocturnal mammals trying to survive and play their part in nature.
• The Story of the Nigerian Bat: A folktale from Southern Nigeria tells of a bat who tricked another animal into thinking its meat would make delicious soup. When the other animal imitated the bat’s “recipe,” it ended in disaster. This made these animals known as sneaky tricksters in local stories. While entertaining, the reality is much less dramatic—these animals are simply fascinating animals connected to their unique environment.

Why Professional Help is Key 

Despite their importance, bats don’t belong inside your attic or walls. If you spot signs of a bat infestation—like droppings or strange sounds—avoid using DIY methods to remove them. These can be harmful to both these animals and your home. Instead, turn to experts like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. 

We use one-way doors—designed to allow bats to leave but not to return—ensuring a humane and effective solution. Not only does this protect these animals and their role in the ecosystem, but it also safeguards your property from damage. For over 30 years, Skedaddle has been Toronto’s trusted name in wildlife control.

The Truth Is, Bats Aren’t as Scary as They Seem 

Misconceptions about bats continue to shape how we view these creatures, but the truth tells a different story. From their incredible ability to control pests to their role as pollinators, bats are vital to our world. Sure, bats have inspired plenty of spooky folklore, but beneath their dark reputation lies a creature worth celebrating. 

It’s time we give bats the respect they deserve!

If these animals have taken up residence in your home, remember that they’re protected by law in many areas, including Canada. Call Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Toronto for a humane and reliable solution. Our team will inspect your home, clear out the bats, and seal entry points to keep them from coming back.

Get Rid of Myths Once and For All!

Think bats are creepy nuisances? Think again! Many bat myths and misconceptions have given them an unfair reputation, but the truth is, they’re essential to our ecosystem. These amazing creatures help control pests and pollinate plants, making them vital to our environment. 

If you have a bat problem, don’t try to handle it on your own. Instead, trust Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control for expert help. Request an estimate today—your attic (and the bats) will thank you!