For years, the assumption that bats were nature’s mosquito control propelled a habit of homeowners installing bat boxes on their properties. While bats are a good form of natural pest control, encouraging them to nest near your home is probably not the best idea. An infestation of bats can result in health risks and property damage, requiring bat removal in Whitby.
While they eat mosquitoes, bats are not that fond of them, which is to say, the insects are not the animal’s favourite snack. Still, bats play a vital role in curbing mosquito populations, but maybe not as critical a role as initially thought.
3 Questions About Mosquito and Bat Control
Bats do eat mosquitoes, but opinions stating bats eat 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour are over exaggerations. While a bat can eat up to 10 mosquitoes in 60 seconds, it likely won’t, preferring to eat a variety of insects. Also, the estimate assumes a bat never stops eating, which is unlikely. That said, bats eat various mosquito species, including those carrying and transmitting the West Nile Virus.
While bats might help combat the spread of disease, that doesn’t make them a suitable response to mosquito population control. Homeowners must ask themselves questions about mosquito and bat control methods to ensure an enjoyable backyard space this summer.
1. Are There Good Ways To Get Rid of Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are a natural part of the ecosystem and serve an essential purpose as food for many species, including bats. You may never completely eliminate the entire mosquito population from your property, but there are plenty of ways to curb it or make it more manageable.
The worst thing for your property and the most significant contributor to growing mosquito populations is the availability of standing water. Eliminate all standing water around your house. Also, wash out and refill bird baths and children’s pools at least twice a week. Finally, hire a professional wildlife control service to treat your yard.
2. Do Mosquitoes Attract Bats to Your Home?
While mosquitoes are part of a bat’s diet, it is unlikely that only the presence of the flying insect will attract a bat. A property motivates a bat to stay close when it provides access to shelter, water, and ample food supply. Since mosquitoes are only a tiny part of the animal’s diet, it is likely not reason enough to attract bats.
That said, if your property has an insect problem and provides access to water and shelter, bats will find it attractive. A professional service can help ensure your property doesn’t meet the needs of bats.
3. How Can You Prevent Bats From Accessing Your Home?
Bats are nocturnal animals, so keeping a space bright is an excellent way to deter nesting. You can install motion-activated outdoor lighting around the house to help distract and frighten the animal away from your home.
Also, hire a professional wildlife control service to assess your entire property, looking for signs of bats in the house and offering solutions. A professional can ensure you do not inadvertently trap bats inside your space.
The Importance of Bats
How do bats get in a house? They often find small openings. Despite poor vision, bats are capable navigators and will make homes in attic spaces or wall cavities with access.
Despite possible intrusions, bats are essential to the ecosystem. The animals are vital to pest control, dispersing seeds, and pollinating plants, which is why many species are protected.
The Answer to Mosquito Control
Bats are not the answer to mosquito control, but that doesn’t mean a solution doesn’t exist. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to discuss your mosquito problem and schedule an assessment.
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