Bats have gotten a bad reputation over the years thanks to the many myths and old folklore. However, these little creatures actually play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Unfortunately, the loss of habitat and food sources has landed some species on the endangered list.
In Nebraska, bats are a protected animal. There are laws that prohibit certain people from catching them and anyone from harming them. At CP Bat Mitigation, we do more than provide pest control in Omaha. Our highly-skilled team is dedicated to protecting the bats and the people in this area.
The Importance Of Bat Conservation
Without bats, the world would be a dreary place to live. Bats are the pest control specialists of the animal world. They eat a wide range of insects. Because they are nocturnal and can fly, they can eat a wider variety of bugs than other insect-eating mammals. They will spend almost all of their waking hours looking for food and water. It is estimated that bats can eat up to 70% of their body weight in insects each night, and pregnant females can eat up to 100% of their body weight.
While bees, butterflies, and other insects pollinate the plants during the day, bats take care of the pollination during the night. Most bats have long, narrow snouts and long tongues that are able to stretch to be longer than their bodies. This allows them to collect sweet-tasting nectar from various types of plants easily. When eating from one flower, pollen will stick to the fur on their face. Then, when they go to the next flower, the pollen falls off and gets deposited on that plant. Bats are responsible for pollinating several types of plants, including the ones that produce guava, mangos, and bananas.
Bat Populations: Understanding The Causes Of Decline
It is estimated that we have lost about half of the bat population over the last ten years. Several factors have been contributing to the decline of the bat population. Some of the most common causes of the declining numbers include:
- White-nose syndrome: This dangerous disease is responsible for killing 90% of the little brown and the northern long-eared bats. White-nose syndrome is caused by a fungus called Pseudogymnoascus destructans that infects the nose, ears, wings, and skin of hibernating bats. The fungus is white, which makes the bat's muzzle and skin turn white, and is most commonly found in caves and other cold and humid areas.
- Loss of habitat: As humans continue to bulldoze fields, knock down trees, and destroy many natural rural areas, the bats are finding it more and more difficult to find a place to roost. Without having a safe place to hide during the day, the bat's chance of survival diminishes.
Like all animals, bats need plenty of water to survive. As the temperatures begin to rise and certain areas receive less rainfall, bats struggle to find a viable water source. Some people attribute this to global warming, with some scientists suggesting that we could lose over 81 different bat species in the next 15 years if the weather conditions do not change.
Bats Need Homes, Just Not Yours: Factors That Attract Bats To Homes
Bats are an important part of our ecosystem, but they can be dangerous to have around. If they roost on your property, they could end up ruining your home or outdoor structures with the droppings. Bat droppings can also be dangerous in your home as they could cause you to become infected with a dangerous disease called histoplasmosis.
Protecting Bats And Your Home: Our Experts Ensure Humane Removal
If you see bats on your Omaha property, give us a call today. At CP Bat Mitigation, we can specialize in proper bat control and can safely remove the bats and ensure that you and the bat are safe.