Bats for Insect Control

Bats are one of the most efficient insect predators you can attract to your garden. They can eat half their weight in insects per night.

There are dozens of species of bats in North America, the most common of which are brown bats. The big brown bats are the most populous, and are the species usually found roosting in attics. These common brown bats feed as they flutter through the night sky by using echolocation to find insects in the air and then swooping to catch them. This is known as “aerial hawking.” You can attract insects at night, and thus attract bats, by leaving a light on. A solar garden light will work well, especially if you locate it high up on a pole or building. Any electric light will do, but if it is in an open area where it is easy for the bats to swoop and swerve they will be more likely to hunt there. Provide at least one bat house nearby, and they should soon move in. Locate your bat houses to face east, southeast, or south.

The best time to try to attract a colony to your bat houses is in the summer. Bats mate in the late fall before hibernating during the winter. The pups are born in the early spring, usually one or two per female. Occasionally you may see a pup that has fallen out of the roost, and if this happens, you should not touch or pick up the pup. The mothers check on them every few minutes, and will return them to the roost. A birdbath or other open source of water is important for bats, especially lactating mothers.

Always avoid using any chemicals in your garden that could harm your bats.