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6 Benefits of Bats and How to Attract Them

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6 Benefits of Bats and How to Attract Them

Bats might not be the first creature you think of for garden allies. However, they are surprisingly helpful.

Let’s see how bats can benefit your garden and yard. We’ll also look at some ways to attract them.

1. Help Control Pests in Gardens

Bats are among the best natural pest controllers you can have.

Many bat species feed on insects that can damage crops in gardens. They will eat insects like beetles, armyworm moths, caterpillars, and grasshoppers.

In fact, a single bat can consume thousands of insects in just one night [1].

Therefore, by welcoming bats, you can cut back on the need for chemical pesticides. This will keep your farm more natural and safer for every living thing.

2. Help Lower Mosquito Numbers

Bats also bring benefits to your yard as well. If mosquitoes are a nuisance, bats can help here too!

Certain bat species love to snack on mosquitoes. Some insect-eating bats can eat as much as half their body weight in mosquitoes [2].

This natural mosquito control is especially valuable in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent or where diseases like the West Nile virus are a concern.

3. Bats are Pollinators

While bees often get all the credit for pollination, certain species of bats are important pollinators [3].

They’re known to pollinate various plants. These include night-blooming flowers, fruit trees like mango and guava, and agaves.

If you have any of the plants in your yard or garden, bats can help with pollination.

4. They Distribute Seeds

Fruit-eating bats also help in seed distribution [4]. This is essential for spreading various plant species.

In tropical regions, for example, bats play a role in dispersing seeds from fruits they consume. Even in home gardens, bats may assist in distributing seeds naturally.

5. Nutrient-Rich Fertilizer (Bat Guano)

Bat droppings (guano) are a rich natural fertilizer. They contain some essential nutrients plants need to grow.

Bat guano is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are all vital for plant health.

Therefore, if possible, sprinkle some bat guano in your garden soil. This can provide plants with the nutrients they need to thrive.

Plus, it is an organic fertilizer option. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.

6. Biodiversity Support

Among the benefits bats bring, attracting them helps promote an overall balanced ecosystem.

These helpful creatures coexist with other pollinators, like bees and butterflies. They also play a role in the larger food web.

In addition to benefiting your plants, they attract natural predators. This can help keep pest populations in check.

How to Attract Bats to Your Garden

Encouraging bats to visit your garden is not as hard as it seems. It can be as easy as creating a welcoming environment for them.

Below are five ways to attract them:

Install a Bat House

Putting up a good bat house is one of the most effective ways to attract bats.

A bat house is like a birdhouse but specifically designed for bats. It provides them with a cozy place to roost during the day.

It also keeps them safe from certain predators.

Add a Water Source

Bats also need water to drink. The females especially need plenty of water on hot summer nights.

Therefore, having a water feature like a small pond can make your yard more inviting to these creatures. You can also take a small, shallow container and turn it into a bat “water dish.”

Create a Diverse Habitat

Bats appreciate a garden with variety. This includes trees, shrubs, and perennials that mimic their natural habitat.

Tall trees provide a place to hide. Dense shrubs and flowering plants offer additional insect-hunting opportunities.

Minimize Artificial Lighting

Bats are sensitive to bright lights. They also prefer to hunt in darker conditions.

Therefore, consider reducing the outdoor lighting or keeping the lights off unless needed. Reducing artificial lighting will make your backyard more attractive to bats.

Avoid Using or Reduce the Use of Pesticides

Since bats feed on insects, using fewer pesticides (organic ones included) means they’ll have more food to eat.

Opt for other organic or natural pest control methods. This encourages a healthier habitat for bats and other beneficial creatures.

Plant Night-Blooming Flowers

Bats are drawn to fragrant, night-blooming flowers that provide nectar.

Try adding plants like evening primrose and moonflower. Night-blooming phlox and night-blooming jasmine are also plants that attract bats.

These plants may also attract insects, providing bats with another food source.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bats in the Environment

Are bats dangerous to have around?

Bats generally try to avoid humans. They are nocturnal and spend their time eating insects, resting in their roosts, or hunting.

However, bats, like many wild animals, can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans [4]. But the risk of disease transmission is low if you avoid touching them.

What if I see a bat flying during the day?

A bat flying during the day could be injured. It could also be just seeking a new roost.

However, as mentioned, it’s best to avoid handling it. Contact local wildlife authorities if it appears injured or needs assistance.

Takeaway

So, there are more pros than cons here.

Bats are helpful in the garden and the environment. They provide natural pest control, pollination, seed distribution, and even free fertilizer.

With a few simple steps, you can make your garden and yard bat-friendly, creating a haven for them.

Picture via Flickr

Sasha Campbell

Sasha Campbell is an experienced blogger in the organic gardening and natural health niches. She's also a lover of all things natural.

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