October is here and one Halloween decoration that takes center stage is the bat. They may have a spooky reputation but bats are more helpful than haunting.
Around the world, some bat species are important pollinators by visiting flowers after dark and helping plants such as agave and tropical fruits reproduce. Here in Georgia, bats have a different specialty. According to the University of Georgia Extension, all 16 bat species in the state are insect-eaters. And they are experts at their job.
Once the sun starts to set, bats emerge to hunt for moths, mosquitoes, beetles and other flying insects. UGA Extension notes that insect eating bats can consume a large portion of their body weight in insects each night. In other words, those shadows swooping over your yards are not plotting your demise, they are just probably eating bugs.
Invite the Night Shift
Cutting back on unnecessary pesticide use helps protect the insects bats depend on for food. Native plants are another great way to support moths and other nighttime insects that become part of a bat’s evening menu. Mature trees, natural areas and nearby water sources also provide valuable habitat while a well-placed bat house can give bats an extra place to roost.
What Goes Bump in the Night?
The best time to look for bats is around dusk. Watch above tree lines, ponds, gardens and open spaces to see darting silhouettes twisting through the air. Like other wild mammals, bats can carry rabies and Georgia bats also face threats from habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has caused serious declines in some bat populations.
So this month, give bats a little more credit. While we are inside eating candy and watching scary movies, they are outside working the graveyard shift by eating pests and supporting healthy ecosystems by also making our gardens a little less buggy. Those dark shadows flying around in the night sky are actually on your side.
Right Plant + Right Place = Gardening Success
