About Bats
There are 25 bat species in California, the most common in urban areas are the pallid bat, big brown bat, Mexican free-tailed bats, and Myotis species. Bats look like mice with wings. The wings are skin that is stretched over the bones of the fingers and arms. Bats are the only mammals that fly. They have fur that varies in color. Their fur is commonly black and brown but there are some bats that have red, tan, or gray fur. Bats give birth to live young and feed them milk. Most bats are small with large ears. Pallid bats and big brown bats have a wingspan of up to 16 inches. Mexican free-tailed bats are slightly smaller with a wingspan of up to 14 inches.
Bats mostly feed on flying insects, eating large numbers. They are mostly active at night. They tend to roost in the dark in sheltered places (like attics, under eaves, in barns, or bat boxes) during the day and are rarely seen. They are excellent flyers. Bats can locate objects by emitting sounds and then using their large ears to capture the rebounding sound. Their life span can range from 5 to 30 years.
Why are they important?
Bats are an important part of our ecosystem. They help pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and help with pest control. However, they do have the potential of carrying diseases like rabies and histoplasmosis that can make humans sick. The best way to protect them and protect ourselves is to observe from a distance and NEVER touch them.
Services
You can request a free home inspection and consultation for issues with bats. Our trained technicians will inspect the exterior of your property and do the following:
- Look for possible entry points.
- Identify what might be attracting wildlife to your property.
- Provide consultation and advice on how to:
- Do the repairs to keep wildlife out of your property.
- Reduce availability of food, water, and shelter.
REQUEST A WILDLIFE INSPECTION
Prevention and Exclusion
To prevent bats from entering structures it is best to:
- Install spark arresters on chimneys.
- Inspect for holes and cracks that are 1/4" in size around windows, doors, pipes, and vents.
- Seal gaps and holes with 1/4 inch hardware cloth, stainless steel or copper wool and secure it into place or caulk.
- Install tight fitting screens on windows and doors that are open at night.
