Fruit bats? Here in the U.S.? Well, no, except for a few along the border with Mexico. Most of the 40 bat species that live in the U.S. and Canada eat insects—and we’re darn lucky they do that for us, both for the crops they protect (about $3.7 billion-worth per year!) and for the reduction of biting insects (kind of hard to count the bites we didn’t get, but yay, right?). Let’s talk about these fruit bats, though, because they’re superheroes to … [Read more...]
Winter Dens… Timing and Tips
Ahhhh… the winter den… a softly lit, cozy room with a comfy reading chair, a warm blanket, and a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. These winter creature comforts differ a bit if you’re a small wild animal, but warmth is equally valued, and a winter den provided by a tree or other natural feature can be increasingly hard to find due to habitat loss and urbanization. As temps begin dropping, there’s more wildlife looking for warmth than there are … [Read more...]
Bat in House … What to do?
If you discover a bat flying around your house, don’t take it personally. It’s not a comment on your housekeeping—or lack thereof! Sometimes they accidentally fly in through an open door without being noticed. Other times they find their way in through gaps in your eaves, spaces around loose-fitting windows or doors, vents, or other small openings. So, okay, that may be a comment on the need for some outdoor maintenance, but we’ll get to that … [Read more...]
Bat Traps: How to Remove Bats from Buildings
Bats are a huge help in keeping insects in check. But they may seem a bit less helpful when they “check in” to your attic or roost nearby behind a shutter or in your gazebo or carport. And especially when one accidentally gets into your home and starts zipping around, seeking a way out. If one of these scenarios has you searching for bat traps, read on for helpful guidance. Putting important safety concerns in perspective… Although bats can … [Read more...]