When people think of bats, many people commonly think of vampires. While vampire bats do exist and they feed on the blood of other mammals, these are not the typical bats you’ll find in Florida. More common bats in Florida are:
- Brazilian (Mexican) free-tailed bat
- Southeastern myotis
- Evening bat
- Eastern red bat
- Seminole bat
- Northern yellow bat
Whether you’ve seen a bat in person or not, you may have some inquiries about the only flying mammal on the planet. Can bats take off from the ground? Are they cold blooded? What do they sound like? Critter Control of Tampa is here to help you find the answers you’ve been seeking!
If your home or business is subject to a possible bat infestation, give Critter Control a call for a safe and humane removal process.
Are bats dangerous?
While bats do not attack humans, they can be dangerous. According to Bat Conservation International, bats are known as a “rabies vector species,” meaning there will always be occurrences of the virus within bat populations. However, most bats do not “carry” rabies. If they contact the virus, then most die from the disease quickly. You will only contact rabies from them through a bite. You should never touch a bat with your bare hands. If you see a bat that seems hurt, call your nearest pest control unit immediately.
Can bats take off from the ground?
No, most bats cannot take off directly from the ground. Bats are mammals, meaning they didn’t develop the necessary characteristics needed for flying, but they evolved into being the only flying mammal. Bats typically need to be anywhere from two to five feet above ground to drop and take flight.
Are bats cold blooded?
As mentioned previously, bats are mammals, meaning they are warm blooded. They give live birth to their young and feed their babies with their own milk.
Mammals eat a consistent diet to maintain their energy as energy maintains constant body temperatures. However, bats have adapted to a near ectothermic state to conserve their energy, according to North American Nature. Bats get near this state when they hibernate during the winter. Hibernation helps bats preserve their energy in colder temperatures.
Where do bats live?
Bats are everywhere in the world! Except for Antarctica, you can find a bat near you just about anywhere. In Florida, there are 13 species of bats that live in the state year-round or seasonally, according to the Florida Bat Conservancy. Bats generally live in caves, rock crevices or trees, but some love to live in human-built structures, such as bridges and even your own home. It’s rare that you see a bat during the daytime since they are a nocturnal species.
Where do bats sleep during the day?
Since bats are nocturnal, you might be wondering where they typically sleep during the day, when we humans are out and about. Bats like to sleep in high places, such as trees, caves, crevices, and almost always in big groups. Wherever they choose to sleep, the place must be secure and safe so they can hide from any predators.
But how do they sleep upside down? La Trobe University stated that bats used their hands and mouth to catch prey and hung from their back legs. This caused an adaptation in their claws making their tendons lock into place when they hang upside down. Gravity does all the work for them when they sleep, as they don’t use any muscles and barely use any energy.
Do bats drink water?
Yes, bats do drink water. You may love reading about vampires, but in real life bats do not drink blood like fiction tells us. Females will drink more water than males if they are nursing or pregnant.
How they discover water is quite fascinating. They use echolocation by emitting high frequency sounds and locate water by the sound they can hear. However, they sometimes are confused using this technique when close to man-made materials, such as metal and plastic, due to similar properties.
How long can a bat live without food?
Unless the bat is in hibernation, most bats cannot survive very long without food or water. The time can vary, but generally bats cannot survive if they’ve gone without food or water for a few days.
If a bat gets stuck in a wall or the attic at your house, it will not survive for very long. Bats are also protected by the state year-round, so it is illegal to kill or harm them. That is why it is important to reach out to your nearest pest control unit so they can safely remove any bat in your home.
What do bats sound like in walls?
Bats are fairly quiet animals. They usually make squeaking noises or you may hear flutters if they’re moving around in a wall or the attic. Hearing them during the day is not likely unless they are disturbed from their sleep by a loud noise, like a door slamming shut or something hitting the wall.
Are bats protected by the government?
Yes. Bats in Florida are protected year-round, and therefore it is illegal to harm or kill them. Some species are also federally protected. Mishandling or killing a federally protected species can result in stiff penalties. It is important to note that during the maternity season when flightless young are present—from April 15 to August 15—bats may not be excluded without a permit. If you suspect that bats reside in your home or business contact the professionals at Critter Control.
Safely Remove Bats from Your Home with Critter Control
If you think you have a bat invading your home, rely on Critter Control to remove them safely from your home. At Critter Control, we specialize in humane bat removal and prevention. Stay safe and leave it up to the professionals.
Critter Control provides reliable preventive and exclusion solutions to safeguard your home or office against bats and other critters. Turn to Critter Control to help eliminate bats in your home and prevent re-entry. Call your local Critter Control office to learn more about our services, or request your free quote today.
