How to Attract Bats for Natural Pest Control

The last week of October is Bat Week! And just in time for the haunting season, Nature Hills is here to remove some of the spookiness surrounding these misunderstood winged mammals!

Eating tons of insects and saving us from expensive pesticide costs, Bats have gotten a creepy reputation thanks to their association with vampires and superstition, and the chance they carry rabies. But these little mammals are responsible for helping stop the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and help control the populations of beetles, moths, and leafhoppers among other types of insect nuisances, crop-destroying pests, and disease-bearing bugs.

Batty for Bats!

There are four Bat families found in North America with about 50 native Bat species living in the United States and Canada:

Vespertilionidae - Some of the smallest Bats on the continent
Molossidae - Free-Tailed Bats
Phyllostomidae - Called New World Leaf-Nosed Bats
Mormoopidae - The only US member is the Ghost-Faced Bat

Whoever it was that was in charge of naming the Bats here in the states, they didn’t have too much of an imagination - Small Brown Bat, Big Brown Bat, Big-Eared, Long-Eared, Spotted… Gray (Yawn!). But there are also Silver-Haired, Rafinesque, Pallid, Free-Tailed, and so many more here in the States. While these names do tell us exactly what these creatures look like, they don’t sound very snazzy.

Especially when other countries have Bats named Buettikofer's Epauletted Fruit Bat, Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox, Eastern Tube-Nosed Bat, and Wrinkle-Lipped Free-Tailed Bat.

Around the world and here in the States, there are Bats with incredibly unusual noses like Pendlebury's Roundleaf Bat and Tomes's Sword-nosed Bat. Others have wild ears like the Heart-Nosed Bat or the Spotted Bat which has the largest ears of any North American Bat!

Many have unusual faces like the Hammer-Headed and Visored Bat! And you need to get a look at the Chapin’s Free-Tailed Bat that sports a mohawk. Plus there’s the gorgeous red fur of the Eastern Red Bat. Check out the pretty wing patterns of the Painted Bat. And who can ignore the adorable faces of the Honduran White Bat?

Batty for Bats!
Interesting Bat Facts!
Attracting Bats to Your Garden
Bat Houses & Bat Boxes
Bat Food and Water
Problems Facing Bats in the U.S.
Go Batty!
Beneficial Bats

Interesting Bat Facts!

Baby Bats are called Pups and Moms sometimes fly with the baby clinging to them
Bats use echolocation to locate their prey
Bats have great vision - echolocation is just much better in the dark
The 4,000-strong colony in Carlsbad Caverns eats about 3 tons of insects every night!
The largest Texas colony can host over 15 million Bats
Some Bats soar as high as 10,000 feet in the air
Bats will search over 50 miles from their roost for food
Virginia Big-Eared Bats pups can fly 3 weeks after birth
The smallest US Bat is the Indiana Bat that weighs about the same as a penny
The largest US Bat is the Greater Mastiff Bat, 2.0-2.5 oz (56-70 g) and 20-23” wingspan
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bats can fly 99.5 miles per hour (160.2 kilometers)
We wouldn’t have many Bananas, Avocados and Mangos - Yep! All pollinated by Bats!
Insect-eating Bats eat their body weight in bugs each night
Their wings are their hands with skin stretched between each finger
The oldest Bat was recorded at 41 years of age! On average they can live 20 years.
They groom themselves like cats
The Tube-Lipped Nectar Bat has a tongue 1 1⁄2 times as long as its body!

Attracting Bats to Your Garden

First off, a bit of a caveat regarding Bats. These are mammals and can bite when mishandled or afraid. Never handle Bats unless you are a trained professional! Call your local humane society or pest control for help assisting a grounded, injured, or sickly Bat. Because they are mammals, they can carry rabies - just like any other mammal!

But also like mammals, food, water, and shelter are the primary needs! Most of the Bats found in the US are insectivorous or nectar-eating and hibernate in the winter, but not all Bats roost in large colonies or in caves. Many roost solitarily under tree bark and within the leaves of trees like the Hoary Bat in Hawaii. Other species migrate instead of hibernating, traveling short distances around 1,200-1,500 miles (2,000 kilometers) for the winter.

Some are nectarivorous and (like bees and hummingbirds) have long tongues to reach the nectar in night-blooming flowers. Those living in desert areas appreciate the Pallid Bat since they readily munch on scorpions and spiders! (And thank a Bat for your next margarita! Agave Plants are pollinated by Bats!)

Chemical-free food for the Bat species local to your area (Your County Extension Office or Master Naturalist group can help with that!)
Clean water source
Older trees, dead trees, caves, and other shelter and habitat (or a Bat box)

Bat Houses & Bat Boxes

If you don’t have any place for Bats to roost in, a Bat Box is an easy-to-install shelter option! Choose non-toxic wood such as plywood and plywood with a waterproof cover and some non-moisture holding material for them to climb and cling to inside, or grooves for them to grip onto. Best Bat houses also should have 3 chambers minimum. There are even free-standing towers that support large colonies.

Find DIY plans to make your own at the Bat Conservation International or National Wildlife Federation, or buy a pre-built Bat House online or in local garden centers and hardware stores.

Hang a Bat house or standing tower at least 10 to 15 feet above the ground and place them in a sunny spot where they can absorb lots of heat during the day. Bats need to drop into the air and need enough clearance to become airborne. This is why you often see Bats get grounded - if there is nothing for them to climb high enough onto to take off, they get stuck.

Place the Bat house in a location that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day, specifically facing south, east, or southeast in most climates, and choose a dark color to absorb heat. The ideal temperature for Bats to raise their young is between 80-100°F (27-38°C).

Don’t wait with bated breath for Bats to move in - it can take 1-4 years before you see any activity. But once they find a home they like, Bats will return year after year to the same house if they find it suitable - and they’ll bring their kids and some friends along with them!

Bats only use Bat boxes during the summer to roost and raise young, come winter, some migrate to warmer climates or because Bats are endothermic (warm-blooded) they will hibernate in other areas of the country.

Bat House maintenance should be performed when it is vacant to sterilize it and keep paper wasps from moving in. Replace rotting wood and caulk drafty joints to keep them as protected as possible.

Or you can just not be too hasty to cut down that old tree in the backyard. As long as a dead tree isn’t a harm to people or property - leave it for the Bats!

Bat Food and Water

The other thing Bats need as insectivores are - insects!

Bats of North America can eat over 1,000 mosquitoes per hour! A single Little Brown Bat can eat 60 mid-sized moths or 1,000 mosquito-sized flies a night. Those of us that despise those little blood-suckers are always grateful to see a Dragonfly or Bat flying around our garden! Plus Bats save U.S. farmers an estimated $1 billion every year in free pest control.

To attract Bats and keep them around, it’s important not to spray your plants with excess pesticides and herbicides, since the insects can pick up these chemicals and get eaten before the insect dies, poisoning the Bat that just ate them!

Bats need water like everything else and will always be within about a quarter mile of a large water source. No water around - add a water source like a bird bath or pond. Not only do they give Bats a place to drink from, and water attracts insects to congregate around them - and Bats happily eat them. Choose a type of water source that Bats can skim water from the surface to drink while in mid-flight. Most Bats need grips or an edge to cling to but also have enough height to drop from and get back on the wing.

Bats that drink nectar need evening and night-blooming flowers to feed them. Some types of these blooms include:

Moonflower
Honeysuckle
Four-O’Clock
Yucca
Evening Primrose
Night-Blooming Water Lily
Night-Blooming Jessamine
Plus Annuals like Cleome and Nicotiana

Not only will you feed these flying mammals, but they pollinate flowers too! Lights in your landscape can also attract insects giving Bats an easy buffet!

Problems Facing Bats in the U.S.

Half of our Vespertilionidae bats are threatened by extinction. A lot of those face White-Nose Syndrome (an invasive fungal disease), killing millions since 2006, and more have died as a result of habitat loss and pesticides.

Other problems Bats face are housecats and feral cats. Solve this by bringing in your feline pets before dusk to help keep your Bat populations safe too. They’re most active 2-3 hours after dusk to feed and move around.

Bats are also facing continued persecution as vermin and disease-carrying pests. While they - and almost all mammals really - have the potential to carry disease and rabies, they are anything but vermin. Yes, a colony of Bats can make a mess when the guano starts to pile up in your attic, and you should be careful to never handle them unless you are a trained and vaccinated professional.

But that doesn't stop folks from killing entire colonies or any Bat they come across, instead of finding a more humane way of relocation. That is why so many states have laws protecting threatened and endangered Bat populations. There are other options than villainizing these poor creatures just looking for a comfy home for the winter when the whole world around them is turning into Cul de Sacs and parking lots.

If you should have a Bat problem - Bats roosting where they shouldn’t be or getting into your home - call a licensed professional to remove and relocate them, never try taking care of the problem on your own.

Go Batty!

Bad Bat Myths

Bats are not blind!
Bats won’t get stuck in your hair or attack you
They’re not bad luck
Bats are not disease-ridden - Only 6% of Bats carry rabies
Bats are not useless - they’re essential insect control and pollinators!
Native Bats in the US are not out for blood

Want one creepy-crawly Bat fact that’s true? There are three species of Vampire Bats on our continent! But only one specimen has ever been recorded flying into the United States - in extreme southwest Texas! Their native range is from Mexico to Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina and includes the Common Vampire Bat, the Hairy-Legged Vampire Bat, and a White-Winged Vampire Bat.

Vampire bats do not suck blood, rather they make a small cut with their sharp front teeth and lap up the blood with their tongue. Feeding off of livestock, deer, wild pigs, and even seals!

Beneficial Bats

Pollinating and seed dispersal, biting and stinging insect removal, and helping crops and costs, Bats have loads of benefits for humans and the environment! Carving out a slice of your landscape for local wildlife won't cost you any curb appeal or home value, but you will enjoy all the perks these creatures bring to your landscape!

With a live-and-let-live attitude and a hands-off approach, you’ll have fewer itchy bites, see less damage to your plants and notice a decline in insect-borne disease in your area with the inclusion of a few Bats! Mostly mosquito-spread diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, Malaria, and Dengue fever, all of which are stopped from spreading thanks to a few furry fliers.

Many species are now protected by law because of how threatened their existence is, so they need all the help we can give them. Reach out to NatureHills.com for help making your landscape a happy, healthy home for all!

Next time you see one of these flapping furry mammals silently flying around your home, rejoice! You’ve just gained some free bug control!

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I attract bats to my yard for natural pest control?

Attracting bats to your yard is one of the most effective forms of natural pest control, as a single bat can consume thousands of mosquitoes and other insects in a single night. Install a bat house or bat box on a south or southeast-facing structure at least 12 to 15 feet off the ground, where it will receive 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain the warm temperatures bats prefer. Adding a water source like a pond or birdbath nearby and planting night-blooming flowers that draw insects will make your yard even more appealing to these beneficial mammals. Mount your bat house before spring when bats begin scouting for summer roosting sites to give yourself the best chance of attracting a colony.

Which insects attract bats and how can I use that to my advantage in the garden?

Bats are naturally drawn to moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and leafhoppers, many of which are serious garden pests. Because bats hunt these insects at night, you can take advantage of their appetite by installing a bat house 10 to 15 feet high on a south or southeast-facing pole or structure near your garden to encourage a colony to take up residence. Plant night-blooming flowers like moonflowers or evening primrose to attract the moths and other insects that will in turn bring bats in to feed. Add a shallow water source nearby to make your yard even more hospitable and keep your resident pest control team coming back each night.

Do certain light colors help attract bats to a specific area of the yard?

Yes, certain light colors can help attract bats by first drawing in the insects they feed on. UV and warm-spectrum lights, such as yellow or amber bulbs, tend to attract moths, beetles, and other flying insects that bats actively hunt at night. Position these lights near a water source or open area where bats have room to swoop and feed, and consider placing a bat house within 20 to 30 feet of the light source to encourage roosting nearby.

Can I encourage bats to roost in my trees or shrubs?

Yes, you can encourage bats to roost in your yard by planting dense, mature trees and large shrubs that provide natural shelter and roosting spots. Bats favor shaggy-barked trees like shagbark hickory, as well as large conifers and trees with cavities or loose bark where they can tuck in during the day. To complement natural roosting habitat, consider installing a bat house on a nearby pole or structure, mounted at least 12 to 15 feet high in a spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight, which helps regulate the temperature bats need for successful roosting.

Do bats shelter or hide in garden bushes and shrubs?

Bats do not typically shelter in garden bushes or shrubs, as they prefer enclosed, protected spaces like tree cavities, rock crevices, caves, or man-made structures. The best way to provide shelter for bats in your garden is to install a bat house or bat box, mounted at least 10 to 15 feet high on a pole or south-facing wall where it receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Install your bat house before spring when bats begin scouting for summer roosts, giving them the best chance of taking up residence.

Does standing water in my yard help attract bats?

Yes, standing water can help attract bats, as they need a reliable water source for drinking and will swoop low over ponds, birdbaths, and other open water to drink on the wing. However, stagnant water also breeds mosquitoes, which can become a nuisance even if bats help control them. A clean, moving water feature like a small pond or fountain is a better choice, as it provides the open surface bats need while reducing mosquito breeding. Place your water feature in an open area away from dense vegetation so bats can easily access it during their nightly foraging runs.

How does outdoor lighting affect bat activity in the garden?

Outdoor lighting can disrupt bat activity by attracting insects to lit areas while simultaneously making bats feel exposed and vulnerable to predators, since many species prefer to hunt in darker conditions. Bright white or UV lights near structures can actually draw pest insects away from areas where bats would naturally forage. To support bat activity, switch to warm amber or yellow LED bulbs in your garden, keep lighting low and directed downward, and consider leaving sections of your yard unlit to create dark foraging corridors that encourage bats to patrol for insects throughout the night.

What kinds of trees do bats prefer to roost or nest in?

Bats commonly roost in trees with deeply furrowed bark, hollow trunks, or dense canopies, including shagbark hickory, oak, maple, and cottonwood. They favor mature trees with loose or peeling bark where they can tuck in and hide during the day. If your property lacks mature trees, installing a bat house on a south or southeast facing structure at least 12 to 15 feet off the ground is the best way to provide a welcoming roost and encourage bats to take up residence in your garden.

How do I set up my garden to give bats shelter and encourage them to stay?

Bats need a dedicated bat house mounted 10 to 15 feet high on a south or southeast-facing pole or building, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to keep the interior warm. Install the house before spring when bats begin scouting for roost sites, and place it within a quarter mile of a water source like a pond or stream. Plant night-blooming flowers such as moonflowers, evening primrose, and four-o'clocks to attract the moths and insects bats feed on, and avoid pesticides that reduce their food supply. Start with a properly mounted bat house in full sun and let your garden's natural insect activity do the rest of the work.

What plants or garden features work best together to attract and support bats?

Bats are most attracted to gardens that combine night-blooming flowers like moonflowers, evening primrose, and night-blooming jasmine with a reliable water source such as a shallow pond or birdbath. These plants draw the moths and beetles that bats love to hunt, while open water supports their hydration needs on warm nights. Mount a bat house on a south or southeast-facing pole or structure at least 12 to 15 feet high, positioned within a quarter mile of water, to give roosting bats a safe daytime retreat. Start by adding one or two night-blooming plants to a moonlit corner of your yard and install a bat box before spring roosting season begins in late March or April.

Attracting Bats to the Garden- Winged Nocturnal Pest Control!