Nightime Navigators

Written By Tracy Dawson

The Truth About Bats

Despite their spooky reputation, most bats are harmless to humans. Of the over 1,400 bat species worldwide, only a small handful drink blood (and even those prefer livestock to people). In North America, nearly all bats are insect-eaters or nectar-feeders, not bloodsuckers.

Common Myths—Debunked:

  • Bats are blind.
    Reality: Most bats have excellent vision and also use echolocation to “see” through sound.

  • Bats get tangled in your hair.
    Reality: Bats are expert fliers and will actively avoid humans.

  • All bats carry rabies.
    Reality: Less than 1% of bats carry rabies—and they usually avoid contact.

Pest Control Superstars

Bats are nature’s most efficient insect controllers. A single bat can eat hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes in a single night.

They also consume beetles, moths, and crop-damaging pests, making them essential allies to farmers. In fact, bats save U.S. agriculture an estimated $3.7 billion annually in pest control.

If you've ever enjoyed a summer evening without being eaten alive, you might have bats to thank.

Pollinators and Seed Spreaders

Some bat species are also important pollinators and seed dispersers, especially in tropical regions. They help pollinate plants like:

  • Bananas

  • Mangos

  • Agave (the plant used to make tequila!)

Without bats, we’d lose many plants that depend on them for reproduction.

Where Do Bats Live?

Bats roost in trees, caves, under bridges, and—sometimes—buildings. As habitat disappears due to development, many bats are forced into closer contact with people.

Rather than fear them, we can help by:

  • Installing bat houses to provide safe roosting spots

  • Avoiding pesticides, which kill the insects bats eat

  • Supporting habitat protection and conservation efforts

Why Bats Are in Trouble

Bats face serious threats, including:

  • Habitat loss

  • White-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has wiped out millions of bats in North America

  • Wind turbines, which pose a danger to migrating species

  • Misinformation and persecution, leading to unnecessary killings

Nearly one-quarter of bat species worldwide are considered threatened. If we lose them, we lose much more than we realize.

How You Can Help Bats

  • Build or install a bat house in your yard

  • Avoid using pesticides and rodenticides

  • Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights—bats avoid light pollution

  • Never touch a bat with bare hands; call a licensed rehabber if one is injured

  • Educate others—the more people understand bats, the more they’ll be protected

Final Thought

Bats are not the monsters we’ve been taught to fear—they are marvels of the natural world. They’re pollinators, pest-controllers, and pollination partners. They navigate the night with grace and precision. And they need our help.

Next time you see a bat silhouetted against the sky, don’t flinch. Smile. You’re watching a guardian of the ecosystem—on silent wings, doing the work no one sees.

Tracy Dawson
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