5999 724 3011 Call us Request a callback

Busting Bat Myths

Busting Bat Myths

5 common misconceptions about bats

Bats are one of the most misunderstood species on the planet. Thanks to pop culture, they are often viewed with fear and considered dangerous blood sucking mammals that spread disease. Bats are however, vital contributors to our natural eco-system.  Let’s debunk five common misconceptions about these remarkable creatures.

1. Bats Are Blood-Sucking Vampires

One of the most common myths about bats is that they are all bloodthirsty creatures that feast on human blood. This misconception likely stems from vampire folklore and media portrayals of bats in films. However, out of over 1,400 species of bats worldwide, only three species feed on blood, and they are primarily interested in the blood of livestock, not humans. Vampire bats, native to Central and South America, feed on animal blood by making small, painless incisions on their prey's skin to lap up the blood. Thankfully, the majority of bats feed on small insects, nectar and fruits.

2. Bats Are Blind

The phrase "blind as a bat" is entirely inaccurate. Bats are not blind, and many species actually have excellent vision. Some species, like fruit bats, have large eyes that provide them with good low-light vision, allowing them to forage for fruit in the dark. The misconception about bats’ blindness stems from their sophisticated use of echolocation which allows them to navigate and hunt in the dark more efficiently.  

3. Bats Are Just Flying Rodents

Another common misconception is that bats are closely related to rodents. In reality, bats belong to their own order of mammals called chiroptera, which translates to “hand-wing” and is entirely distinct from rodents. In fact, bats are more closely related to primates and humans than they are to rodents. For example, rodents are known for their fast reproduction rates while bats, like mammals, tend to have fewer offspring and invest significant time and care in nurturing their young. Some species of bats even live for over 30 years, a stark contrast to the shorter lifespans of most rodents.

4. Bats spread disease

Bats are often unfairly associated with disease. A common misconception is that bats spread rabies when in reality less than 1% of bats are infected with the virus. The majority of bats are healthy and the likelihood of encountering a rabid bat is minimal. While bats can be reservoirs for certain viruses, direct transmission to humans is extremely rare and typically involves intermediary hosts. Avoiding direct contact with wild bats significantly minimise the risk of disease transmission. If you notice a bat behaving strangely or unable to fly, it could be ill and in such cases it is important to keep a distance. Contact local wildlife authorities for assistance.

5. Bats Are Useless Pests

Far from being pests, bats are incredibly beneficial to humans and the environment. Many bat species are natural pest controllers, consuming vast quantities of insects each night. A single bat can eat hundreds of insects, including mosquitoes, beetles, and crop-damaging pests. Without bats, we would likely face a surge in insect populations, leading to more crop damage and the spread of insect-borne diseases. Additionally, fruit-eating bats play a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal, helping to maintain healthy ecosystems and promote plant diversity. Without them, we would not have bananas, avocados or even mangoes. For this reason, bats are a protected species in many Caribbean islands.

Rentokil Initial offers safe and humane bat removal services which involves displacing the bats in a way that does not harm them and then sealing off potential access points to prevent their re-entry into the property. While bats are important, we understand that they can be a nuisance inside a home or building. If you are struggling with a bat problem, do not harm them.

Contact Rentokil Initial for expert removal services.

bats

Have a bat problem? Get in touch with us for a safe & humane bat removal.

Call us on 5999 724 3011 or contact us online and we’ll contact you within 24 hours to book a free consult.

 

Pest control services

Protecting homes and businesses in Curaçao for over 15 years

  • Safe, effective, environmentally-friendly pest control
  • A broad range of pest management options to suit your home and business needs
  • With over 15 local, accredited pest controllers, we provide a rapid-response service across all of Curaçao
Find out more