Bats Save US $1 Billion in Crop Damages By Eating Insects

Bats are important animals that face numerous threats every day. Bat conservation is a priority for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Citizens can also contribute to the cause.

Bats as Pest Controllers

Bats are important pest controllers, pollinators, and seed dispersers. According to recent studies, bats consume enough pests to save the corn industry in the United States over $1 billion per year in crop damage and pesticide costs.

While many bats eat insects, others feed on nectar and provide critical pollination for a variety of plants such as peaches, cloves, bananas, and agaves, saving more than $3 billion per year across all agricultural production.

Bats are the only pollinators for the agave plant. Fruit is a third bat food source, and seed dispersal plays yet another important role in the ecosystem. Fruit-eating bats are responsible for up to 95% of seed dispersal in newly cleared rainforests, which is critical for early growth.

Declining Numbers

Bats are sadly declining all over the world. Many bats are killed unnecessarily because people are unaware of their relevance in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

The need for winter shelter during hibernation puts bats that hibernate in caves at a disadvantage. The human activity that causes habitat loss and hibernation disruptions are harmful.

To make matters worse, a fungus known as white-nose syndrome has killed over 5 million bats since its discovery in 2006 and is rapidly spreading across North America. People who inadvertently carry the fungus on their shoes, clothing, or equipment can spread it from bat to bat, bat to cave, or even cave to cave. Because many bats hibernate in the same caves during the winter, the fungus can quickly wipe out an entire bat colony.

Conservation

We're working with partners all over the continent to protect bats, research treatments to stop the spread of white-nose syndrome, and raise awareness about how amazing and vulnerable bats are.

More than 15 bat species are federally endangered, threatened, or under consideration in the Endangered Species Act's candidate or petition process.

Many bat species have not been sufficiently studied to determine their conservation requirements. Bat surveys are conducted by biologists and researchers, who use bands and transmitters to learn more about bat movements, habitats, and lifespans. A recent study discovered a large summer roost for Indiana bats in Missouri, where a single tree housed more than 150 endangered Indiana bats!

There are several ways to aid bat conservation. This includes raising awareness, debunking myths, and educating others about the value of bats. Turning off unnecessary lights would also make a difference. The US Fish and Wildlife Service also recommends leaving dead trees in the yard if they are not a hazard, as they may serve as a bat roosting site.

Reduced pesticide use would also help feed bats, which can consume up to 3000 insects per night. Bat boxes and staying out of caves and mines during the winter to allow the bats to hibernate properly are also options. Finally, use humane bat removal techniques.