The Unsung Heroes of Farming: Benefits of Bats

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Often when people think of a farm and non-human helpers, the farm dog comes to mind for protecting livestock and companionship. Honeybees certainly play their role in pollination. Yet, there’s another unsung hero quietly working his magic in the shadows: the bat. Bats are commonly misunderstood creatures that play a vital role in agricultural ecosystems. They offer a plethora of benefits that are often overlooked. I was watching the bats working above me the other night, so let’s talk about bats and their contributions to farms worldwide.

My first interaction with a bat on TnF Farms was when I was moving some lawn furniture around. We had a closed table umbrella and when I started opening it, a bat and I surprised each other. It flew away and I went back to what I was doing. Bats are not aggressive. If you encounter one like I did, don’t touch it. Keep children and pets away from it. The bat should move on, on its own.

Common bats you can find in the southern United States

Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis):

• This species is one of the most widespread bats, often forming large colonies in caves, buildings, and bridges.
• Brazilian free-tailed bats are known for their high-speed flight and can be spotted hunting for insects at dusk and dawn.

Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis):

• Found throughout the south, evening bats roost in trees, caves, and buildings.
• They primarily feed on insects, catching them in flight, and are known for their distinctive “chirping” vocalizations.

Southeastern Myotis (Myotis austroriparius):

• These bats inhabit freshwater and coastal habitats, including swamps, marshes, and forests, throughout Florida.
• Southeastern myotis feed on a variety of insects and roost in tree cavities, Spanish moss, and abandoned structures.

Northern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius):

• Although primarily found in the northern parts of the south, this species can also be spotted in other regions.
• Northern yellow bats roost in Spanish moss, palm fronds, and foliage, emerging at dusk to feed on insects.

Seminole Bat (Lasiurus seminolus):

• Endemic to Florida and parts of neighboring states, the Seminole bat prefers forested habitats near water bodies.
• They feed on flying insects and often roost in Spanish moss, foliage, and tree cavities.

Southeastern Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii):

• These bats are found in various habitats, including forests, swamps, and coastal areas, across Florida.
• Southeastern big-eared bats are known for their distinctive large ears and primarily feed on moths and other insects.

Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus):

• This species inhabits forests and wooded areas throughout Florida, often roosting in tree cavities and under loose bark.
• Tricolored bats feed on small insects, including mosquitoes, and are characterized by their three-toned fur coloration.

Natural Pest Control

One of the most significant advantages of having bats on a farm is their insatiable appetite for insects. Bats are voracious predators of night-flying pests such as moths, mosquitoes, and beetles. A single bat can consume hundreds, if not thousands, of insects in a single night. Bats help mitigate the need for chemical pesticides by keeping insect populations in check, promoting a healthier and more sustainable farming environment.

Pollination Partners

While bees often take the spotlight when it comes to pollination, bats are also important pollinators, particularly for night-blooming flowers and certain fruit crops such as bananas, mangoes, and guavas. As bats forage for nectar, pollen grains adhere to their fur, facilitating cross-pollination as they travel from flower to flower. This role in pollination contributes to crop diversity and ensures the production of fruits and seeds essential for both wildlife and agriculture.

Nutrient Cycling

Bats contribute to nutrient cycling by depositing guano, or bat droppings, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, essential nutrients for plant growth. Guano serves as a natural fertilizer, enhancing soil fertility and promoting robust crop yields. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, which can leach into waterways and harm ecosystems, bat guano provides a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative that fosters soil health over the long term.

Biodiversity Boosters

Farms with healthy bat populations often experience greater biodiversity. By preying on insects, bats help maintain a balance in the ecosystem, preventing the proliferation of pest species that can outcompete native flora and fauna. Moreover, bats themselves are an integral part of the food web, serving as prey for birds of prey, snakes, and other predators. Their presence contributes to the overall resilience and stability of agricultural landscapes.

Cultural and Ecological Value

Beyond their ecological roles, bats hold cultural significance in many societies worldwide. In some cultures, bats are revered as symbols of good fortune, fertility, and wisdom. Additionally, bats play a crucial role in controlling populations of disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes, thereby reducing the risk of vector-borne diseases among humans and livestock.

Conservation Considerations

Despite their invaluable contributions, many bat species face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease affecting hibernating bats. To ensure the continued presence of bats on farms and in the wider environment, conservation efforts are essential. Simple measures such as providing bat boxes for roosting and abstaining from using harmful pesticides can go a long way in supporting bat populations.

If you want to know more about bats, The Florida Bat Conservatory has a ton of information including how to properly handle getting a bat out of your attic.