Are Bats Blind?
No, bats are not blind.
Many people mistakenly believe that bats are blind because they fly about erratically while hunting, which gives the impression they cannot see where they're going. The popular idiom "blind as a bat" also feeds into this myth.
However, there are more than 1,000 species of bats in the world, and none of them are blind. Several bat species have large, well-developed eyes and rely on sight as their primary sense for navigation.
Even small insectivorous species with relatively poor eyesight rely on visual cues to navigate long distances and track the cycle of days and nights. In fact, some species of bats are able to detect polarized light, which humans are unable to see. Patterns of polarized light, which are strongest at dusk and dawn, help bats navigate to and from their nests.
Using Echolocation to Fly and Hunt
Bats in the United States are insectivores (meaning their diet consists of insects). These bats use echolocation to navigate their environment and hunt for insects. Echolocation allows bats to operate in near total darkness.
Echolocation entails bats emitting high-pitched sounds and using their highly sensitive ears to detect variations in the reflected soundwaves. Bats can detect objects as small as human hair with echolocation.
People cannot hear the ultrasonic sounds emitted by bats. However, in an enclosed space like an attic, people can hear the clicks and squeaks of a bat colony.
However, echolocation is only effective up to a range of 50 meters, so bats must use eyesight to help navigate over long distances to and from their roosts, as well as to detect sunrise and sunset.
Listen to Bat Squeaks
If you are concerned about a bat problem in your home, bats in attics or would like assistance with sealing bat entry points to your basement or attic, call the experts at Critter Control today at 1-800-CRITTER for professional services!
We can help you get rid of bat problems. Call today: 1.800.274.8837
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Best Bat Removal
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in
Tulsa!
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.
Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.
Because
bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious
bat droppings.
Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.
She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!
Service:
Bat Removal
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.
He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!
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