Whether you wish to address the mosquito problem in your yard, reduce the moths swarming around your lightbulbs, or protect your vegetable garden from beetles and moth larvae, bats could be your new best friends. Did you know that these critters are excellent insect-hunters, who can ravenously prey on almost 600 insects per hour? That makes them an excellent option for organic pest control methods.
Moreover, several bat species have been on the decline due to the use of pesticides and the lack of suitable habitats. By attracting bats to your yard, you will also help in conserving their tribe and helping them thrive.
Top 3 Tips to Attract Bats near Your Property in the Vancouver, Langley, Victoria and Maple Ridge Areas
1. Offer a Bat House: Give bats a place in your yard that they can call home. Usually, they try to find new roosting opportunities when they are out foraging at night. Build or buy a bat house that is around 2 feet tall, 3 inches deep and 1 foot wide. Instead of placing it on the branches of trees where other wildlife may trespass, mount it on a pole or the side of a building at a height of approximately 10 to 15 feet. Preferably, let your bat house face the south or southeast, so that it stays warm enough to attract its occupants.
2. Provide a Water Source: With studies indicating that bats lose up to 50 percent of their body weight in a single day, it may be a good idea to install a water feature such as a bird bath or a fountain within your yard. If you happen to have a natural water source within or near your property, that will also act as a good incentive for bats to make a home in your yard.
3. Preserve Native Plants: Your garden may be an effective bat-magnet, if you choose plants with insect-attracting flowers or succulent leaves. Look for options such as herbs or plants that feature fragrant, night time blooms. Some of the popular choices are Dahlia, French marigold, Honeysuckle, Evening primrose, Moonflower, Datura, Nicotiana, and such others.
Let Vancouver’s Professional Exterminators Keep the Insides of your Home Bat-Free
While attracting bats to your yard is a great way to reduce the use of pesticides and insect repellants, keeping them out of your home is extremely important. Even adult sized bats can squeeze in through access points that are as little as the size of a coin. Although they don’t directly attack humans, they do pose certain health risks since they are carriers of ticks, fleas and mites. Additionally, their hazardous waste droppings are known to emit a strong stench, as well as impact your home’s woodwork and structural integrity.
Bats are a protected species under the BC Wildlife Act, hence if you are facing a bat infestation in your home, it is best to rely on professional exterminators such as Pest Detective. Our eco-conscious crew has the necessary training and equipment to tackle your bat problems skillfully and humanely. You may also want to read our blog How to Keep Bats Outside for proactive tips to keep your new friends outside the house.
Contact us for reliable, friendly and affordable pest control services in and around Vancouver, Langley, Maple Ridge, Victoria, and all of the lower mainland BC. Our call lines are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
