Page 191 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

FREETAIL BAT BAT

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

BAT
BAT

Life Cycle
Most bats produce only one offspring at a time. The mother bat will
carry her young around until it is able to roost and fly. Some bats can
live as long as 20 years. They frequently live in colonies, sometimes
numbering in the millions, although some species are solitary.

Actual Body Size, 4”

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

BAT

Bats are the only mammals capable of extended flight. They have been greatly feared by many people,
and can be a pest when they set up a roost or hibernation spot on or near buildings. Many tales and
legends about bats exist, but they can be a problem in carrying disease or especially rabies.

Bats vary greatly in size, commonly from a four-inch body with a six-inch wingspan and upwards de-
pending upon the species. They land upside down, hanging by the toes. Bats are very nocturnal, and
mainly eat insects flying around at night, frequently going after ones drawn to lights. They have a well-
developed ultrasonic detection system, similar to very sensitive radar, to locate their prey.

Bats will migrate in the coldest climates, but in other areas will hibernate for periods or become lethargic
in cold weather. In some parts of the world bat manure, called “guano”, is a valuable resource, although
diseases may be present in the droppings. Bats can also be infected with lice, mites, fleas, and a type
of bed bugs. Despite this, human problems tracing from bats are quite rare.

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