Why Are Bats Important?

You have nothing to fear from these creatures of the night. In fact, they just might become your new allies.

By Linda Bowen
Updated on May 23, 2023
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by AdobeStock/creativenature.nl

Have you ever wondered, “Why are bats important? Are bats dangerous?” There’s a lot to know about these mysterious creatures of the night, and after this article, you’ll have plenty of answers and a new appreciation for these incredible flying mammals and pollinators extraordinaire.

People tend to have strong feelings about bats, whether that’s love or hate. Remember the adage that you’re afraid of what you don’t know? In the case of bats, it seems not many people are aware of how bats behave or, honestly, much else about them. These creatures of the night have always carried an air of mystery about them; why else would they move around in the dark? However, after learning more about bats and their unusual ways, many people welcome being neighbors to these misunderstood creatures.

Why Are Bats Important?

Getting to know your bat neighbors will hopefully give you an appreciation of these tiny mammals. There are over 1,400 species worldwide. Most bat species in the continental United States eat insects, but a few eat pollen and nectar. A few species of long-nosed bats, for example, are solely responsible for pollinating agaves that are well-known for producing tequila.

The most commonly encountered bat in the United States is the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). Although it enjoys eating mosquitoes, its favorite treats are flying beetles and other agricultural pests. Insectivorous bats provide free pest control to farmers and backyard barbecues and don’t ask for a dime, but just to be left alone to get their fill of flying insects. The economic savings of this free pest control is estimated to be worth $23 billion per year to U.S. farmers caring for our food supply.

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