Declining Bat Population Means Loss of Pest Control Services

The decline of bat populations in the Northeastern United States, the most severely affected region so far, have exceeded seventy percent. In fact, populations of the Little Brown bat have declined so hastily, that scientists expect the species to disappear from the region completely; within the next twenty years.

Why is this so concerning? It is a little known fact that a single Little Brown bat, which has a body no bigger than an adult’s thumb, will consume four to eight grams of insects; each night. Although at first glance, this may not appear to be much, it can quickly add up. In fact, it is estimated that the natural pest control services provided by approximately one million bats, eliminates more than one thousand metric tons of insect pest problems; each year.

It has been said that insectivorous bats are among the most overlooked, economically important, non-domesticated animals; in North America. Pest management experts speculate that the loss of bats throughout the United States, will result in a consistent population increase for insects no longer being eliminated, by these efficient natural exterminators.