Batty Solution to Pest Problems
June 25th, 2009 Posted in Green Living & News, Organic & Chemical Pesticides
Some of us will do just about anything to get rid of pests. And officials in the city of Deltona, Florida, located northeast of Orlando, are no different. Throughout the city, they are implementing “bat houses” that they hope will help control the mosquito population.
Bats have been known to eat nearly 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in just one hour!
And these “bat houses”, positioned on a 20-ft-high pole and made of cedar (a bug’s worst enemy), are hoped to not only aid in infestation problems, but give bats a home, since the establishment of the city meant the depletion of the bat population.
In Gainesville, Florida, they’ve started to encourage the backyard use of the “bat houses.” Mark Hostetler, an extension wildlife specialist with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences said interest in backyard bat houses has increased among Florida homeowners since July, when mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus were first detected in the state.
Hostetler went on to describe how this new tactic will benefit the bats. “The houses provide shelter during daylight hours when bats are inactive,” he said. They are shaped like suitcases, typically made of wood, and are placed high on top of buildings and tall poles. Once inside, bats hang vertically from the walls and crowd together to share body heat.
According to Bat Conservation International in Austin, Texas, thousands of bat houses are currently used in the United States and abroad. The first was built in San Antonio, Texas, in 1902. But, of course, back then their existence was not contingent upon catching nasty critters.
But… BATS? REALLY?!
Gainesville veterinarian Debbie Kemmerer claims bat houses can help educate the public and dispel myths about the winged creatures: they don’t land in your hair, and cases of rabies are extremely uncommon.
However, Dr. Robert Corrigan points out that while protecting and encouraging bat populations is a worthwhile endeavor and can have positive effects on pest populations in certain areas, these effects can be inconsistent at best. Pest populations, he notes, are so large that bat presence may have a positive impact, but is insufficient to completely control mosquitoes and other unpleasant insects.
Okay, Florida, we get it. And while your intentions ARE noble in an environmental sense, you may need to do more. Using EcoSMART’s organic pesticides will help lower the number of obnoxious bugs while not harming the bats or the environment.
Alyse Popp
9 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!
By Jenny on Jun 25, 2009
Well as Floridian and actually live in the city right next to Deltona, I say no matter how I try, no matter what, I will still get attacked by mosquitoes from dusk til dawn. Humidity and mosquitoes are one in the same when it comes Florida low points.
By riley on Jul 9, 2009
I have 2 cats and would like to try something that will not harm them. We have loads ants constantly trying to invade our home here in South Florida. We would love the chance to try something something more pet friendly.
By Justin on Jul 9, 2009
Bats are really great for controlling insect populations, especially moths and mosquitoes (hate them both), and have recently had their populations decimated by an unknown source. I would say this idea is a great way to keep the bat numbers up.
By Shawn on Jul 9, 2009
I live in the northeast and with the rain we’ve had this year the mosquitos are out with a force I’ve never seen. Add to that the small creek running through the woods 40 feet from my house and our backyard is a veritable mosquito breeding ground. The dog and I are not happy!
By Alicia on Jul 9, 2009
I had no idea that there were eco-friendly ways to eliminate bugs and other pests. Living in Alabama with all the bugs we have and with a 1 year old these products seem like the perfect solution!
By Lisa on Jul 9, 2009
Living in rural Indiana, bats are very abundant. Needless to say, our pest problem has been very low. Also, we have invested in pekin ducks, which LOVE insects and are very good at keeping our population down.
By Joan on Jul 9, 2009
The guano from bats is also great for gardens!
By Susan on Jul 11, 2009
I wish we had more bats to control the mosquitoes here in Southern Ontario. The purple martins and swallows help with the insect problem but we still get eaten alive at dusk… any help would be appreciated!
By Skip Wheeler on Jul 12, 2009
I live in between San Antonio and Austin and would love to put up a bat house to control the insects. Does anyone know if HOA’s are receptive to these? Also, could I attach the house to my house instead of a single pole in the yard?