Better Off with Bats

Rethink the unsung heroes of the night and why you should support them

- BY JENNIFER COLE

Historically, bats have been cast as terrifying night stalkers.

This, however, is a misleading portrayal. “I’ve personally noticed,” says Erin Cord, community engagement manager for Bat Conservation International, “that when I show people, who are generally afraid of bats, up-close photos of them, people are often surprised how cute and fragile they are.”

Good looks aside, bats have many other redeeming qualities, including being exceptional garden helpers. A little brown bat can devour 4,000 to 8,000 insects a night, helping manage garden pests such as midges, hoppers, moths, ants and mosquitoes. Their pest control efforts also have a huge impact in farming industries. Bats contribute over $3 billion worth of agricultural insect control a year in the U.S. Thanks to bats, farmers not only save on pesticide costs, but the overall environment and other wildlife also benefit when less pesticides are used.