Gardening For Bats
Bats are an important part of the ecosystem here in Alabama, they eat mosquitoes and other pests, pollinate plants, and help disperse seeds. Unfortunately, bats are at a high risk of extinction due to disease and habitat loss caused by urban sprawl. Researchers suggest that 52% of bat species in North America are at risk of severe population decline! Creating a bat habitat in your garden can help local bat populations thrive while you benefit from their natural pest control
Creating a Bat Habitat:
Bats, like most other animals, need three things to survive: food, water, and shelter. If you are already creating habitats in your backyard, you probably already have all three of those! When creating a habitat, you need to think about the habits of the animal you are trying to attract. Bats roost during the day to hide from predators, meaning shelter will be one of the most important things you can make for your bats. Avoid using commercial bat houses, as these are prone to overheating, which can harm your bats. Instead, bats prefer to nest in large trees, hiding in loose bark, woodpecker holes, and crevices between branches. Experts suggest planting Oaks, Beeches, and Ashes. Planting native climbing vines and understory trees can also help create more nooks and crannies for bats to hide in. I recommend Carolina jessamine, coral honeysuckle, and trumpetvine. These plants not only produce a thick, woody stem and provide nectar for bats and the insects they feed on. bats and the insects they feed on.
Bats also need a food source. As mentioned above, plants that keep their blooms open at night and attract insects are the best. White flowers on a plant are typically a good sign that they will attract bats and other nocturnal critters. Some bat-friendly native perennials include Bee balm, Coneflower, Cardinal Flower, Foxglove beardtongue, and smooth aster. These plants attract a wide variety of moths and beetles, which make up a large percentage of a bat's diet.
Lastly, bats need water. Adding a water feature to your garden is a great way to support all forms of wildlife. Shallow ponds, fountains, and bird baths are a great way to help out animals in an urban setting. Make sure to clean the water feature regularly to keep it fresh and clean. Most animals prefer water that is moving, but bats are not as picky and will drink from any clean water source.
Landscape Lighting and Lawn Chemicals
Bats don't like bright lights, remember, they are nocturnal! Landscape lighting and street lights can disrupt feeding patterns and hinder migration. If you need outdoor lighting, consider installing motion-activated lights or low-intensity red lighting. Landscape and pathway lights should never be pointed upward and should provide just enough light to keep your walkway safe. It's best if you install an on/off switch, so you can use them only when necessary.
Lawn chemicals and pesticides also contribute to species decline. Insecticides are especially harmful, as bats eating the insects that have come into contact with harmful chemicals will also be negatively affected by those chemicals. Instead, consider landscaping with native plants that are better adapted to our ecosystem and don't require pesticides.
With the constant expansion of cities and suburbs, wild animals continue to lose their homes and are forced into smaller and smaller patches of land. By thinking about the natural ecosystem and planning your home gardens to support that ecosystem, you can help make a difference and provide a home for these animals. For more information on how you can help, contact Foraging Ahead today!
