
How Much Do You Really Know About Backyard Bats?
Bats are some of the most misunderstood animals in the United States, and Omaha is no exception. These creatures are extremely important pollinators that often get mischaracterized by bad or misleading information online. If you're struggling with a bat control problem in Omaha or a bat control problem in Sioux Falls and need to know what you're dealing with, it might be a good idea to discern the truth from the lie right from the get-go.
Here are some of the most common myths about bats and the facts that help dispel them.
Discerning Truth From Fiction With Omaha's Bat Population

We all know what bats look like to some degree. However, we don't know much about what they do, where they go, or how they feed. And when it comes to the unique bat species in Nebraska, you may learn that the truth is stranger than fiction.
The following are some of the most common myths about bat species in Omaha.
- Bats are not flying mice. They are not even remotely related to rodents. Bats are such unique animals that scientists have placed them in a group all their own, called 'Chiroptera,' which means 'hand-wing.'
- Bats are not blind. In fact, most bats can see as well as humans. Fruit bats have eyesight adapted to low light levels. Fruit bats can also see in color.
- Bats do not try to become tangled in your hair. Insect-eating bats have a built-in sonar system that allows them to navigate at break-neck speed through total darkness. Their unique echolocation ability is thousands of times more efficient than any similar system built by humans. If a bat swoops toward you, it's probably after the mosquito hovering just above your head – not your hair.
- Bats are not ugly or dirty. Most bats have very cute faces, and some even resemble deer, rabbits, and chihuahuas. Like cats, bats spend an enormous amount of time grooming their fur, keeping it soft and silky.
- Not all bats are vampires. Of the world's 1,100+ species, only three are vampire bats (limited mostly to Latin America). Vampire bats are very small, about the size of a package of M&Ms. They do not attack humans or drink our blood; they prefer to get their teaspoon-sized meals from other animals. The remaining 1,097 or so species of bats eat insects, fruit, nectar, and pollen. A few species eat fish and frogs, but insect-eating bats eat billions of tons of insects each summer. They protect our crops and keep costs down in the marketplace. Fruit bats bring over 450 commercial products and 80 medicines through pollination and seed dispersal. Over 95% of rainforest regrowth comes from seeds that fruit bats have spread.
- Bats don't carry rabies. However, they can catch the disease just like any other mammal. Less than 0.05% of bats actually contract the disease. In reality, more people die annually from contact with household pets than have from contact with bats in all recorded history. This fact doesn't mean it's okay to touch or handle bats, as they may be afraid and bite in self-defense. Bats are wild animals, and all wild animals can be dangerous. Also, grounded bats are likelier to be sick, so you should never handle them bare-handed. Please also see our page on bats and rabies.
- Bats are shy, gentle, intelligent, and among the slowest reproducing animals on earth. Most bat species have only one live young per year, and the mother bat nurses her baby from a pair of pectoral breasts. The average lifespan of a bat is 25 to 40 years.
- Bat populations are rapidly declining, and White Nose Syndrome threatens them even further. Half the bats in the U.S. are listed as rare, threatened, or endangered.
Do you have an additional question about bats not answered here? Feel free to contact CP Bat Mitigation to speak with a seasoned bat expert.
Discover More Myths And Facts About Bats With CP Bat Mitigation
As you can see, bats are misunderstood creatures that don't deserve the bad rap they've received. These creatures are shrouded in myths and superstitions that prevent property owners from managing them effectively, which harms people, pets, and pollinators more than we know. That's why it's so important to partner with professionals who understand bats on an expert level, including the professionals at CP Bat Mitigation.
CP Bat Mitigation believes in educating our customers about bats to cultivate a better, healthier approach to bat control and management. Our team has a wealth of knowledge from years of experience working in Omaha and would be happy to help you with bat control humanely and effectively. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation of your property.
What Our Customers Are Saying
"John was over the morning after I made my initial call regarding bats. He was able to quickly identify the problem areas and built a fair quote to remove the bats. His knowledge is broad on his profession."
"Made a phone call, he showed up the next day with simple, effective advice and didn't try to up-sell any additional services. I would highly recommend."
"5 Stars!!!! John and his team made an unfortunate house-selling situation a great experience. John came and gave us an estimate within a day and was very friendly and knowledgeable. They fixed the bat issue and even took a look at our new place afterward. I definitely recommend contacting Central Plains if need help in this area. They provide a very professional service for a great value!"
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