Microbats! Night patrol pest control

Harnessing Nature’s Pest Control: How Microbats Can Transform Your Garden

When it comes to maintaining a thriving garden, pest control is the challenge of every gardener. While chemical pesticides offer a quick fix, they often come with environmental and health-related downsides. Enter microbats — nature’s very own pest controllers. These fascinating nocturnal creatures are not just crucial for ecosystems but can also be your best allies in managing garden pests organically.

Why Microbats Are Effective Pest Controllers

Microbats are small, insectivorous bats that feed primarily on night-flying insects such as mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and other pests. A single microbat can consume up to 1,000 insects in just one hour, making them incredibly effective at keeping pest populations in check. Here’s why they are a game-changer for gardeners:

  1. Eco-Friendly Solution: Unlike chemical pesticides, microbats control pests without harming other beneficial insects or plants.
  2. Continuous Protection: With microbats active during the night, they complement the efforts of daytime predators like birds and ladybugs.
  3. Support Biodiversity: Encouraging microbats promotes a balanced ecosystem by naturally regulating pest populations.

Creating a Bat-Friendly Garden

If you want to attract microbats to your garden, it’s essential to create an environment that meets their needs. Here are some practical steps:

1. Install Bat Houses

Bat houses mimic the crevices and hollows where bats naturally roost. Plans to build one can be found online. When installing a bat house:

  • Place it at least 4-6m above the ground.
  • Face the entrance away from prevailing winds.
  • Avoid overhanging branches to avoid obstructing bat entry and exit.

2. Provide indigenious habitat

Plant or retain indigenious native plants and a variety of plants which bloom year-round.

3. Provide Water Sources

Bats need water to drink, so adding a small pond can make your garden more inviting to them and is an attractive focal point in any garden! You can also provide a watering station such as a bird bath.

4. Reduce Pesticide Use

Chemical pesticides not only kill pests but also harm bats by reducing their food supply. Opt for organic gardening practices to protect both bats and beneficial insects.

…and a secret tip for you….

My secret tip is to install a few solar lights around your garden to attract the insects out of hiding and make it easier for the microbats to catch them….. install the light as high as possible as microbats catch insects “on the wing”. Make sure you also leave some areas of the garden in darkness as some microbats do not like going into the light…


Addressing Common Concerns About Microbats

While the idea of attracting bats may make some people uneasy, it’s essential to address common misconceptions:

  • Bats and Diseases: Bats may carry diseases such as rabies and lyssavirus. The likelihood of encountering a diseased bat is extremely low. Avoid handling bats directly and call your local wildlife organisation if you have found a sick or injured bat.
  • Bats as Pests: Unlike larger fruit bats, microbats don’t damage crops or fruits. They focus solely on insects and flower nectar.
  • Guano Issues: Bat guano is not only manageable but also an excellent organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.


The Bigger Picture: Supporting Bat Conservation

By encouraging microbats in your garden, you’re contributing to the conservation of these essential creatures. Habitat loss, pesticide use, and misinformation have significantly impacted bat populations worldwide. Your efforts to provide a safe haven for bats can help reverse this trend and ensure their survival.

With just a few simple steps, you can transform your garden into a bat-friendly haven and enjoy the benefits of nature’s pest control experts. So why not give it a try? Install a bat house, plant some night-blooming flowers, and watch as your garden flourishes — all thanks to the hardworking microbats

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