. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We are Mesa Wildlife, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to Arizona critter problems. We service the greater Mesa region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at 928-608-5395 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service Yuma County, La Paz County, Yavapai County, Pima County, Gila County, Pinal County, and more. We also service Avondale, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Buckeye, Litchfield Park, Surprise, Chandler, Tempe, El Mirage, Peoria, Tolleson, Glendale, Phoenix, and more.

Mesa Wildlife Education: Do Bats Avoid Light?

One of the many stereotypes about bats is that they avoid the light at all costs. To some extent, this is true as bats do very well in the dark. Some research has shown that these animals prefer the dark to light, but we don’t know a great deal about their preferences.



Why They Like The Dark
Experts don’t have a conclusive explanation for why bats avoid the light ad prefer to be in the dark, but they have confirmed it is true. Some suggest that they like the dark since it is harder for predators to see them. In fact, some research even showed that fewer bats will go outside to hunt or scavenge on nights when the moon is brighter. The only exception was bat species which fly higher than the trees. In addition to potentially hiding from predators, some researchers theorized that it may be harder to find food on bright nights or less is available.

The Dark Isn’t A Problem
Bats have also evolved to do well in the dark, which may partially explain why they don’t feel the need to spend their time in the light. While this doesn’t account for why they spend more time in the dark then light, it does explain how they are able to get around without light. The secret is their echolocation. Bats emit sounds that aren’t audible to most humans, although some children will hear them. They then listen for the echoes of their sounds and use this information to “see” the objects in front of and around them. Echolocation lets bats figure out the size and shape of their prey, predators, and obstacles, including the direction that things like insects are flying.

Can You Repel Bats With Light?
Since bats are known to prefer darkness over light, many people suggest you get rid of annoying bats on your property with light. The idea is that they won’t want to be in the light and will leave. Unfortunately, while bats prefer darkness, they do tolerate light. They can also be in and out of the lit area in a short amount of time, letting them return to their preferred dim light.

Instead of repelling bats with light, you should keep them off your property by making it unappealing. Seal up access to your home to prevent bats or get them out of your home with the exclusion method. Keep your property clean and limit the number of insects on it to discourage bats; if they don’t see a food source, they are less likely to stay.

Previous Education Articles
How to get Mesa skunks out from under a shed or porch?
Are cage traps a good option for Mesa rodents?
What diseases do Mesa opossums carry?
Do all Mesa wild animals have rabies?