Where do bats live? Bats can be found in almost all parts of the world and in most regions of the United States. In general, bats seek out a variety of daytime retreats such as caves, rock crevices, old buildings, bridges, mines, and trees. Different species require different roost sites.
Is it dangerous to have bats in your house? Bats can also damage your home. They can chew into walls, damage insulation or damage wiring as well. Bat guano is a carrier of the fungus histoplasma capsulatum. Another serious risk from bats, although rare, is the possibility of a bat transmitting rabies to a human from a bite.
Bats are usually able to exist near human homes without making their presence known. However, with decreasing amounts of habitat available for bats (e.g., trees being cleared), bats may find their way into man-made structures. Bats use existing openings (cracks as small as 1 ¼ inch by 3/8 of an inch) to enter buildings or to roost in attics.
Are bats blind? No, bats are not blind. Bats have small eyes with very sensitive vision, which helps them see in conditions we might consider pitch black. They don’t have the sharp and colorful vision humans have, but they don’t need that. Think of bat vision as similar to a dark-adapted Mr. Magoo.
How do I bat proof my house? Use window screens, chimney caps, and draft-guards beneath doors to attics, fill electrical and plumbing holes with stainless steel wool or caulking, and ensure that all doors to the outside close tightly. Prevent bats from roosting in attics or buildings by covering outside entry points. CDC Bat Management
Why are bats important? By eating insects, bats save U.S. agriculture billions of dollars per year in pest control. Some studies have estimated that service to be worth over $3.7 billion per year, and possibly as much as $53 billion. This value does not, however, take into account the volume of insects eaten by bats in forest ecosystems. U.S. Department of the Interior
Are bats dangerous to humans? Bats do not attack humans; on the contrary they do everything they can to avoid conflict. ... In addition, a rabid bat is a rare occurrence. If you see a bat on the ground it is most likely sick-do not pick it up. The main danger a bat poses is in the diseases its guano or droppings carry.