What Do Bats Eat?

Bats are commonly found throughout the Summer as the warmer days and nights arrive. These natural predators are attracted to the warmer weather and abundant food sources that bloom during this season. Have you wondered about the food that bats eat to help them survive? Bats mostly eat insects, fruits, and nectar, but it can vary depending on the bat type. Bats can be split into two groups: mega-bats and micro-bats. Mega-bats primarily eat fruit and the nectar of flowers, while microbats eat insects with little fruit and nectar intake. Take a look at these common frequently asked questions about foods bats enjoy munching on when coming out of hibernation. 

Do bats eat insects?

The most significant percentage of bats are insectivorous. These bats eat all sorts of insects as their leading food group. From bees, wasps, mosquitoes, moths, crickets, grasshoppers, and more, their top food choices are the insects we see daily. 

Do bats eat mice?

Most bats enjoy eating insects like mosquitoes and crickets, but a few bats will eat mice and rats.

Do bats eat fruits?

A third of the bats species enjoy eating fresh fruits and nectars. Bats are essential creatures for pollinating these plants and fruits, as they also munch on the nectar of these plants and any other insects that may be on those flowers. Common fruits would be bananas, avocados, mangos, and dates.

What else do bats eat?

Some bats eat small vertebrates such as frogs, other reptiles, and even fish.

What do baby bats eat?

Like other baby animals and humans, baby bats will eat the milk their mothers have prepared for them. As they grow older and more robust, they will branch out into the food groups of their mother and siblings. 

How do bats catch their food?

Bats use ultrasonic waves, reflecting off their prey, which helps them know what source is nearby. The bats can find the distance between them and their potential target by sending those signals back into their ears before they fly off and catch it. These shouting signals are known as echolocation, which locates things through echoes. 

Contact Us for Bat Removal

If you find a bat during the daytime or on a warm summer evening, you must contact a professional fast! Only wildlife removal specialists should remove a bat from your home or yard. Baystate Wildlife has over 25 years of experience eliminating wildlife safely and humanely from your home. Contact us today to learn more about our bat removal services and more!