Because of their beneficial value bats should be appreciated and not needlessly killed. In some circumstances, when their accumulated droppings, noise, intrusion, odor, mites, or lice become a nuisance, control is necessary. Also, if there is the potential threat of rabies, there is no alternative but to capture the animal. Habitat - Bats roost in attics, behind chimneys, under eaves, between walls, behind shutters, in ceilings, under shingles, under bridges, in tree hollows, under loose bark and in caves. Diet - Bats in North America primarily feed on insects.
Common food includes mayflies, moths, midges, mosquitoes, caddis flies, beetles, and flying ants.
They can consume large quantities of insects, with some eating up to one-third their body weight in one hour. They are often attracted to insects around swimming pools, ponds or white lights. Reproduction - Mating generally occurs in the fall and winter, but the egg is not fertilized until spring. Pregnant females leave hibernation and congregate in maternity colonies to give birth to usually one offspring between May and July. Young bats are able to fly within 3 weeks and are weaned in July and August when the nursery colonies disperse.