The Insect Mall

Question: Would bats help with the insect population in our field?

(Posted by: ~*2010 Mommy*~ on 2010-01-07 09:31:08)

My Step Dad is a small Farmer, and we are having problems with insects in our field... we were wondering if bats would help with the problem... Thanks for reading!

Posted by: Amber on 2010-01-07, 09:37:58

New research shows bats suppress agricultural insect pests, saving farmers millions of dollars in avoided pesticide costs and better crop yields. Although the study area focuses on eight counties in Texas, scientists say insect suppression by bats benefits farmers up into the Midwest and Canada, and that this underscores the need to protect large bat colonies and promote public education and bat ecotourism. tpwd.state.tx.us/ newsmedia/ releases/ ?req= 20070625c

Posted by: pickmefirstplz on 2010-01-07, 09:37:09

Depends what insects they were but they would not hurt to have them

Posted by: Don S on 2010-01-07, 09:38:03

It is likely easier to attract Swallows than bats and both will do an excellent job of eating insects.

Posted by: goat roper on 2010-01-07, 09:57:18

Don S Is correct about swallows as well as people who favor bats for saving crops from insects.Think of the bats as the night shift and swallows as the day shift then you have round f the clock insect edification!

Posted by: M M T on 2010-01-07, 13:45:23

Bats tend to eat more flying insects and would be helpful but I think your dad needs to encourage more good bugs and birds too. Depending on the insects that he's having trouble with, there are other good bugs that will eat the bad bugs and their eggs. For example, lady bugs do a number on aphids. For the birds, he can start encouraging them with bird feeders, habitat and some fresh water. The birds will work their way through the plants and pick the bugs right off. We garden a lot (but far from commercial) and encourage the birds. We rarely have to use any pesticides. Bear in mind that baby birds are fed a diet of nothing but worms and bugs. If you're near water like a pond or a creek and blue birds are native to your area, put out some blue bird houses. They will find them. Sparrows and finches are also good buggers too! Of course, cutting down on chemicals and such will help re-establish the natural balance too!