As a Ninja
I hold a special intrigue, respect and place in my heart for nocturnal creatures. Predator and prey, the hunters relentless pursuit. The hunted for its cunning and ability to be evasive. Most need to embody both of these traits simultaneously to survive.
Nocturnal insects are another story, moths feed on your garden, parasitic mosquitoes suck your blood and leave you feeling irritated. We have an abundance of the latter to contend with during the spring and early summer seasons. With no apparent natural predators present or prevalent rather, they make sleeping difficult. Sounding like miniature fighter planes Kamakazi diving at our faces in the dark while we hide under too much bedding.
I have been researching natural methods, to keep the mosquito population in check. Like a cat protects your larder from an invasion of rodents. Mosquitoes also have a natural predator that may be harnessed as a potent ally, to save your blood and perhaps your sanity.
(Source)
Bats ... Yay!
They have been given a bad reputation, from superstition of ill omens and pop culture vampire association. Also their potential to spread illness, particularly rabies. Which like most animal carried diseases, is more of a potential than a relevant threat to our health. Putting the misguided and unfounded misconceptions aside.
Lets take an impartial and unbiased look...
Belonging to the order Chiroptera, from the greek words Cheir(hand) and Pteron(wing), for their forelimbs evolving or adapting into wings. They are the only mammal capable of maintaining flight, opposed to gliding like flying squirrels or sugar gliders. The account for approximately 20% of the mammal population world wide, with over 1240 documented species.
They come in all shapes and sizes...
From the kittis hog-nosed bat. Also know as the "bumble bee bat" or Thonglongyai in Tailand, their natural habitat. Around only an inch in body length, with a wing span of 4-6 inches and average weight of 2 grams. In stature, it rivals the smallest mammals known to man (A species of shrew and I am assuming, pygmy marmosets). To the giant golden crowned flying fox or acerodon jubatus. Weighing in at around 1.6-2 kgs, they boast an impressive wingspan averaging around 5.7-6 ft in length (I am 6 ft tall! wow).
Bats are an invaluable ally...
They are found world wide, save for arctic climates and play a very important role in the ecosystem. From pest population control to pollinating and providing plants with the nutrients from their dung or guano. Many tropical plants depend on bats almost exclusively for these services. Although not nearing extinction, our lack of consideration and respect for the other creatures sharing our planet, has lead to a decline in bat population. Due to habitat loss, intentional brood disruption and wind turbines. As a steward of this land and animal lover, I have decided to attempt to cultivate these adorable nocturnal wonders. Give them a safe haven to thrive and in turn perhaps they will help me sleep better during mosquito season.
This is merely a musing of mine at this point, as it is still winter time here. I need to do more research on the local bat species and build an appropriate bat box to house them. If you are intrigued by this post, please subscribe and stay tuned for more information and other homestead and alternative living ideas as well. If you have any experience with keeping bats on your property I would be delighted if you would share your experiences with me.
Arigato! Hope you enjoyed!
Sources:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid=1816
https://sierraclub.bc.ca/karst-the-winter-chalet-for-bc-bats/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat
http://www.bcbats.ca/
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/catalogue/bats.html