Invite Bats for Natural Pest Control
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Adapted from an American Horticulture article.
A single insectivorous bat can devour over 1,200 mosquito-sized pests per hour.
A vital part of our ecosystem, bats help control insects and provide a natural food source for large birds of prey. Bats are also incredible pollinators! Here are some ways you can support them in the garden.
Bats love to eat moths. Plant moth host plants to bring more bats to your garden. For more information on how to identify these plants for your region, check out nativeplantfinder.nwf.org!
Native plants with light-colored flowers in shades of white, cream, silver, pale pink, and lavender will attract moths and other nighttime pollinators.
Pacific Northwest (PNW) bats are exclusively insectivorous. To support them, plant night-scented, pale-colored flowers that attract night-flying moths and insects—the primary food source for local bat colonies.
Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): Features highly fragrant white blooms that act as a beacon for night-flying moths.
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Provides flat-topped floral platforms that serve as perfect resting and feeding sites for nocturnal insects.
Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum): A native early-spring bloomer with white petals that glow in the moonlight and attract specific woodland insects.
Spreading Phlox (Phlox diffusa): Fragrant, light-colored flowers that actively encourage nighttime pollinator activity.
Pacific Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia): A beautiful native shrub that provides early blooms for foraging and bears berries that boost overall local wildlife diversity.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera spp.): A quintessential moon garden plant; its pale blooms open at dusk, heavily scent the air, and attract nocturnal insects.
Other Tips
Consider adding trees to your garden for bats to enjoy. Oak, dogwood, elderberry, and native fruit trees are great options.
Avoid using pesticides.
Keep pet cats indoors.
Artificial light can impact a bat’s natural hunting pattern. Consider turning off all lights at night if possible.
Learn more about bats and how you can help them in the November/December 2004 issue of American Gardener. Learn more about bat conservation from Bat Conservation International and Lubee Bat Conservancy.
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