Bats Eat Mosquitoes
Yes, bats do eat mosquitoes, but the extent to which bats control mosquito populations is often misunderstood or exaggerated.
How Many Mosquitoes Do Bats Eat?
Some studies have estimated that a single bat can eat hundreds of mosquitoes per hour, but these figures often come from lab-based or highly controlled environments. In natural ecosystems, the actual number of mosquitoes consumed is likely much lower, especially when other, more appealing prey is present.
While bats contribute to the overall reduction of night-flying insects, including mosquitoes, their impact on mosquito population control is generally modest. Mosquitoes make up a small fraction of their diet, and because bats forage over wide areas, their influence on localized mosquito populations—such as those in a backyard—is limited.
Dietary Habits of Insectivorous Bats
Many insectivorous bats, particularly species like the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) in North America, include mosquitoes in their diet. However, they are opportunistic feeders and typically prefer larger, more energy-rich insects like moths, beetles, flying ants, and midges. Mosquitoes are relatively small and less nutritious, so while bats will eat them when available, they’re not a primary food source.
Practical Considerations
Encouraging bat populations through the use of bat houses or preserving natural roosts can contribute to general insect control and support biodiversity. However, relying solely on bats for mosquito management is not effective. For meaningful mosquito control, it's better to combine approaches such as:
Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed
Using larvicides in water bodies
Applying adulticides in high-infestation areas
Using physical barriers, like screens and nets
Integrating professional mosquito control solutions
In short, while bats do eat mosquitoes and can provide a small benefit in mosquito control, their role should be viewed as a complementary part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, not a standalone solution.