Why are bats valuable on farms?
Many bat species feed on insects at night, including moths and beetles, and that feeding can reduce pressure from certain crop pests. Some bats also pollinate plants or spread seeds in other parts of the world.
Researchers have studied the value of bats for farms, and the numbers vary widely by crop and region. Rather than quoting a figure, ask your extension office what is known about bats where you farm.
Bats also help in woodlands, orchards and gardens, so even a small property can benefit. Many people only notice bats when they are a problem, but watching them at dusk over a pond is a good way to appreciate how much work they do.
What do bats need to live near you?
Bats need roosts for daytime rest and raising young, foraging areas with insects, and sources of water. Old trees with loose bark or cavities, caves, rock crevices and some buildings provide shelter.
Leaving standing dead trees where safe, keeping a water source such as a pond, and reducing broad insecticide use all help. Cutting old trees during certain seasons can harm roosting bats, so ask your state wildlife agency about timing.
Dark skies help as well. Outdoor lights attract insects and can keep bats away from roosts, so use shielded fixtures and turn off lights you do not need.
- Keep mature and dead trees where they are not a hazard
- Maintain ponds and wetlands
- Limit insecticide use, especially at night
- Reduce outdoor lighting near roosts
Should you install a bat house?
Bat houses can help in some places when designed and placed correctly, but occupancy is not guaranteed. Location, sun exposure, height and local species all matter, and many houses stay empty.
Look for designs recommended by bat conservation organizations and your state wildlife agency. Be patient, because bats may take years to move in, and avoid placing one where droppings or noise would disturb you.
If you try one, mount it on a pole or a building rather than a tree, as designs recommend, and keep it clean of predators. Follow state guidance, and do not disturb a house that bats are using.
What if bats are in your house or barn?
Bats can enter through very small gaps. Do not seal them in, and avoid disturbing them during the season when young cannot fly, since that can strand pups. Many states restrict when bats may be excluded.
Contact your state wildlife agency or a licensed wildlife professional for current rules and humane exclusion methods. Seal entry points only after bats have left, following official guidance.
Droppings in an attic should be cleaned only with proper precautions, since dust can carry fungal spores. Ask your county health office or a professional for current cleanup advice before sweeping or vacuuming.
What about health concerns?
Bats can carry diseases including rabies, though most do not. Never touch a bat with bare hands, and keep children and pets away from any grounded or unusually behaving bat.
If someone has been bitten or scratched, or woke up with a bat in the room, contact a doctor or the county health department immediately. Pets should be up to date on rabies vaccines, which you can discuss with your veterinarian. This is general education, not medical advice.
What threats do bats face?
Disease, habitat loss, wind energy, pesticides and disturbance of roost sites affect bats, and some species are federally protected. Disturbing protected species can carry penalties.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state agencies publish information about local protected species, so check before working on old buildings, caves or large trees.
A disease called white nose syndrome has hurt cave bats in many areas. Your state wildlife agency can tell you what precautions apply if you enter caves or mines, such as cleaning gear.
How can you help in practical terms?
Reduce lighting, protect roost trees, keep water on the land and avoid unnecessary pesticide use. Teach family and neighbors that bats are not pests to be chased away.
Report unusual bat behavior or die offs to your wildlife agency, which monitors population health.
Teaching children to admire bats from a distance and leave them alone gives the next generation a healthier relationship with them.
Key takeaways
- Bats feed on insects and are valuable on many farms.
- Protect roost trees, water and foraging habitat.
- Bat houses may help but are not guaranteed to be used.
- Do not seal bats in; follow state rules on exclusion.
- Never touch a bat; call a doctor if bitten or exposed.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.