Call today for a free quote!  866-437-8171
Mexican free tailed bat in a pile of leaves - Keep bats away with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat

Actual Size: 3.5” in length with a wingspan of 12-14”

Characteristics: A coat that varies from reddish to dark brown, complemented by black, forward-pointing ears and distinctive wrinkled lips. Their wings are notably long and slender, while their tails are elongated, contributing to their name.

Habitat: They have a strong inclination for dark, secluded spaces in caves. However, their adaptability also leads them to inhabit man-made structures, where they can be found in the hidden nooks of ceilings and walls. Their presence is often noted in various buildings, from residential homes to abandoned or unused structures.

Habits: 

  • Migratory – heading south to warmer climates during the winter months.
  • They are nocturnal feeders, primarily consuming moths and a variety of other insects which they catch in mid-flight.
  • Their habitats often include locations near water sources, which support a rich supply of their insect prey.


Mexican Free-Tailed Bats in Central Arkansas

In Central Arkansas, Mexican free-tailed bats are recognized for forming some of the largest colonies among bat species, sometimes aggregating in the millions within a single roost. Their impressive flying capabilities are notable; they are one of the fastest mammals, achieving high speeds in horizontal flight. This speed, combined with their large ears, enhances their echolocation abilities, allowing them to expertly navigate and locate insects in the dark.

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat Habitat

While their natural preference is for cave environments, Mexican free-tailed bats in the southern United States frequently occupy buildings. These locations offer the dark, secluded environments they favor for roosting and rearing their young. Proximity to water bodies is also a significant factor in their roosting choice, influencing the availability of their insect prey.

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat Behaviors, Threats or Dangers

Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk to feed, flying at altitudes higher than any other bat species. They utilize echolocation, a biological sonar, to navigate and hunt, emitting ultrasonic sounds that bounce off objects and return to them, helping pinpoint their prey’s location. The primary concern with large roosts of these bats in urban areas is the potential health risks they pose if they choose to reside within buildings. Their droppings, known as guano, can accumulate and pose health risks to humans. Additionally, direct contact with bats can be dangerous due to the risk of disease. It is critical to avoid direct contact with any bat you encounter.

Always call a professional wildlife control company.

Related Pests