When Is a Pest Not a Pest? Using Insect-Eating Bats to Control Mosquitoes

By Elizabeth Michael

November 26, 2025

Whether they're biting your ankles or swarming around your backyard barbecue, mosquitoes really know to spoil the fun. If citronella candles and bug zappers just aren't cutting it and you're not in the mood to throw a mosquito net over your entire backyard, maybe it's time to think outside the box. Many of today's homeowners are taking the natural route of mosquito control by introducing bats into their outdoor spaces.

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Yes, you heard it right: bats. These winged critters have hearty appetites for all things insect, and they're more than happy to make a meal out of the mosquitoes in your backyard.

Do Bats Eat Mosquitoes?

Bats absolutely eat mosquitoes. In fact, they can't seem to get enough of them. Bats have been documented to eat their weight's worth or up to 8,000 mosquitoes a night. Bat colonies take these numbers even further by possessing the ability to consume up to a whopping 50,000 mosquitoes in a single evening. That's some pretty effective mosquito control.

While they're often misunderstood, bats are vital to the environment. They've been around for millions of years, and approximately 70% of the bat population is insect eaters. Approximately 20 million bats reside in Texas' Bracken Cave, and they consume up to 200 tons of insects each night. They're also responsible for keeping crop pests at bay, which helps keep fruit and vegetable costs low.

In addition to mosquitoes, bats enjoy dining on pollen and nectar, along with other insects such as beetles and crickets.

While studies show that mosquitoes are a big part of bat diets, there are some alternative opinions out there that side with professional pest removal over bat pest control. With an estimated 110 trillion mosquitoes throughout the world, there's definitely enough for both bats and commercial exterminators to handle.

How Do You Encourage Insect-Eating Bats to Eat Mosquitoes in Your Yard or Area?

Most state laws prevent consumers from purchasing bats for mosquito control, as they're considered protected creatures. However, there are ways to create welcoming habitats in your yard or outdoor space to encourage bats to visit and build their roosts. From there, the bats' instincts to consume mosquitoes should take over, allowing for a natural and ethical source of pest control.

Here are some tips to attract these helpful flying mammals into your space.

Build a Bat House

A bat house provides shelter and offers bats a place to roost. When constructing a bat house, make sure to use weather-resistant materials that offer plenty of insulation. The house should sit at least 12 feet off the ground and face south to ensure it gets enough sunlight while preventing excessive sun exposure.

If you're unsure how to build a bat house, there are plenty of online resources that provide instructions and how-to-videos, and you can also purchase pre-built homes from pet supply, hardware and big box stores. While sizes may vary, bat houses should measure at least 24 inches high and 14 inches wide, with 20-inch chambers.

One thing to consider is that it can take between 2 and 6 months for bats to take up residence in your bat house. If you live in a bat-heavy area, the wait time may be shorter. Either way, installing a house as directed is a great way to welcome the neighborhood bats with open arms.

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Install a Birdbath or Backyard Pond

Providing a fully accessible water source is a good way to attract bats looking for a bit of refreshing hydration. Consider installing a birdbath or building a backyard pond to encourage the local bats to stop by. When building a bat-friendly pond, you'll want to make sure to incorporate a few shallow edges to ensure the bats can easily perch and drink.

Incorporate Native Plant Species Into Your Garden

Bats and mosquitoes are naturally attracted to sweet-smelling native plants. Adding some native species to your garden that produce nectar and bloom in the evening hours may help in a few ways. First, the blooming plants can help create a more centralized location for the mosquitoes in your yard and outdoor space to swarm. Second, the allure of both the plants and the mosquito swarm should be enough to draw in bats looking to feed. The end result? A win-win for everyone.

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