Protecting Bats: The Hidden Impact of Rodenticides (Happy International Bat Appreciation Day!)

Today is International Bat Appreciation Day—a perfect time to celebrate these fascinating and often misunderstood creatures. Did you know that bats are the only mammals capable of true flight, that they help control insect populations by eating thousands of bugs each night, and that some even play a role in pollinating the foods we enjoy? Despite all the incredible ways bats support our ecosystems, they face threats that often go unnoticed. One of those hidden dangers comes from something many of us don’t think twice about—rodenticides.

So how does this happen when bats do not eat rodents? The answer to this is secondary poisoning. Many bats, especially insect-eating species, rely on insects for food. When those insects come into contact with rodenticides—or feed on contaminated materials—they can carry traces of the poison in their bodies.

When bats eat these contaminated insects, they may unknowingly ingest the toxins. Over time, this buildup can have serious effects on their health.

Rodenticides, particularly anticoagulant types, work by preventing blood from clotting. This means that animals exposed to them can suffer from internal bleeding, weakness, and eventually death. Because bats are small and have sensitive systems, even low levels of exposure can be harmful.

In addition, poison used in the environment doesn’t just stay in one place—it moves through the food chain, impacting animals that were never the intended target.

Many birds of prey are also harmed from the use of rodenticides. A famous example of this was the owl Flaco in NYC. Flaco was a Eurasian eagle-owl, who escaped from the Central Park Zoo in 2023. Flaco flew around Manhattan hunting rats, until his death in February 2024 after colliding into a building. A necropsy revealed he had significant health issues that included rodenticide poisoning. This is probably what caused him to fly into the building. Rodenticides can also cause harm to pets. Click here to read more about this.

Nature has a delicate ecosystem. There are ways we can coexist with all of Earth's inhabitants without using poisons. There are humane and wildlife-friendly alternatives to rodenticides that can effectively manage rodent issues without harming other animals. Prevention is a powerful first step—sealing entry points, keeping food stored securely, and maintaining clean spaces can reduce the need for intervention. When action is needed, options like live traps allow for safe capture and release, while natural deterrents such as peppermint oil or ultrasonic devices can help discourage rodents from settling in the first place. By choosing these more compassionate approaches, we not only address the immediate issue but also protect the larger ecosystem—including bats and other wildlife who play such an important role in maintaining balance.

When I lived in Brooklyn, NY we had a couple of mouse encounters. I researched live traps. Some had reviews that the trap wasn't long enough and would cut off tails. I found one that had good reviews and it successfully caught our little visitors, who we took outside to free. I was going to include the link to the trap I used, but the link is no longer working on Amazon. When choosing one, make sure to read the reviews.

Here is a photo of one of our little visitors.

Kimberly and I talk about this more in an episode of That Vegan Morning Show last year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH2WA8qOyhU

Yes, rodents can cause health risks, but so can using terrible poisons. When we choose methods that harm more than their intended target, we unintentionally put entire ecosystems at risk—including animals like bats who are simply trying to survive and play their vital role in nature. By becoming more aware of the impact of our choices and opting for more humane, wildlife-friendly solutions, we have the power to protect not only our homes, but the delicate balance of life around us. Small, intentional changes can make a meaningful difference—for bats, for other wildlife, and for the world we all share.

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Jennifer Shlomovich is a Plant-Powered Lifestyle-Educator on a mission to help others improve their health by eating more plants. Jennifer is also passionate about educating others about the realities of animal agriculture and how embodying a vegan lifestyle is a beautiful experience. As the only vegan in her household, she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay true to your values when the people around you aren’t on the same path. For years, she put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, but through her journey, she discovered the power of setting boundaries, living by her values, and confidently prioritizing her well-being. On her YouTube channel, The Confident Vegan, she shares inspiring interviews, practical tips, and empowering conversations about what it really means to live in alignment with your values. She is also the co-host of That Vegan Morning Show with Kimberly Winters of the Did You Bring The Hummus podcast.