The Night Shift: Moths & Bats in Your Backyard

When the sun sets and the daytime pollinators call it a night, a whole different crew takes over — and they’re just as vital to our ecosystem. Late summer evenings in Ohio are alive with the quiet flutter of moth wings and the swooping silhouettes of bats, each playing an important role in keeping our environment healthy.

Moths: The Overlooked Pollinators

While butterflies get most of the attention, many moth species are hard at work after dark, sipping nectar and spreading pollen as they go. Some flowers, like Evening Primrose, Moonflower, and Four o’Clocks, actually bloom at night to attract these nocturnal visitors.

Bats: Nature’s Pest Control

Ohio’s bats are incredible allies, with a single bat able to eat thousands of insects — including mosquitoes — in just one night. Some bat species also help pollinate plants and disperse seeds, making them double-duty environmental helpers.

How to Help the Night Shift Thrive

🌼 Plant night-blooming flowers such as moonflower, jasmine, and nicotiana to give moths a food source after dark.

🏠 Install a bat house in a quiet spot at least 12 feet off the ground, away from bright lights and heavy traffic areas.

💡 Reduce outdoor lighting to avoid disorienting moths and disturbing bat feeding patterns.

🚫 Avoid pesticides that harm insects bats depend on for food.

By welcoming moths and bats into our backyards, we create a healthier balance for both people and wildlife — and enjoy the added bonus of fewer mosquitoes on warm summer nights.

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