Believe it or not, bats thrive in Houston, and the weather plays a huge role. From April’s mild temperatures to a never-ending buffet of insects, it’s no wonder these creatures thrive in Houston.
Did you know the average bat can eat up to 1,000 insects a night? So, even if bats aren’t your favorite, they do help keep Houston’s mosquito population in check.
How to track a “Bat Storm” on radar
You can actually spot bats on the weather radar! Their flight patterns create detectable echoes, similar to storms, which is why some call it a “bat storm.”
At Houston’s Waugh Drive Bridge, an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 Mexican free-tailed bats take flight at dusk. When they do, they form dense clouds that bounce radar signals back. Flying low and fast—up to 25 mph—their constant motion shows up as a blob on the screen.
Here is an example of a local “Bat Storm” on radar from this week:
April is the perfect time to catch at “Bat Storm” both on the radar and in person:
- Mild April nights let bats fly longer, maximizing their insect-hunting hours.
- April showers boost mosquito and moth populations—bats’ favorite meals—while humidity sustains insect abundance, making hunting a breeze.
- Gentle April winds guide bats back to Houston from Mexico, just in time for mating season.
Want to get Batty on radar and in person in April?
If you’re curious to see them for yourself, April’s warm weather and clear skies make it ideal. Here’s where to go:
- Waugh Drive Bridge: 250,000–300,000 bats emerge at dusk to feast on insects along Allen Parkway.
- Watonga Blvd Bridge: About 100,000 bats take flight at sunset, hunting along the White Oak Bayou Greenway.
These are Houston’s bat hotspots, but smaller colonies might be closer than you think—living in trees or even attics near you!