The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is marking Bat Week from October 24 through the 31st to highlight the importance of bat conservation. DEEP officials say bats are critical for controlling insect populations and contribute an estimated $3 billion a year to the U.S. agricultural economy. The agency says many species are threatened by White Nose Syndrome, a fungal disease that’s killed millions of bats across North America. Residents are urged to reduce pesticide use, protect bat habitats, and consider installing bat houses to support recovery efforts.