Benefits of Erecting a Bat House
Bats are the Primary Predator of Moths, Beetles, and Mosquitoes
Aug 14, 2008
Bats, contrary to their fearful image, are beneficial creatures, helping to control rampant insect populations. Skilled in echolocation and maneuverability, these predators swoop down on unsuspecting moths, beetles and mosquitoes, which in turn helps control garden and crop pests, such as cutworms, corn earworms, and other larval species. Bats can consume 1200 mosquitoes an hour and up to half of their body weight. Many insects can hear bats from a great distance and will avoid areas where they are present. Bats are desirable guests for homeowners, gardeners, and farmers.
Whether building a bat house from available plans or purchasing a pre-built house, many considerations determine a bat house's likelihood of success. The answers to these commonly-asked questions cover bat house basics.
Why Build a Bat House?
According to Bat Conservation International, while some bats spend the winter in caves, most spend summers in trees, old buildings, under bridges, and other spaces that satisfy their requirements. Finding adequate homes is increasingly difficult for bats as more and more of their natural habitat or suitable alternatives disappear. Bat houses help alleviate this shortage and provide natural insect control.
Is My Area Suitable For Bats?
An area is suitable if it meets their need for food, water, and shelter. The presence of a fairly large source of fresh water, especially a stream, river, or lake, is one of the key indicators of good bat habitat. These areas provide not only fresh water, but also excellent hunting grounds for insects. Nearby bat colonies in buildings as well as close proximity to cave or mine hibernating sites is desirable. A combination of cleared land and wooded areas is also beneficial.
Will Attracting Bats Increase the Likelihood That They Will Move Into My Attic?
No. If bats liked your attic or wall spaces, they probably would already be living there.
Where Should I Place My Bat House?
The sides of houses or tall poles provide the best protection. Place the house 12 to 20 feet off the ground, ensuring that there are no nearby limbs providing predators access to the house. Do not place the bat house near bright lights. Some bats won't even go out when there is a full moon.
What are the Temperature Requirements?
If the temperatures in July average 80° F or less, at least 10 hours of sun is recommended. If July temperatures average less than 100° F, at least six hours of direct sun is best. The interior of the bat house should stay between 80° F and 100° F as long as possible to aid maternity colonies in the summer. Painting the outside appropriately will help achieve this goal:
- If the average temperature is less than 85° F, paint the outside black.
- If temperatures are between 85f F and 95° F, paint the outside brown.
- If temperatures are between 95° F and 100° F, paint with medium colors.
- If temperatures are above 100° F, paint with white or light colors.
How Many Bats Can Potentially Occupy My Bat House?
A common single-chamber bat house is capable of housing 50 bats. Nursery colonies of 200 or more bats can inhabit a larger multi-chamber house.
For more general information about bats, including how to evict a bat colony from your attic, see Bat Facts, Myths, and Benefits.
To start create a habitat conducive to bats, go to Bat Friendly Gardens.
Woodworking-plans.org offers many free bat house plans and pre-constructed houses for purchase.
Whether you actively attract bat populations or simply leave them be, you will benefit from their impressive insect control. Bats are nature's answer to pesky pests.
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