Bat Houses

Best Bat Houses… because bats are extremely beneficial for pollination and insect control. 

Several bat species including the Big Brown Bat, Mexican Free-Tailed, Tri-color and Southeastern Bat will use man-made shelters. Essential to the ecosystem, bats are seed spreaders and major pollinators who consume thousands of insects nightly.

Bat houses may be installed any time of year, but it’s best to have a new house in place prior to spring. Beginning in March, some species awaken from hibernation while others migrate north. In some southern states, bats remain active throughout the year.

The furry flying mammals will definitely earn their keep, and proper placement of your bat house increases chances of occupancy. Bats prefer habitat that is near water, such as a creek, pond, stream, or lake, so if there's water on or near your property, chances of attracting bats to take up residency are very good!

When paced on poles or structures, bat houses tend to be more desirable than those placed on a trees. Optimal height is approximately 15 feet. If mounting your bat shelter to a tree, be sure it’s clear of obstructions or branches as they will hinder flight and entry. A south or southeast exposure is best, allowing the house to receive full sun. If there's more than one bat house, it’s best to face the second in a different direction to allow for varying ambient temperatures which is a key factor for successful bat occupancy.

Another way to entice bats to their new digs is by adding insects. Simply place a small light or night light nearby to attract mosquitoes and other insects... bats are likely to follow if they're already within close proximity.

Available in a range of sizes, bat houses are made to accommodate different groups, and most houses are in accordance with Organization for Bat Conservation. Single chamber bat houses usually host smaller groups of males (15-20), while triple-chamber and larger models house whole colonies (300-600 bats) including offspring.

In the Northeast US (now spreading west and south), there’s a serious fungus killing several bat populations and scientists fear it could wipe out entire species. White Nose Syndrome is now spreading rapidly across the United States, and wreaking havoc on whole colonies, thousands of bats at a time.

Are bats roosting in your attic? Please go easy, they’re not nearly as bad as squirrels with their potential damage. Most homeowners evict bats without a second thought… bad move for you and for them. Consider installing a bat house or two so they have a place to roost once evicted. Bats are worth their weight in gold for insect control and pollination, and besides... nobody wants to be homeless!

To learn more and help bats thrive around your place, consider joining Bat Conservation International.