The Bat House: a Green, Energy Efficient Insect Repellant

Step 7: Step 6: Hang it

Using long nails or screws, mount the bat house. According to the National Wildlife Federation, the ideal location is about 10-15ft high, with a clear area below, free from branches, etc.

Also, NWF says bat houses mounted on poles or on the side of buildings are easier for bats to locate. 

Also, houses should ideally face southeast, to catch some sunlight during mornings to warm their little bat bodies up.

I mounted mine on tree, but may move it to a pole soon. It can take up to a year or so for bats to take refuge in your house. But once they do, you'll have these friendly, cuddly little minions to do your bidding. 

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Comments

[sconner1]

Good Idea. We have an area of standing water near out home. This woild be good to help fight mosquitos.
I know bats can get into some tight spaces, but do you think 1/2 to 3/4" is wide enough for them to nest?
I've seen other designs that look like there is about 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" inside.

[Dickerson888]

I discussed it a few years ago with a biologist and it (the opening size) can depend on the type of bats that are common to the area.

If I remember correctly for instance in the Memphis, TN area Mexican Free Tail and Small Brown Bats are common and he suggested 1/2 to 3/4 inch openings were best.

I designed a few years ago a multi-layered bat house that incorporated different size openings to give the best advantage for occupancy.

[slylee]

Well according to batcon.org, the space should be 1''. You don't want it too wide because they get cold easily, and you don't want heat to escape.

[earthlings]

Have any bats taken advantage of your lovely home?

[slylee]

Not quite yet. I think I may need to move it to a pole. Most of the conservation resources suggested it was the best location.