EARLY OCCUPANCY IS MOST LIKELY INCREASED IF BAT HOUSES ARE PLACED BY APRIL.
Bat and BAT HOUSE Information
 Attracting
bats to your yard is becoming a new alternative to insect control. Bats
are the only major predators of night-flying insects. These nocturnal
flying mammals can eat 3000-7000 insects each night and can be an
important weapon in a chemical-free arsenal for bug control.
Careful
consideration of bat needs may increase the chances of successfully
attracting them. Bat houses located near a permanent source of water,
especially a marsh, lake or river, are more likely to attract bats.
Houses placed more than a half-mile from water have a lower chance of
being used. Place houses 10-15 feet high, facing southeast or east, and
sheltered as much as possible from the wind.
The internal
temperature of the bat house may control how and whether it is used.
Consider several factors before mounting a house. Bat houses
intended for use by nursery colonies should be oriented to receive
maximum solar radiation, especially in the morning. Painting your bat
house a dark color will make it warmer. Paint the outside only, with non-toxic latex paint. If your bat house is too cool
for a nursery colony, you may still attract bachelors.
The female
bats normally prefer stable temperatures of 80-90 degrees F, although
some bats tolerate temperatures in excess of 120 degrees F. Bats
reproduce slowly (usually only one pup annually), but sometimes form
large colonies. Bat colonies are easily destroyed, causing local
extirpation in some cases. Male bats do not live with females while
young are being reared.
Your bathouse
may or may not be used during the first year, so be patient. If your bat house is not
occupied by the second year, try moving it to a warmer or cooler
location. Chances of early occupancy are probably increased if houses
are hung by early April. Occupancy rates are also increased if bats
already live in barns or attics nearby. In some areas, heavy use of
pesticides, a lack of hibernating sites, too great a distance to
feeding or drinking sites, or even an abundance of existing roost sites
may preclude occupation of your bat house.
Bat Houses should
be made of quality, untreated, rough-cut lumber or have all inner
surfaces and entrances slightly roughened, scored, or covered with
plastic mesh (metal mesh may harm bats). Rough surfaces allow bats to
move around or attach themselves to the surface. Roosting chambers
should be around 20" or taller, and roost partitions should be spaced
about ¾-1 inch apart. Ventilation vents are required. Inspect your bat houses
regularly, making sure to check for unintended cracks and removing wasp
or bird nests during November - February when bats are away.
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