Why would I want to attract bats?
Bats are important indicators of a healthy environment. Because they are sensitive to high pollution and pesticide levels, they are useful as a warning sign to potential environmental problems. Also, bats can be important weapons in combating insects that are actually dangerous to humans. A small bat can capture more than 1,200 mosquitoes in a single hour! Also, bats cannot contract the West Nile Virus by eating infected mosquitoes. Besides mosquitoes, bats can help control the populations of beetles, moths, and leafhoppers. Many insects can hear bats up to 100 feet away and will avoid those areas occupied by bats. The effectiveness of bats in some areas diminishes the need for pesticides that can harm both the pests and their natural predators.
Do I have bats in my area?
Bats are found on every continent except for Antarctica. They are particularly abundant in North America, and many people in the United States and Canada have bats in their backyard without even knowing it.
What types of bats are in my area?
Most areas have several different species of bats. The Big Brown Bat and the Little Brown Bat are the most abundant bats in the United States, and are the most frequent users of bat houses. Other species that may be in your area include the Pallid Bat and the Brazilian (Mexican) Free-Tailed Bat. You can often find out what other types of bats reside in your area by calling your local park service.
How do I attract bats?
Putting up a bat house is the first step toward attracting bats. Suitable housing for bats is rapidly decreasing in many areas, as many people view them as pests and try to evict them from their homes. Many people inquire about purchasing bats for their bat house. Bats are a protected species and are considered public domain, which means that it is illegal to own, sell, or purchase bats.
Should I use bat guano on or near my bat house?
Many people think that by spreading bat guano on or near their bat house, it will attract a bat colony. This has not been scientifically proven, and this is generally discouraged because of the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria than can exist in the guano.
What size bat house do I need?
You should always consider design when selecting your bat house. According to research, larger bat houses (often called nursery houses) have higher occupancy rates than the smaller houses. We often recommend a minimum capacity of 100-300 bats. Multiple bat houses will often increase occupancy rates. By combining a larger house for the females and their pups and a smaller house for the more solitary males, people are able to establish larger and more stable bat colonies. In addition to size, there are other factors to consider. All landing areas and partition surfaces should be rough to allow bats to easily cling when landing and roosting. Ventilation gaps are important where average July temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Where should I place my bat house?
You may place your bat house on a tree, pole, or a building; however, boxes mounted on poles or buildings tend to have a higher occupancy than those mounted on trees. For mounting on buildings, wood or stone buildings are best, and your bat house should be mounted under the eaves with 6-10 hours of sun exposure depending on your region. You should mount your house 15-20 feet above the ground where it will not be exposed to bright lights. Also, you should place your bat house where it will receive at least six hours of sun if you live in a region where average July temperatures range from 80 to100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a region where average July temperature are less than 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you should mount your bat house where it will receive at least 10 hours of sun.
Should I paint my bat house?
While it is not necessary to paint a bat house, doing so can often help in regulating the temperature inside the house. Bat houses in warmer areas, such as the southern United States, may benefit from light colored paint. Cooler areas, such as the northern U. S. and Canada, may bene