Bats can be helpful to you and the environment and can provide harmless entertainment. Learn how to attract them with a bat house or two.

Quick Start

For best results, identify a spot in or around your wildlife porch or small outdoor area that

• is at least 10 feet off the ground
• sheltered from the wind
• preferably faces south, southeast, or east
• is where you can nail a bat house to the wall, pole, tree, or other support

Then purchase and mount a simple bachelor bat house.

Details

See below for your chances in attracting bats and possible tenanting time, as well as architecture, paint, and more information on location and orientation.

Chances

If you hang a bat house during fall or winter, your chances of attracting a bat are higher. If you are close to a wooded area, a body of water, or a diversity of habitat, your chances are also higher.

Location

You can mount the bat house on the side of a building or a pole, preferably at least 10' off the ground. The bat house can also be mounted to a limb of a large tree, although trees are not preferred. Make sure the house is sheltered from the wind, and the approach is not blocked by obstructions.

Orientation

Ideal orientations for a bat house are south, southeast, and east. This provides warmth in the morning and shade in the afternoon for any roosting bats. If your outdoor area faces west, you may have a harder time attracting bats.

Tenanting Time

Don't expect a bat right away. The most common wait is a little over a year, although it can take up to 3 years. Move the bat house if you don't have occupants within 2 years.

Architecture

The bat house should be made of roughened wood or wood lined with plastic screening. If you live in a warm climate, the bat house should have ventilation slots about .5" wide. 1" board lumber is best for the sides, but .5" plywood can be used for all other sides.

All seams of the bat house should be caulked.

Bat House Paint

The best color of exterior paint for a bat house depends on your climate. Black paint is great in colder, northern climates, white paint is great in extremely warm climates, and different medium shades work in moderate climates. It's primarily a matter of temperature levels inside the bat house, but also a matter of preventing moisture and air leaks.