Attracting bats via bat houses can be beneficial for you, the bats, and the environment, despite urban legend.

Why Attract Bats?

Bats can eat up to their full weight in night-flying insects, and some species are critical in pollinating fruits and seeds.

Bats and Disease

Despite urban legend, bats typically do not carry disease and actually are very beneficial. To quote from Bat Conservation International,

Bat rabies accounts for approximately one human death per year in the United States. Thus, some people consider bats to be dangerous. Nevertheless, dogs which often are considered "man's best friend," attack and kill more humans annually than die from bat rabies in a decade. Statistically speaking, pets, playground equipment, and sports are far more dangerous than bats.

Endangered

Despite the positive role bats play as pollinators and insect eaters, over 40% of bats are now endangered or threatened due to destruction of habitat. If you'd like to encourage bats, check out your area. If conditions are right, you can mount a bat house.