Do you want to make your backyard a home for bats? Attracting bats to a bat house can help control mosquitoes and support bat conservation. This guide will show you how to attract these amazing creatures to your yard.
Bats are great at controlling pests. They can eat up to 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in just one hour. By creating a good home for them, you can enjoy a peaceful outdoor space. Plus, you help these important pollinators and insect-eaters. Let’s learn how to make your backyard a bat-friendly place.
Why Attract Bats to Your Property?
Bats are very good for the environment. They help control pests and are great for your garden. A single bat can eat up to 600 mosquitoes in just one hour.
Bat poop is also good for plants. It acts as a natural fertilizer. Bats help pollinate plants and spread seeds too. These bat ecosystem services keep our environment healthy.
But, many bat species are in danger. They face threats from losing their homes and other human actions. By welcoming bats, you help protect them. This supports bat conservation and helps your local ecosystem.
Attracting bats is smart and good for the planet. They help control pests, fertilize, and pollinate. By making your place welcoming to bats, you get many benefits for your outdoor space.
Factors That Determine Bat House Success
Getting bats to live in your area can be very rewarding. But, it’s important to know what makes a bat house successful. The Bat Conservation International says five main things help a lot: proximity to water, mixed agriculture, sunlight, mounting height, and a certified bat house.
Bats need water close by, like within a quarter-mile. Streams, rivers, or lakes nearby help a lot. Also, areas with mixed farms or orchards attract many insects. This draws bats, giving them a steady food supply.
Sunlight is key too. Bat houses need at least two hours of direct sunlight each day. This keeps the house warm and cozy for bats. The house should be mounted between 12 and 20 feet up. This helps bats see well and stay safe from predators.
- Proximity to water (within 1/4 mile)
- Presence of mixed agriculture or orchards
- At least 2 hours of direct daily sunlight
- Mounting height between 12-20 feet off the ground
- Use of a certified bat house by Merlin Tuttle Bat Conservation
It’s also important to use a bat house certified by Merlin Tuttle Bat Conservation. These houses are made with bats’ needs in mind. This increases your chances of attracting a colony.
By focusing on these five factors, you can make your bat house a success. This way, you can enjoy the many benefits of having bats around.
Choosing the Right Bat House
When picking a bat house, think about what bats you want to attract. Nursery bat houses are big for a colony of bats. Bachelor bat houses are small for a few male bats. The material, like cedar or plywood, and the paint color matter too.
For the best chance of attracting bats, choose a Merlin Tuttle Bat Conservation-certified bat house. These houses are made to keep bats happy. They have good insulation, air flow, and the right size for different bats.
- Big brown bats like 7/8″ to 1″ wide chambers. The Florida bonneted bat and Pallid bat prefer 1″ to 1-1/2″ crevices.
- Wooden houses with parts less than 1/2″ thick won’t last long if not sealed or painted. So, pick a strong design.
- A roughened landing area extending at least 4″ below the roosting partitions is key for easy access.
By knowing what bats you want and picking the right house, you can attract them to your place.
Preparing Your Yard for Bats
To attract bats, make your yard bat-friendly. Use bat-friendly landscaping, night-blooming flowers, and water sources. This will help bats feel safe and welcome.
Make sure there’s enough food for bats. Planting native, night-blooming flowers and plants will attract insects. Orchards with fruits and flowers are great for bats.
Having a water source like a birdbath or pond is also key. Bats need about 7 to 10 feet of unobstructed water to drink while in flight. So, make sure water is easy for them to find.
Also, keep the area around the bat house safe from predators. Keep cats inside and avoid things that could block bats’ flight. Experts say to put the bat house in a warm, sunny spot facing south or southeast. This helps bats stay warm. And, the higher the house is, the better chance bats will live there.
By adding these bat-friendly features, you’ll make your yard a great place for bats. This will help you attract these helpful creatures.
- Plant night-blooming flowers and native vegetation to attract insects for bats to feed on
- Provide a reliable water source, such as a birdbath or small pond, for bats to drink from
- Keep the area around the bat house free from possible predators, like cats
- Place the bat house in a warm, sunny spot facing south or southeast for the best chance of bats living there
Ideal Bat House Placement
Putting the bat house in the right spot is key for its success. The best bat house placement needs to think about a few things. This makes a place that bats find attractive and safe.
The bat house should be mounted on a building or pole side. It should be 12-20 feet high. This height lets bats easily get in and keeps them safe from predators. Don’t put the bat house on trees. Trees can let predators in and mess with bats’ flying.
Also, the bat house orientation matters a lot. It should get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. The best direction is south or southeast. This sunlight keeps the bat house at the right temperature for bats.
- Bat houses should be near a tree line, 10-30 yards away. This helps bats hide from predators like owls.
- Put the bat house at least 1,500 feet from a stream or pond. This gives bats water for eating.
- Don’t put the bat house near windows, doors, or decks. This stops problems with bat droppings.
By thinking about these bat house placement points, you can make a welcoming and safe spot for bats on your property.
how to attract bats to a bat house
To attract bats, start with a well-made bat house. Paint it the right color and put it in a good spot. Keep it clean and fix any problems to help bats move in.
Surround your bat house with plants that attract insects at night. This gives bats a food source. Remember, it might take up to 2 years for bats to find and use your bat house.
- Ensure proper bat house construction and placement:
- Mount the bat house at least 15-20 feet above the ground, away from predators.
- Choose a spot that gets lots of sunlight, facing south or southeast for warmth.
- Put the bat house near water, within a quarter-mile, as bats like water nearby.
A study by Bat Conservation International shows these steps can help attract bats 83% to 92% of the time.
- Clean the bat house every year to keep it clear and inviting.
- Fix any leaks or drafts to keep the inside just right for bats.
By following these tips and being patient, you can attract bats to your house. This helps these pollinators and pest controllers.
Mounting the Bat House
Putting your bat house in the right spot is key. It should be 12-20 feet off the ground. Make sure it’s far from trees or power lines where predators might perch.
Mount it on a building side or a freestanding pole for the best results. This keeps bats safe and cozy.
To keep bats safe from predators, add predator guards to the pole. This stops snakes and other dangers. Don’t put the bat house near windows, doors, or decks. Bat droppings can be a mess.
The orientation and height matter a lot. Bat houses need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They like it warm.
Place the bat house on the southern or eastern side of a building. This gets it lots of sun.
For bat house height, aim for at least 10 feet above ground. The best spot is 12 to 20 feet up. This keeps predators away and bats happy.
Maintaining the Bat House
It’s important to keep your bat house in good shape. This makes it more appealing to bats. Every year, check it in winter when bats are away. Clean out nests and debris then.
Look for cracks, leaks, or drafts. If you find any, fix them. Also, repaint the outside if the color is fading.
Good house maintenance keeps bats safe and happy. Watch out for bat guano (droppings) under the house. It’s important to handle it safely. These steps will keep your bat house ready for bats for a long time.
Here are some tips to make your bat house the best:
- Bats in the Pacific Northwest like houses with ½ – ¾ inch openings.
- Rocket boxes and multi-chamber boxes are good for Northwest bats.
- Bats need temperatures around 95 degrees Fahrenheit to stay warm.
- Put bat houses 15 feet off the ground to keep predators away.
Regular bat house cleaning and bat house repairs are key. They keep the house perfect for bats. By caring for your bat house, you help these important animals and enjoy their company for years.
For more info on bat conservation and bat house management, check out WOODLAND PARK ZOO and BATS NORTHWEST. Your local Fish and Wildlife office can help with bat guano management and reporting bat roosts.
Being Patient and Persistent
Getting bats to a new bat house can be hard. It might take a year or two for bats to find it. But, with patience and the right changes, you can attract them.
Watching the bat house and its area is important. Look at bat house occupancy, bat house acclimation, and bat house success rate. This helps you know if the house needs changes to attract bats.
Being persistent and making changes is key. Try different places, models, or even move the house if needed. With patience and flexibility, you can make a great home for bats.
Bats need time to get used to a new place. Being patient and ready to change can help attract bats. This way, you help them and their homes.
Avoiding Bat Attractants and Sprays
Don’t use commercial bat house attractants or sprays. They don’t work well and might scare bats away. This means they won’t want to live in your bat house.
Make your place welcoming to bats instead. Place your bat house right, landscape well, and wait patiently. Bats don’t like changes and won’t come easily. Let them find your place naturally.
Here are some tips to keep bats away from attractants and sprays:
- Don’t use commercial bat house attractants or sprays. They don’t really work.
- Make your place good for bats with the right house spot, landscaping, and patience.
- Bats don’t like changes. So, let them find your place by themselves.
- Use natural ways to attract bats. Give them water, plant native plants, and have a diverse habitat.
By not using fake attractants, you’ll make a great place for bats. Your backyard will be a happy home for them.
Conclusion
Getting bats to your bat house can be very rewarding. It helps bats and keeps pests away. You also help your backyard become more diverse.
Bats are great at controlling insects. One bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes in just an hour. Their guano is also good for plants, making them grow better.
But, bats are in trouble. They lose their homes, get sick, and face climate change. By welcoming bats, you help them and the environment. It might take time for bats to find your house.
Keep checking on your bat house. Make sure it’s ready for your new friends. This way, your bat house will last longer and be a good home for bats.