Spring is around the corner. Attracting bats to a bat house will help control unwanted insect pests. Bat houses also help ensure bats will not move into your house.
February 22, 2007 (Press Release) --
Why would you want a bat house?
1. Bats can help control yard and garden insect pests. One bat can eat up to 1200 mosquitoe-size insects in one hour.
2. Bat houses give bats an alternative place to roost other than your house. You may have bats living in your attic or behind your shutters or siding and wish that they live somewhere else. Some bats find their way into barns, garages, or houses. Unfortunately, most people do not want them living in their house, so they kick them out or kill them. Each year, researchers are finding that bat populations are decreasing. One way you can help is to build or buy
a bat house and place it up on your property.
3. Many bats are have declining populations and need our help. Bat Houses
provide suitable roosting habitat for bats. Many species of bats in the United
States would normally roost under the loose and peeling bark of dead or dying
trees. Much of this naturally occuring habitat is gone, due to an
ever-increasing human population and need for land.
4. It is fun! Just like putting up a bird house, you can watch the bats in
your yard.
Bat houses were first built in the 1950’s. These first bat houses had
dimensions like a bird house and were rarely used. Unfortunately, some
manufacturers still produce the 1950 style houses. They only have about a 10-30%
chance of working.
Starting in the 1990’s, bat conservationists began testing out many
designs and features of the bat houses to increase the occupancy rate. The first
step in attracting bats to your bat house is using the most up-to-date bat
house. The following are the main features that you should keep in mind when
building or purchasing a bat house:
* Weather-resistant wood is preferred (cedar or exterior-grade plywood).
* Screws are better than nails. Make sure they are galvanized.
* Caulk throughout the upper part of the house will keep the bats warm and
dry.
* The inside of the house should have plastic mesh, grooves, or a very
rough surface so the bats can hang easily.
* The house should be at least 24 inches tall and 14 inches wide to allow
the bats room to move around. The depth can vary from one chamber to many.
* Each chamber should measure between 3/4 to 1 inch to keep the bats
protected from predators.
* Each bat house should have a landing area that extends 4 to 6 inches
below the entrance of the house to allow the bats an easy way to get in and out.
* The house should have various temperatures. A ceiling at the top of the
house and a ventilation slot about 1/3 from the bottom will allow the bats to
move around if they are hot or cold.
* Research has shown that placing 3 or more houses in one area,
significantly increases your chance of getting bats into at least one of them.
For more information call the Organization for Bat Conservation at 248-645-3232 or go to www.batconservation.org
1. Bats can help control yard and garden insect pests. One bat can eat up to 1200 mosquitoe-size insects in one hour.
2. Bat houses give bats an alternative place to roost other than your house. You may have bats living in your attic or behind your shutters or siding and wish that they live somewhere else. Some bats find their way into barns, garages, or houses. Unfortunately, most people do not want them living in their house, so they kick them out or kill them. Each year, researchers are finding that bat populations are decreasing. One way you can help is to build or buy
a bat house and place it up on your property.
3. Many bats are have declining populations and need our help. Bat Houses
provide suitable roosting habitat for bats. Many species of bats in the United
States would normally roost under the loose and peeling bark of dead or dying
trees. Much of this naturally occuring habitat is gone, due to an
ever-increasing human population and need for land.
4. It is fun! Just like putting up a bird house, you can watch the bats in
your yard.
Bat houses were first built in the 1950’s. These first bat houses had
dimensions like a bird house and were rarely used. Unfortunately, some
manufacturers still produce the 1950 style houses. They only have about a 10-30%
chance of working.
Starting in the 1990’s, bat conservationists began testing out many
designs and features of the bat houses to increase the occupancy rate. The first
step in attracting bats to your bat house is using the most up-to-date bat
house. The following are the main features that you should keep in mind when
building or purchasing a bat house:
* Weather-resistant wood is preferred (cedar or exterior-grade plywood).
* Screws are better than nails. Make sure they are galvanized.
* Caulk throughout the upper part of the house will keep the bats warm and
dry.
* The inside of the house should have plastic mesh, grooves, or a very
rough surface so the bats can hang easily.
* The house should be at least 24 inches tall and 14 inches wide to allow
the bats room to move around. The depth can vary from one chamber to many.
* Each chamber should measure between 3/4 to 1 inch to keep the bats
protected from predators.
* Each bat house should have a landing area that extends 4 to 6 inches
below the entrance of the house to allow the bats an easy way to get in and out.
* The house should have various temperatures. A ceiling at the top of the
house and a ventilation slot about 1/3 from the bottom will allow the bats to
move around if they are hot or cold.
* Research has shown that placing 3 or more houses in one area,
significantly increases your chance of getting bats into at least one of them.
For more information call the Organization for Bat Conservation at 248-645-3232 or go to www.batconservation.org
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