Everything You Should Know About Hanging Bat Houses
Now that you've invested in or DIY a bat house, you don't know how to install it yet? It's not hard to know where to hang a bat house and at what height. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you should know about hanging a bat house, helping you increase the chances of your bat house being discovered and used by bats. The more bats that move in, the less mosquito infestations you'll have.
How to Choose the Best Location to Hang Your Bat House?
Ideal location
Bats are picky about their roosting spots, so choosing the right location will increase the chances of a bat taking up residence. The ideal location for a bat house should be near a water source. Bats love to roost near water sources such as ponds, rivers, or lakes. If there is no natural water source within 1,500 feet of your house, you may want to consider installing it near an artificial water source on your property.
Next you need to see if there is a forest nearby. Bat houses near forests are more attractive to bats, and mother bats will look for suitable nesting sites near forests.
What is it installed on?
There are two main ways to mount or hang bats, one is hanging on a pole and the other is mounting on the side of a building. The most recommended bat house is on a pole or post, which ensures that the bat house is protected from predators and gets enough sunlight. In addition, many people also mount bat houses on barns, houses or sheds because this provides stability and warmth. Bats usually prefer buildings to trees because buildings can retain more heat. Be careful not to mount it on metal buildings because the metal heats up and keeps bats away.
One mistake to avoid is placing a bat house in a tree. This may seem very natural, but it is actually one of the worst locations. Trees provide too much shade, and the branches make it easier for predators such as owls, snakes, and raccoons to attack the bats. Bats will not like this roosting location.
How high should a bat house be hung ?
also plays a crucial role in its success . Here are the recommended heights based on research and expert advice:
Minimum Height : 10 feet (the absolute minimum height for bats to feel safe)
Recommended height : 12-20 feet (ideal height to attract bats)
Maximum height : 25 feet (higher is OK as long as there is an open flight path for the bats)
The elevated position reduces the risk of predators coming into contact with the bats, while also helping to regulate temperature and provide a comfortable roosting space.
Consider light and temperature
Bats are afraid of the cold and they need heat to survive. That's why bats like to roost close together so that they can conserve body heat. So when hanging bats, you must consider temperature and light factors. It is crucial to ensure that the bat house can receive sunlight. In warm climates, partial sunlight is fine, but avoid completely shaded areas. If your area is colder, you will need to place the bat house in a sunny area (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day). You can also consider painting the bat house black or dark brown to help it absorb more heat.
Unobstructed
Bats have poor eyesight and rely on sound waves to locate and navigate. You need to make sure there are no obstacles near the bat house, otherwise it will affect their takeoff and landing. This is also why it is not suitable to install it on trees, as branches will become obstacles for them.
What is the best season to install a bat house?
Although bat houses can be installed year-round, zoologists recommend installing them in late winter or early spring. Bats begin to look for new roosts during the warmer months, especially during the brooding season (spring to summer). Bat houses installed in early spring have more time to be discovered and acclimate, helping to attract female bats to raise pups during the summer.
Installations during the summer may take longer to attract bats because many bats have already found their summer roosts and are less willing to move.
The success rate of installation is lower in the fall because bats are preparing to migrate or looking for hibernation sites and are less likely to move into new bat houses.
In cold regions, many bats hibernate, usually in caves, tree holes, or cracks in buildings. If you install it in winter, the bats will not move in right away, but when the temperature rises, they may look for a new roost.
Maintenance after Installation
Installing a bat house doesn't mean everything is over. To keep the bat house in good condition, you need to check it every year for damage, loose screws, or signs of wear. And choose a place where bats are not around, clean the feces inside the bat house properly, and maintain good hygiene. After the bats move in, please avoid disturbing them. In addition, if there are no bats in the house for a long time, please check for wasp nests. If wasps occupy the house, they may prevent bats from moving in.
Final Thoughts
Properly hanging a bat house is just as important as building it. By choosing the right location, mounting it at the right height, and providing proper sunlight exposure, you will greatly increase the chances of bats using it.
A well-placed bat house not only provides a safe habitat for these amazing creatures, it also improves your environment by naturally controlling pests. So if you're planning on installing a bat house, follow these guidelines and get ready to meet some new winged neighbors!