Domestic Bat Houses - The Basics
If you’re an avid do-it-yourselfer with some time on your hands, then you might want to build your own bat house. But a simpler option is to purchase one. You can buy one online or you could visit a pet store to pick out the one you like. Commercial bat houses are usually made from wood and come in varying styles. One thing they all have in common is at least one entry point and grooves on the inside.Installing a Bat House
Your bat house should be at an elevation of at least 10-12 feet off the ground. It should be facing south to southeast. Observe the behavior of the sunlight in the intended bat house location. Look for a spot that gets a good amount of sunlight. This is important because bats prefer temperatures of between 85℉ and 100℉. Ideally, your bat house should get at least ten hours of exposure to the sun each day. If bats are going to spend a lot of time in your bat house then they will need continued access to water. This supply of water should be no further than 150 feet away. The best sources would be nearby ponds or streams as natural water bodies are best but if none are available you could install a smaller man-made version. Ensure that there are no wildlife inhabited trees nearby as this may expose your bat friends to attack from predators such as hawks and owls. Additionally, if the nearby tree is fluffy with foliage, it may block the precious sunlight that the bats need to be comfortable in the house. Many people with bat houses install them atop poles, but you also can erect the bat house on the side of a building (preferably a side with no windows or windows that will not be opened). You can also place it at the side of a barn if you have one.