Bats! Often misunderstood and feared, these nocturnal mammals are actually incredibly beneficial creatures. They're natural pest control, consuming thousands of insects each night, including mosquitoes. Building a bat house is a rewarding way to support your local ecosystem and enjoy the natural pest control they provide. This guide will walk you through building your own bat house, ensuring you attract these beneficial flying mammals to your property.
Why Build a Bat House?
Before diving into the construction process, let's highlight the advantages of attracting bats to your yard:
- Natural Pest Control: Bats are voracious eaters, consuming vast quantities of insects, including many agricultural pests and disease carriers like mosquitoes.
- Ecosystem Balance: Bats play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of your area.
- Environmental Friendliness: Bat houses offer a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to pest control, reducing reliance on harmful pesticides.
- Wildlife Observation: Observing bats is a fascinating experience, providing a window into the secret lives of these nocturnal creatures.
Materials You'll Need
To construct a bat house, gather these materials:
- Untreated Lumber: Use rough-sawn, untreated lumber like pine or cedar. Avoid treated lumber as the chemicals can harm bats. 1 x 6 inch boards are ideal.
- Exterior-Grade Wood Glue: This will ensure strong bonds between the wooden components.
- Exterior-Grade Screws: Use galvanized or stainless steel screws to resist rust and weather damage.
- Exterior Wood Paint or Stain (Optional): While not strictly necessary, a dark-colored exterior wood paint or stain can help the house absorb heat, making it more attractive to bats. Avoid using bright colors.
- Measuring Tape: Essential for accurate cuts and measurements.
- Saw: A hand saw or circular saw is needed to cut the lumber.
- Drill: A drill with various sized drill bits will be needed for pilot holes and screw driving.
- Safety Glasses & Gloves: Always prioritize your safety when working with tools.
Step-by-Step Construction Guide
Follow these steps to build your bat house:
1. Building the Back Panel:
- Cut a piece of lumber to the desired dimensions for the back panel (approximately 24 inches high x 16 inches wide). This will form the main support structure.
2. Constructing the Sides:
- Cut two side pieces to the same height as the back panel (24 inches) but narrower (approximately 6 inches wide). These will form the sides of the house.
3. Assembling the Frame:
- Glue and screw the side pieces to the back panel. Ensure the seams are tight and sturdy.
4. Creating the Top:
- Cut another piece of lumber to fit snugly across the top of the side panels, forming a roof. Glue and screw it securely.
5. Constructing the Landing Strip:
- Cut a narrow strip of lumber to act as a landing strip, approximately 2 inches wide and the full width of the house. Glue and screw this strip about 1/2 inch below the top edge of the front of the house.
6. Installing the Interior Dividers (Important!):
This is crucial. Bats prefer roosting in small, closely spaced crevices. Create internal vertical dividers using strips of lumber, leaving ¼ to ½ inch gaps between each. These dividers are crucial for offering suitable roosting sites.
7. Attaching the Roof:
- Create a simple roof by cutting two pieces of lumber to overhang the front and back of the house. Glue and screw these pieces to the top frame. The overhang protects against the elements.
8. Adding Ventilation (Optional):
- Drill several small ventilation holes on the top of the roof to allow for air circulation.
9. Finishing Touches:
- Apply a dark-colored exterior wood paint or stain (optional). Let it dry completely. Avoid using preservatives or anything toxic.
Installing Your Bat House
- Location: Choose a location facing south or southeast, providing morning sun to warm the house. The site should be at least 12-15 feet above the ground to ensure safety and minimize predation.
- Mounting: Securely mount the bat house to a tree or building, using appropriate hardware.
Attracting Bats to Your House
It may take time to attract bats to your new home. Be patient, and don't expect immediate results. Consistency is key. Once established, a bat colony can help maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem in your area.
Remember, building a bat house is a fun, rewarding way to help these beneficial creatures and make your yard a more welcoming habitat for wildlife. Enjoy the process, and happy bat-watching!
