Introduction
Bat houses are structures that provide a safe and comfortable habitat for bats to live in. In this guide, we will cover why building a bat house is important, how to get started, the necessary materials and tools, step-by-step instructions on how to build a basic bat house, and tips on customizing your bat house to suit different bat species’ needs. We will also discuss how to attract bats to your yard and involve children in the project.
What is a Bat House?
A bat house is a wooden structure designed to mimic the space between the bark and the trunk of a tree. It provides bats with a safe and protected space to rest during the daytime and raise their young.
The Importance of Building a Bat House
Bats are one of the most misunderstood creatures in the animal kingdom. They are not only incredible pollinators of plants like bananas, mangoes, and cocoa, but they also assist in reducing mosquito bites due to their unique ability to consume 1,000 mosquitos an hour. Bats help to maintain the ecosystem of our planet and are vital for our survival.
Why Building a Bat House is Important and How to Get Started
The Benefits of Bats
Bats play an essential role in nature and the environment. Some of the benefits of bats include:
- Bats aid in pollination by feeding on nectar and pollen, contributing to the reproduction of various plants.
- Bats are insect-eating machines. Most species consume insects such as mosquitoes, moths, and beetles, which benefits farmers by keeping pests at bay. A colony of 150 big brown bats can eat 1.3 million insects per year.
- Bat guano is an excellent fertilizer, and is traditionally used as a soil enhancer worldwide.
- Bats are essential pollinators of the agave plant, which is used to manufacture tequila.
- Bats can help reduce the spread of deadly diseases like malaria in some areas.
The Decline of Bat Populations
The population of bats has declined dramatically in recent years. One of the primary reasons is habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization. Another contributing cause is a white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that affects hibernating bats and has killed millions of them across North America. Building bat houses can help to reduce the impact of these factors and provide bats with a safe haven.
Research Your Area
Before starting your bat house project, it’s important to research which bat species are in your area. Different species of bats have different preferences for their habitat, so it’s crucial to ensure their house is suitable.
You can find local species information from community organizations, state extension offices, and wildlife offices. Alternatively, you can find the information online from the Bat Conservation International website, or other local bat conservation groups.
DIY Bat House Building: Materials, Tools, and Tips for Success
Materials and Tools
You will need:
- 5/8 inch (15-16mm) wood boards, preferably rough sawn western red or eastern cedar, or similar decay-resistant wood
- 2-inch (5 cm) galvanized wood screws or coated deck screws
- A saw
- A drill
- A measuring tape or a ruler
- A pencil or chalk
- A screwdriver
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Firstly, cut all the wood pieces to size. This includes two side panels, one front and back panel, and two roof panels (drawing A).
2. Cut out an entrance hole in the front panel. The hole should measure about 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) in diameter and be two inches (5cm) up from the bottom of the front panel (drawing B).
3. On the inside of the front panel, where the entrance hole is located, attach a “landing pad” (a piece of plywood wide enough to accommodate a bat, screwed horizontally to the inside of the front panel below the entrance hole). Landing pads provide the bats with a place to grab onto before entering the house.
4. On the inside of both side panels, measure 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) from the top of the back side of each panel and make a vertical line down the length of the panel (drawing C).
5. This line represents a bat-free area that is intended to prevent predators, such as squirrels or birds, from reaching into the house and attacking the bats. Drill a series of 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) ventilation holes in this area.
6. Attach the front and back panels to the side panels using wood screws. Make sure all edges are flush and that the entrance hole is on the bottom when holding the house.
7. Attach the roof panels to the side panels using wood screws.
8. Cut a 1-inch wide (2.5cm) ventilation gap along the top of the front panel just below the roof line.
Be sure to follow best practices when hanging the bat house. We recommend that bat houses are placed at least 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground in a spot that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, preferably facing southward to catch as much warmth and sun as possible for the bats.
Tips for a Successful Build
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when building your bat house:
- When selecting wood, use rough-sawn wood that contains natural grooves and furrows. This will provide a better roosting area for bats.
- Do not use pressure-treated wood or paint or stain the house as these can be toxic to bats.
- Ensure that your bat house is securely fixed to the pole or tree.
- Check for warping and rotting regularly, and make any necessary repairs.
- Don’t give up if it takes a while to attract bats to your bat house. It may take time for them to discover it, and even more time for them to decide to make it their home.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Bat House
Below is a detailed breakdown of each phase of bat house construction to help you prepare:
Phase 1: Planning and Designing
Drawing a design and making a materials list are the first steps in constructing your bat house. You can choose to follow the instructions in this guide or find designs online to create a custom design.
Phase 2: Cutting and Preparing the Wood
After finalizing your design and obtaining the necessary materials and tools, it’s time to begin cutting and preparing the wood. Be sure to cut all the pieces of wood to size according to your design.
Phase 3: Building the Bat House
Using the materials and tools needed, assemble the bat house according to your design. We recommend attaching the front and back panels to the side panels using wood screws. Make sure all edges are flush and that the entrance hole is on the bottom when holding the house.
Phase 4: Mounting the Bat House
Select an area that gets 6-8 hours of sunlight and install the bat house securely, with its entrance facing southward if possible.
How to Attract Bats to Your Yard by Building a Custom Bat House
Choosing the Right Location
To ensure that your bat house is effective, it is crucial to choose the right location for it. Ideally, the bat house should be mounted on a pole or on the side of a building facing south in an area that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. It is also recommended that it is placed at least 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground to prevent predators from harassing the bats.
Customizing Your Bat House
To attract bats to your yard, you may need to adjust your bat house according to the species of bats in your area. For instance, red bats, little brown bats, and large brown bats prefer houses that are located high in open areas, while other species, such as the pallid bat, prefer to live in the canopy of trees. It’s essential to research the exact species of bats that you’re aiming to attract in your area before customizing your bat house.
Water and Insect-Attracting Vegetation
Another way to attract bats to your yard is to provide them with a nearby water source and an insect-attracting garden or vegetation. Bats need to drink regularly, so a nearby pond, bird bath, or other shallow watering hole is a great way to fulfill their water needs. Also, planting an insect garden, like a butterfly bush or marigolds, will contribute to the bat’s food supply and attract them to your yard.
Building a Bat House: A Fun and Educational Project for the Whole Family
Get Your Kids Involved
Building a bat house can be an exciting project for children of all ages, providing an opportunity to learn about bat conservation, habitats, and the importance of preserving ecosystems. Getting kids involved in the project can also generate positive attitudes towards bats.
Make the Project Educational
During the project, consider providing fun and educational resources. For instance, show them a video of bats eating insects or create a quiz on the topic of bats and the environment.
The Benefits of Completing a Project Together as a Family
Working on a project that benefits the environment is a great way to teach children about the importance of nature conservation. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for family bonding and contributes to positive memories for years to come.
Conclusion
Bat houses are an important part of bat conservation and can protect one of the most misunderstood creatures on the planet. Building a bat house is an exciting, fun, and educational project for the whole family, providing an opportunity to learn about bat habitats and the importance of preserving ecosystems. Whether you live in an urban or rural area, you can help save bat populations by building a bat house.
Author’s Bio:
Mary Johnson is an environmental conservationist writer who loves and lives for nature. She is passionate about conservation and has been writing about different conservation topics for 5 years now. Mary is always striving to make the world a better place, one article at a time.
