Bat houses are constructed to mimic natural roosts by providing tight, vertical sheltered spaces in which bats can safely hang without being disturbed. The two species that most commonly use bat houses in the northeast United States are big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus).

Follow these three criteria to ensure that you have created the most attractive habitat for bats: Face the bat house south/southeast to attain maximum sun exposure (6–8 hours/day). Most bats need temperatures >85°F to retain body heat and keep young pups warm. Morning sun is best.

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Both single and multi-chambered bat houses work well when installed on buildings. Wood, brick or stone buildings with proper solar exposure are excellent choices, and houses mounted under eaves are often successful. Bat houses mounted on buildings with metal siding are seldom used.

Installing bat houses or bat boxes can be one way to help bats, but it’s not always helpful. Protecting and retaining natural roost habitats (old, mature trees and dead trees in early stages of decay) should always be the first choice for providing habitat to bats.

2020年3月18日 · Installing a bat box is a simple and affordable way of providing much needed roost space for a variety of species and now is the ideal time to install one, before bats fully emerge from hibernation. However, placing your bat boxes in the correct location and at the correct height is essential to encourage bats to occupy them.

Best siting is 20’-30’ from the nearest trees and at least 10’ (from the bottom of the roost)—12’-20’ is better—above ground (or above the tallest vegetation beneath the bat house). Locations nearest an area’s largest water sources are the most successful—preferably ¼ mile or less.

Bat boxes are more likely to be used if they are located where bats are known to feed. Ideally, several boxes should be put up facing in different directions on sunny aspects to provide a range of warm conditions. Boxes should be put as high as possible to try and avoid predation from cats on the ground or nearby structures.

Bat boxes should be securely placed on a tree or wall about 5m up although lower heights may also be used. They can be screwed on with the brackets provided or held securely with wire. Avoid places exposed to the wildest weather. A spot with some sunshine for warmth will attract roosting bats and a cooler spot will attract hibernat-ing bats.

Providing bat boxes offer bats additional roosting areas, or can often help to replace lost or degraded roosting sites once sited correctly. They are particularly suitable for providing artificial roosting sites in areas such as coniferous plantations where there is a shortage of natural sites.