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A Bat House Step 1: Materials (All wood is preferably cedar) (2) 20" 2x2s (1) 16" 2x2 (5) 16" 1x8s (1) 16" 1x4 (1) 16-1/2" 1x4 (1) 12-1/2" 1x1 1-1/2" nails Window screen Caulking gun Paint Step 2: The Sides, Top and Back You can build an economy bat house that accomodates 30-50 bats for about $20. For the sides of the bat house, take the two 20" 2x2s and place them 16" apart. Attach the 16" 2x2 to one end with nails to form the ceiling. Lay three of the 16" 1x8s across the sides, butted against each other, and attach with three nails on each end. If you use cedar, the rough side of the wood should be on the inside so the bats can grip it. If you don't use cedar or a wood with a rough surface, staple a piece of ordinary window screen to the inside of the bat house. Step 3: The Front Turn the bat house over and attach two more 16" 1x8s, butted against each other, at the top. If you live in the central or southern United States, leave a half-inch ventilation gap between the third piece of the front; if you live in the north, don't worry about it. The third piece of the front is a 16" 1x4 that has a 12-1/2" 1x1 nailed along the center of the bottom edge. When this piece is in place, it allows a 3/4-1" entrance at the bottom of the bat house that is big enough for bats to enter but too small for predators. Step 4: The Roof Nail the 16-1/2" 1x4 to the top of the bat house for the roof. Step 5: Waterproofing and Painting Use a caulking gun to seal all of the seams and waterproof the bat house. Finally, you need to paint it. If you live in the north, choose a dark color to absorb the heat from the sun. If you live in the south, paint it white to deflect the heat from the sun. Step 6: Location, Location, Location A bat house needs to be warm, so it's important to place it in the sun. A tree is not a good location. The best place is on the south side of a house, about 15-18' from the ground, so bats can easily fly in and out, and predators cannot get near them. Bats also need to be within a 1/4 mile of water, which provides an ample food source because water attracts many insects. Step 7: What to Expect Wondering which type of bat lives in your area? The little brown bat and the big brown bat live in the northern two-thirds of the United States. In the south, Mexican free-tailed and evening bats are most common. In general, any species that naturally roost in buildings or under bridges will live in a bat house. A few final bat facts: contrary to popular belief, bats do not swoop down on your head (they're much more interested in the insects around you). And as for rabies, you're more likely to contract it from a cow. |
