Content:
- What is Bat House and What is Used For?
- Why Should You Have a Bat House?
- How To Attract Bats To a Bat House
- A Few Tips for Your Yard as Well
- Conclusion
Do you have a bat house, but no bats? Fear not! You can attract bats to your bat house using some simple tips. Bats are important for keeping the insect population under control, so it’s worth it to do what you can to entice them to move in.
Read on for information on how to make your bat house more inviting.
What is Bat House and What is Used For?
A bat house is a structure designed to provide shelter for bats. Bats are beneficial animals, as they help to control populations of insects. Many bat species are also proficient at pollinating plants.
However, due to habitat loss and other factors, bat populations are in decline. A bat house can provide a much-needed home for these important animals. Bat houses come in a variety of sizes and designs, but all share a few key features.
They typically have multiple chambers that provide roosting space for bats, and they are often made with rough surfaces that help the bats to cling to the walls. In addition, bat houses are typically located in open areas that receive plenty of sunshine and offer good airflow.
By providing a safe and suitable environment for bats, bat houses can help to support local populations of these important animals.
Why Should You Have a Bat House?
Bats may not be the most popular animals, but there are many good reasons to encourage them to take up residence on your property.
For one thing, bats are great for pest control. A single bat can eat hundreds of mosquitoes in a single night, making them a valuable ally in the fight against these pesky insects.
Additionally, bats play an important role in pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. In fact, some plants rely solely on bats for pollination. Finally, bats help to control the populations of other animals, such as rodents and snakes.
So if you’re looking for a way to make your property more friendly to wildlife, consider building a bat house. It’s a small investment that can have a big impact.
How To Attract Bats To a Bat House
A bat house should not be hung from a tree. Because trees provide too much shade for most bats, it is best to keep bat houses away from them. They can also attract predators and disrupt the flight pattern of a bat.
The best location for a bat house is on the side of a two- or three-story building with no obstacles. A tall pole’s side can also be used. The main thing is that the bat house is mounted high enough off the ground that bats can easily fly into it.
Place the bat house near a source of water. Bats prefer to roost near bodies of water. You are more likely to attract bats if you live near a pond, lake, or river. If not, make sure they have access to a nearby water source.
Also, keep the bat house away from any sources of artificial light. At night, bats prefer complete darkness. Mount the bat house away from any outdoor lights or lanterns you have installed.
Keep in mind to place the bat house away from windows, doors, and decks. The open bottom of bat houses prevents excrement from accumulating. Bat waste falls directly from the house to whatever is beneath it.
Install your bat house in the spring or early summer. Bats prefer to find a roost for the entire season. The earlier in the season you mount your bat house, the more likely bats will find and settle in it.
A Few Tips for Your Yard as Well
When putting up a bat house on your property, keep in mind that you should also make your yard more appealing to bats. Here are some tips on how to do that;
- Because of their favorite food source, insects, some great night-bloomers like datura, moonflower, four-o’clock, yucca, evening primrose, night-blooming water lily, night-blooming jessamine, cleome, and nicotiana will naturally attract bats.
- Avoid using pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals. Bats can consume a large number of insects, but if those insects are contaminated with toxic substances, the bats may become ill or die after consuming them.
- Maintain the dead trees in your garden. The narrow, rough space between the bark and the wood allows them to squeeze in, nice and tight. If a dead tree is not a hazard, consider leaving it in your yard to provide a safe haven for bats and the insects they eat.
Conclusion
If you want to help out the bats in your area, consider building or buying a bat house and putting it up. It’s a simple way to provide them with shelter, and if you do it right, you may be able to attract some of these fascinating creatures to your backyard.
Have you ever tried attracting bats to a bat house? Let us know how it went in the comments!
