Bat House Plans

• Small Economy Bat House
  http://www.batcon.org/bhra/
  economyhouse.html or
  http://www.ducks.ca/nestboxes/batbox.pdf
• Three Chamber Bat Box
  http://www.batmanagement.com/
  Batcentral/boxbuild/Small1.html
• Five Chamber Bat Box
  http://www.batmanagement.com/
  Batcentral/boxbuild/Standard1.html
• Scott's Bat House Page
  http://www.users.ms11.net/~habitat/
  bat/bathome.htm

Links for Bat Houses

• North American Bat House Research Project
  http://www.batcon.org/bhra/
• Bats in Building
  http://www.batcon.org/binb/
• Bat Conservation and Management
  http://www.batmanagement.com/

Reasons for Failure

• Not enough exposure to sun.
• Not enough food or water nearby
• Bats do not currently live in the area
• House too small

Features for Success

Size: Houses should be at least 24 inches tall, at least 14 inches wide and have a landing extending below the entrance at least 4 inches

Size of Roost Chambers: 3/4 to 1 inch apart

Number of Roost Chambers: The more the better (3 - 5 is good)

Internal Wood Surface: Grooved horizontally at 1/2 inch spacing or mount 1/8" or 1/4" plastic mesh covering one side of each roost

Material: Exterior plywood 1/2" and Cedar (no chemical treated) - caulk all seams, especially roof

Roof: Galvanized metal keeps the house dry.

Vents: If average July temps are above 85 degrees. Six (6) inches from the bottom, 1/2 inch wide and running the length of the house

Exterior Paint: Three coats of exterior grade water-based stain. Don't use oil-based as it will poison the bats. Paint will fill the groves and smooth out the surface.

Exterior Color:

Black if average July high temp is less than 85 degrees F.
Dark Brown or Dark Gray if July high temps range 85 - 95 degrees F
Medium colors if July hightemps range 95 - 100 degrees F
White or light colors if July high temps average over 100 degrees F

Sun Exposure: At least six hours of direct daily sun light (South or South-East) if average July high temps are less than 100 degrees F

Mounting: At least 12 feet off the ground and 15 - 20 feet is best. Mount on a pole or side of a building under the eaves. Buildings with wood siding or masonary are best. Entrance not too close to tree branches and safe from predators.

Installation Time: Before bats return in Spring. March is best.

Information taken from The Bat House Builder's Handbook, 2001 printing, copyrite 1993 by Bat Conservation International, Inc.
For kits, pre-built houses, books and tapes visit: http://www.batcon.org/catalog/catp3.html