What makes good bat houses?
More than a dozen species of bats are known to use bat boxes, given
that the number of bats are declining in population, it behooves you and I to supply a box or two (or three) on our
property if we are able, but what makes a good bat box? what should you look for when buying a house? because all boxes are
not created equal. Many retailers of bat houses do not offer all the information they should.(in our opinion) What we endevour
to do here at WestWindBH, is give you enough information so you can purchase a bat house and get the results you expect. For
instance we have all seen the small bat boxes offered by various outlets, what you need to know is that the occupancy rate
of small, single chamber bat houses that may not be the right color for your area, is maybe 15%-20% and if you put that house
on a pole or tree the % go down.If you purchase one of these bat houses, put it on a wood, brick or masonary building, put
it in a sunny location and have reasonable expectations. If in the future you can add another house, your odds of occupancy
increase, then if you are able to install a large house, that becomes a nursery while the smaller houses become homes for
the single males.
* A good bat house should
be caulked, bats appear not to like draughts, so a well sealed box is important.
* A good bat house should have a rough interior or mesh or netting tightly secured to the
walls of the chambers.
* A good bat house should be offered with the option of having it painted or stained a dark color. If your
average July tempreatures are mid 90's or below, the house should be a dark color, that's most area's.
* A good bat house should be painted or stained with water based
products.
* A good bat house should have
a sloped roof.
* A good bat house should have a landing area below the chambers.
All our bat houses have these criteria