Bat House Forum

[Whitney]

We have a rural property, and discovered bat colonies in two recessed light cans in the roof overhang of our 1 story house. We want to get rid of the bats, but want to provide proper housing for them first. I have bought two bat houses, the flat vertical type. Now we are deciding where to mount them.

My architect husband designed our mid-20th century modern house, plus a free standing garage and a small cottage. All three have south-facing walls, but we are not willing to sacrifice their looks by mounting bat houses on the walls. Two of the buildings have chimneys, but the roofs beneath the chimneys are flat. Must the bats have 10 feet or more clear beneath their house? If so, why?

I see two possibilities:

1. Place the houses on the chimneys, right down next to the roof.

2. Place the houses on a tall pole, away from trees.

Which alternative is better?

Thanks!

Whitney

[Terry Lobdell]

I forgot to answer your question about how much height bats need when they exit..........bats in my area, little browns and big browns average about 5 feet of drop when they come out of a bat box at dusk. That is they take flight diving head first, then level out about 5 feet lower than where they exited...........Above a mowed lawn 8 or 10 feet would probably be enough height between the ground and the bottom of the bat box.