Bat House Forum

[Tltaylor]

Hey guys and girls, I built a two chambered bat house last night and I think i made a mistake. I made the dimensions properly with the right 3/4 inch spaces, and the vent hole, and all that good stuff. Where i think i screwed up was the baffle between the spaces i made sure i made the gouges throughout the piece. But i got ahead of myself and put it all together without gouging the back and front pieces of lumber. So my question is do i need to take it all apart and gouge those pieces or will the bats climb on the center baffle only? So let me know people.....thanks a lot.

[Terry Lobdell]

You might be able to slide a yardstick with short protruding screws up inside and scratch the surfaces without taking it apart........What kind of material is it?

[cloudman75]

If you used screws to assemble it, and the wood is plywood , I would suggest biting the bullet, to coin a phrase, and take it apart to scratch all surfaces inside where the bats will cling. If it is a soft wood I would try Terry's idea. Let us know how it works out, and good luck.

[Joe Spencer]

Agreed, if you fastened it with screws It is worthwhile to take it apart and get some grooves in them. If nailed then the other suggestion by Terry is good.

[Tltaylor]

thanks guys, i think im going to take it apart I shot it together with a finish gun but it should pull apart easy enough...I am from Vermont, i was wondering if i will have much success with my bat boxes up here. I have seen several bats on the job sites, hiding under roofing and in chimneys. But just curious on your opinions on placement of my box. i have a garage that gets great afternoon sun and i live by a river, plus the mosquitoes are horrible here. LEt me know

Tim

[Terry Lobdell]

I always look at placement this way first: The more sun, the better. 2nd, would be exit flight space.

[Joe Spencer]

I am from Vermont, i was wondering if i will have much success with my bat boxes up here.
Tim

Very likely. Vermont has a high population of Little browns and even though they have been greatly impacted by WNS I am optimistic you will have some occupants given the proximity to the river and you already seeing them foraging etc. Sounds encouraging and we'll look forward to your feedback!