Bat House Forum

[clayman]

Hello,

I am a new member to this forum. I have just mounted a new bat house using the concepts discussed here. My previous attempt was an utter failure, but I have great hopes this time around.

I am located in central texas beteen Austin and Waco, so there are bats in the local area. Some bats were seen at a local school a few days ago. I hope to attract some soon and will keep you informed of my progress.

A few questions come to mind. Would shining a light into the bat house disrupt the occupants and drive them from the area? I would only do this occaisionally, but otherwise I can't see into the house. Would it be better to just look for quano?

Clayman

[William Bagwell]

Welcome!

I think the general consensus is to avoid shining any light at roosting bats the first year they are present. Once they have imprinted on a location then an occasional 10 seconds of a small light will be unlikely to bother them enough to make them leave. Someone here suggests a camera flash is less disruptive than a flash light since it so quick.

Best way to tell if bats are using a house is to watch it during those few minutes between sunset and night time.

William

[Emersombiguns]

I would not use a spot light, and actually would not do it at all. I had whole group with pups move out because I shined a spot light in there couple times in one night. I would go out at dusk and use the flash on a digital camera and take a picture directly under the house and possible zoom in. That seems to not bother mine...Randy in Haughton,La

[Terry Lobdell]

Welcome! I've been doing this for eleven years and I think once the bats are established shining a light for a few seconds does not seem to bother them........

I try not to do it around birthing time though......

Throughout the year I shine a light up in my boxes here at home frequently throughout the summer and my numbers keep increasing so I think its a matter of them getting used to it..........

I'll try to post a link of pictures which show a remarkable tolerance to light........

[Terry Lobdell]

Here is a link to pictures of some bats that seemed unconcerned with our light.....keep in mind this was taken in September.....

I agree with Randy and William.......not too bright of a light and be very cautious the first year........

little-browns-behind-window-glass-t550.html

[cloudman75]

Clayman,
I put something white under the house to let one observe any guano droppings. I have used white garbage bags and also use an old water closet top lid directly under the house. I keep checking each day for bats under a new house. This has worked well for me. I would not disturb the bats until they have used the house for a week or so, then shine a light up for a few seconds. Later after they have had pups you could not drive them off if they find the house suitable.

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Frank