Bat House Forum

[tkendrick]

Has anyone in the USA put a bat house in a tree and had occupants? If so, what made the difference? I see posts that advise against putting houses in trees, but are the some exceptions to this? I'm not sure if I have a chance but only putting it on a tree.

Thanks,

[Terry Lobdell]

I've been doing this about 12 years and initially started with a couple boxes mounted on trees.........I've observed ZERO bats use any boxes mounted on trees here in NWPA. And I monitor boxes in 3 counties with approx. 2,000 bats.

The key is exposure to the sun.........the boxes have to get warm to attract bats.........especially in any kind of number...........

[tkendrick]

I have a new bat house on the edge of the woods in a tree, with no branches about 17 ft high. Limbs are cut from trees near it. Ground is cleared underneath it. Should get about 6-8 hours of sun where it is. House is gray.

I live in South Carolina where it gets pretty hot. Do you think I have a chance?

[Terry Lobdell]

It's possible........you would probably have a better chance in your area than I would up here.........If you are in extremely good bat habitat you might get occupants........

I've found that in prime habitat if there is an already large existing maternity colony close by bats will roost in just about anything because it is their "home base". But that is the exception rather than the rule..........

To start a maternity colony in an area where none exists it is a very slow process.........