Bat House Forum

[flyin-lowe]

Any members on here from Indiana? I did a google search today on information on bat populations in Indiana. Found a few interesting articles. One thing that caught my eye was a professor (can't remember of what) from Indiana University indicated that bats rarely use man made housing in Indiana, indicating that they prefer natural locations. I am assuming that different species of bats have different housing preferences but I also would assume that in Indiana I have the same chances of attracting little brown's as somebody in another state with similar populations. I guess I will know by the end of the year how things turn out this year.

[Markcuda]

Well, I'm just west of ya in Illinois.
About dead center of the state.
I hope I get them.

[Terry Lobdell]

Well, Kent Borcherding has 12,000 bats in over 100 bat houses in Wisconsin and Illinois so I'd be willing to bet you have a very good chance of attracting bats to your bat houses in Indiana.......

[cloudman75]

I read on one of Indiana's state parks sites that bat houses had not been very successful. The type bat houses you have are very successful and especially with
Little Brown Bats. There is no reason I have read why a particular species known for its use of man made housing in other similar climatic states to pick Indiana to avoid setting up a roost. I had a bat house that stayed empty for three seasons which right now as of last evening is full of bats of more than one species. Be patient and positive , and the bats will find your houses over time. If you are lucky you may get bats the first year, but it would not be unheard of in any state for the bat house to be empty a season or so.
I have spent a little time in Indiana on vacation and passing through. Indiana has all the components for supporting bats, including water, plenty of farmland and crops which attract insects, and also now your bat houses. I have also read that Little Browns are plentiful in your state so good luck and we will be anxious to hear about your bats. The well designed bat houses have much to do with bat house successes. I have viewed several state sites which post very poor small bat house designs destined for failure. Location and design of bat houses are very important in all states. I subscribe to a similar view that I have seen posted by Terry Lobdell. Put the house up and try it.


Frank