Bat House Forum

[Herb]

Hello everyone!, Nice to find a discussion about a beneficial animal, that is so misunderstood.
I have had bats in my barn for years, see them in the morning when out with the dogs. A couple of questions. I am in W Mass area. I built a 3 chamber house (BCI plans) stained black, facing WSW. Located within 6 ft of the old window in the barn that the bats use. No residents in 2 yrs. I had the back half of my barn recovered due to water problems. The contractor used plywood sheeting over the existing batten boards. I don't know as if this removed roosting spaces.
I have another 3 chamber that I did not stain yet. I was thinking brown or slate grey and moving from WSW to SSE exposure.

The other day I noticed about 20 or so bats going into my neighbors house right at the metal ridge cap. They have a slate roof. Did I move the bats, or they were always at the neighbors also? I am trying to encourage roosting in my area for insect control and helping bat population recover.

Thanks for any and all replies- !

Herb

[William Bagwell]

Since you have had no luck yet and seem to want to try something different. I suggest moving the existing dark house to the SSE location (or even face it due east if possible) and putting the new lighter colored house near where the old one was. Perhaps Terry or Frank can refine this further.

Do you happen to know exactly where the bats were roosting in the barn? If a long way from the window they use for (I assume just) access then this may give a clue as to where to place at least one of your houses.

William

Still early so I may add to this later when I wake up.

[Herb]

The ridge runs basically E-W. Most of the guano was at the east end, I would say to get the warmth from the early sun.
I have a gable end that faces south- me thinks another house here. If we get some sun I will see if I can get a temp near the roof, inside.

Thanks

[cloudman75]

Hello Herb,
If the bats have been in your barn for years, they are most likely happy there and see no reason to use your bat house. What you might try is to put up several houses and make sure one is close to the window. After all the pups are flying, close the existing entry that they are using if possible after they have made their exit in the evening. My experience has been that unless something changes, the bats will be determined to stay where they are if they are satisfied. I'll bet they are really happy in your barn. Keep us posted please.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Frank

[Terry Lobdell]

Welcome Herb! Do you know if they are little brown or big brown bats? Most of the guano at the east end sounds like big browns to me..........bats love slate roofs because the slate holds the heat so well........

I agree with everything William and Frank have told you.....just keep experimenting!

[Herb]

Well I have to update- I am not going to move the existing house, it has occupants!
I left my snow blower sticking out out the barn so I could move other things inside. Didn´t really think about it.
The other day noticed black pellets on it. Guano! Good- they are using the house. I will still put up a new house on the south end on the gable. I am also going to clear some of the trees that shade the back half of the barn to get first morning sun on the south side.

[cloudman75]

Herb,
That's great news. It could be that some of this years flying pups are using it or some males have come back to be close to the colony. One can never tell what bats will do. I know you must be happy to see your bat house being used. Keep us posted.


Frank