Bat House Forum

[GAgirlTrixie]

Hello!
I live in the Savannah, GA area. I just discovered that I have a colony of about 30 bats living under the gables of my attic. (Not sure what type they are. I don't know much about bats, except that they are great bug hunters. )They are on the outside of the screen (so far), but, they are directly over my heat pump units, and the dropping are collecting on my window ledges (which are open right now, in the beautiful 80 degree days that we are having here). Right now, the pumps aren't on, but, when I turn them on, the guano is in there. I need to figure out a way to get it out.
I noticed that my neighbor had this colony a couple of weeks ago, in a warm spell we were having. Not sure if she did something to get rid of them, or if they just like my place better. LOL
I want to go get a bat house today and hang it in a tree nearby, in hope that they will use it then. I found a bird supply store in town that has a 30 bat unit ("The Bat-chelor Pad") I know I need to put netting up, too.
Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.

[cloudman75]

Hello,
I lived for 5 years about 80 miles south of you in Brunswick so I'll give you my opinions.

Yes, you can relocate the bats you have now but by next month it will be late. More than likely they are freetail bats which do not hibernate in warmer climates. If they are some other species they are feeding most likely so it would not mater.
Do not buy the house you mentioned as it is too small. I have had great success with the house here, a cedar three chamber at a
very good price right now. http://www.amazon.com/Looker-OBC-Bat-Tr ... 731&sr=8-1. Even with shipping this is still a good price I think.
A three chamber will serve you well that will handle about 200 bats minimum. There are other sources for a similar house.
Bats like larger houses. Bats don't like houses on trees, so put it on a pole about 16 ft high if possible. When you block their entrance to your house you should mount the house as close as possible that will eliminate your problem. Mounting it on the house would be an option, but a pole is better. Don't paint the house as it gets hot in Savannah as you well know. You can move the house next year if you are not satisfied with the determined location this year.
You need to proceed as soon as possible because your bats will probably have pups in March. My brother who still lives in Brunswick had no luck with his bat house on a tree for several years. I would not consider a tree.
Good luck and keep us posted on the forum. I have 6 bat houses at present.

Frank

[GAgirlTrixie]

Thanks, Frank!
When i went tot he store to get the house that I had mentioned, after talking to the store owner (it was a small, wild bird supply store), I realized that the smaller house would be for just the "single guy" bats, and that my motherly colony would need more room to spread, so I bought the exact house that you mentioned. I am glad that you said about not the tree mounting, that it just where I was thinking of mounting it. I don't want to mount it on my house, as that is the South side of my house, and it is unsheltered from the sun by any trees, so I think that the pups will cook soon, if I leave it on there. My husband is off tomorrow, so we are going to work on getting the house up.
I appreciate the info! I'll keep you posted!
Thanks!

[cloudman75]

Hello again and you are welcome for my input on relocating your bat colony. It has been so warm the last few weeks you should shine a light and look to make sure that your bats have no pups. I think it is a few weeks early yet, but make sure before you exclude them if possible.
Also if interested take a look at my post under photos Bats Relocation Method for my personal bats exclusion using that same house
that you said you bought. I have had much success with maternity colonies using that house. I have photos of the bats posted before and after. Good luck and keep us posted.

Frank