Bat House Forum

[Canute]

So my bats have been loyal to their new home ever since they first showed up. There's almost always three of em' and they've been present even when outside temperatures have peaked into the 90's, though they move to the back and hang out low and close to the ventilation holes. I installed a digital thermostat on the pole which has a sensor that runs into the bat houses. It registers the daily highs and lows so I can see how much warmer my houses are in comparison to the ambient temperature. Typically the houses maintain temperatures 5-15 degrees warmer than the outside (5 at night, 15 in the day). Last couple days though outside temperatures have broken 100! 104 yesterday and still climbing today....this puts the internal temp at around 120 and the bats have said to hell with that! They have decided to vacate for cooler roosts and, while I can't say as I blame them, it's sad to see the houses empty. They must be roosting in the trees nearby however cuz I still see them foraging at dusk as always.

[Joe Spencer]

Yes this happens frequently. The bats you have are crevice roosters and do not expose themselves unlike the red bat which roosts in foliage. Your bats may find shelter in a dead tree within the bark or an abandoned bird nest/crevice within a dying tree. There is also a chance that another human roost or structure may be their refuge if you're aware of any old homes or barns in the area.