Bat House Forum

[slou92]

I put a bat house up last year (late, around September). This is my first bat house and it's mounted on the side of my house. I'm wondering when do bat houses normally get occupied, especially a new one? I'm located in Suffolk, VA.

Thanks

[Joe Spencer]

Welcome! Most bat houses are occupied their first spring/summer after mounting in the previous fall or winter. Occasionally it can take another year. If not occupied by late spring/summer of the first year the chances of occupancy drop dramatically and you should suspect either the design, placement or area. Questions for you:

Was your bat house built by you or among those certified "bat approved" by BCI?

What are the dimensions of your bat house and number of roosting chambers. If purchased online please post a link of it and we'll provide feedback.

Have you seen bats flying/foraging in your area and is there a year round water source located within a 1/4 mile?

Thank you for supporting bats and we'll look forward to your future posts!