Bats are very important to us, even if they can also be a nuisance at times. Not only do bats serve an ecological role in our surrounding environment, but they also contribute to the promise of our local economies, and more. There are many ways you can support local bat populations, without ever putting yourself or your property at risk. First, you can be sure to never harm, trap, or kill wild bats. Furthermore, you can install bat houses to give bats a place to rest their tired wings during the day!
Constructing, installing, and maintaining bat houses is a serious hobby since you do not want to hurt bats or put them in a hazardous situation. Also, many bats are protected by the state, or even federally, making it inhumane and illegal to put them in harms’ way. For this reason, you need to be sure you use the proper methods if you want bat houses on your property.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know before getting started on your bat house initiative!
Buying or Building Bat Houses
First, you need a bat house. You can choose to build your own, or you can simply purchase a pre-constructed bat house online or at your local home improvement store. If you choose to craft your own bat house, it is critical that you know how to operate and apply the necessary tool and materials for the project and follow all state laws and best practices for building bat houses. If you decide to build your own, here are some free bat house plans we recommend.
Bat House Installation Tips
Bat houses must be installed in certain areas, and in certain ways, to keep everyone safe, including the bats themselves. Usually, it is recommended to install bat houses on the edge of a property, away from the home, but close to a body of water or small group of trees. When it comes time to mount them, designate a wooden pole or pivot pole. Do not mount bat houses on trees because they will not get enough light, which creates interior warmth. Furthermore, mounting them on trees will make it more difficult for bats to enter and take flight, and makes them more vulnerable to predators.
How to Install a Bat House
Mount your bat house in an area that gets 6 to 8 hours of sun light. This means it should face South or East.
Install your bat house 12 to 20 feet off the ground or above the highest vegetation beneath it.
Keep bat houses at least 20 to 30 feet away from tree branches and other obstructions that can interfere with their flight.
Mount your bat house near a major water source, such as a year-round stream, creek, pond, river, or lake.
Are you having problems with nuisance bats around your house? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for comprehensive bat removal and control services in Richmond and all surrounding Virginia areas. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding districts.
You Might Also Read:
The Ecological Importance of Bats
How to Properly Maintain Bat Houses
The Top Three Signs that You Have Bats in the House
