So you want to provide bats with a safe roost on your property? If so then you’re one of the many people around the world who truly appreciate the beauty and magnificence of these nocturnal flying mammals. Or maybe you’re just trying to get a handle on a pesky mosquito or insect situation. Either way, bats are your friends. Although, if the bats find their way inside your home you may need the services of a bat removal company to get them out.

Domestic Bat Houses – The Basics

 

If you’re an avid do-it-yourselfer with some time on your hands, then you might want to build your own bat house. But a simpler option is to purchase one. You can buy one online or you could visit a pet store to pick out the one you like. Commercial bat houses are usually made from wood and come in varying styles. One thing they all have in common is at least one entry point and grooves on the inside.

Installing a Bat House

 

Your bat house should be at an elevation of at least 10-12 feet off the ground. It should be facing south to southeast. Observe the behavior of the sunlight in the intended bat house location. Look for a spot that gets a good amount of sunlight. This is important because bats prefer temperatures of between 85℉ and 100℉. Ideally, your bat house should get at least ten hours of exposure to the sun each day.

If bats are going to spend a lot of time in your bat house then they will need continued access to water. This supply of water should be no further than 150 feet away. The best sources would be nearby ponds or streams as natural water bodies are best but if none are available you could install a smaller man-made version.

Ensure that there are no wildlife inhabited trees nearby as this may expose your bat friends to attack from predators such as hawks and owls. Additionally, if the nearby tree is fluffy with foliage, it may block the precious sunlight that the bats need to be comfortable in the house.  Many people with bat houses install them atop poles, but you also can erect the bat house on the side of a building (preferably a side with no windows or windows that will not be opened). You can also place it at the side of a barn if you have one.

Attracting Bats to the Bat House

 

After installing your bat house you may still need to exert some effort to get the bats to visit. This is a complicated task since there are few things that you can do to ensure that bats come to your bat house. If you live in an environment with lots of bats, then you may not need to do much as the bats will discover your bat house as they search for refuge. One of the things you can do is keep the food that bats enjoy nearby. If the space is already occupied by insects, then half the job is already done.

If you have a bat house outside, bats will be less likely to enter your house as they’ll opt to occupy the bat haven you’ve created for them on the outside instead. But sometimes bats will find themselves inside your home. You’ll know you’ve got bats inside when you hear them thudding around in the hollow walls or bouncing on the surfaces in the attic as they try to navigate the space.

How Skedaddle Will Help With You Bat Problem

 

If you have any concerns regarding your bat house erection or need expert advice, Skedaddle stands ready to help. Skedaddles technicians are highly trained to handle bats and understand their behavior. This makes us the premier bat removal company in Milwaukee.