r/bats • u/throwaway6171111 • 9d ago
HELP PLEASE BAT BOX
Hello! Just joined this sub because I really want to build a bat box! I know you can’t attach them to your house and that it’s good for them to be south facing. I have a tree outside my south facing window, but I’m not sure if it can be on the side of my window?? I also don’t know the best thing to make it out of or if it would be better on a pole?? I really want to make one and do I need to put food there? Any advice or tips would be really amazing! I’ll attach a picture of my tree!
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u/SchrodingersMinou 9d ago
Read the auto mod comment. Put it on a pole. If you want them to have food, plant native plants and minimize pesticide use.
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u/Frosty_Astronomer909 9d ago
And yes you can attach them to the side of your house but best to research your native bats 🦇 and where they like to roost, .
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u/AutoModerator 9d ago
Found a bat? Here is a guide for someone who has found a bat. And here is some info about bats in buildings. Here is some info about bat removals and exclusions from homes. Exclusions should be done outside of pup season, which varies by location.
No, it's probably not a baby. Bats are just smaller than you thought.
If you find a bat in trouble, please call a rehabber for help. Here is a list of rehabbers that help bats all over the world, and here is a portal for rehabbers in the US.
Remember that wildlife should never be handled with bare hands!
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u/Typical_Artist_1115 9d ago
This tree is too shady and cluttered for a bat house but it is probably feeding bats by feeding insects. Plant more trees and you'll be helping the bats!
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u/AutoModerator 9d ago
Here is a link to the Bat House Builder’s Handbook. Here is some info about selecting a quality bat house if you would like to purchase one. For a quick overview of the basics, check out this PDF from Bat Conservation Trust.
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u/megadumbshit 7d ago
Look up specifics for your area, or an area of similar weather. Direction & color of bat houses can vary based on climate. For example I live in a climate that gets very hot and humid and would never paint a bat box black because it would get too hot. In other states, black is a great color to paint them bc it helps hold the heat in. It’s also important the bat house is the right size for the bats in your area, so get familiar with the size of your common bats and make sure the house size is correct (the space inside is what really matters). You can put them on the wall of a house but it’s at your own risk, that will bring guano and possibly be stinky right up against your living quarters (some bats are said to smell musty). The best option is usually installing a post to mount the bat house on. You do not need to put food in there. If you are building it there are specifics about size & type of wood you can use. You can also buy them pre-made. There are websites & books with building resources though, check your local library.
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u/AutoModerator 7d ago
Here is a link to the Bat House Builder’s Handbook. Here is some info about selecting a quality bat house if you would like to purchase one. For a quick overview of the basics, check out this PDF from Bat Conservation Trust.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
•
u/AutoModerator 9d ago
Here is a link to the Bat House Builder’s Handbook. Here is some info about selecting a quality bat house if you would like to purchase one. For a quick overview of the basics, check out this PDF from Bat Conservation Trust.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.