How to Attract Bats to a Bat House

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Keeping a bat house near your home is a great way to naturally get rid of mosquitos on your property, as well as participate in bat conservation. However, bats are picky about where they roost. Taking steps to make sure your bat house is in a prime location at the right height, painted the right color, and close to water and plants will help create an ideal bat environment and keep them coming back.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Maintaining an Ideal Environment in the House

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-8.jpeg\/v4-460px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-8.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-8.jpeg\/aid11366369-v4-728px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-8.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    Keep the bat house painted in the recommended color for your region. Use an exterior grade, water-based paint. The color you paint the bat box will influence the amount of light it absorbs and the internal temperature. Depending on where you live, you will need to paint the bat box in a dark, medium, or light shade: [1]
    • In northern and high-altitude regions of the United States, paint your bat box in a dark color, like black or navy.
    • In the Midwest and South, paint your bat box in a dark or medium shade of paint, like a medium shade of gray or blue.
    • In the desert, paint your bat box in a light color, like light gray. Stay away from white paint unless the average daily temperature is higher than 100 °F (38 °C) in July.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-9.jpeg\/v4-460px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-9.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-9.jpeg\/aid11366369-v4-728px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-9.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    Clean the bat house once a year to keep out pests. Clean the bat house every winter after the bats have left for the season. Bat houses can attract wasps and mud daubers, so clean out any nests and remains left behind. Wear gloves and goggles and use a yardstick to scrape out any nests or accumulated dirt.
    • Also keep an eye out for any leaks or drafts that need to be caulked to keep the bat house warm, and repaint the house if the paint starts to fade or peel.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-10.jpeg\/v4-460px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-10.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-10.jpeg\/aid11366369-v4-728px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-10.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    3
    Surround the bat house with plants that attract bats. Flowers that bloom at night can be especially attractive to bats. Try planting flowers like datura, moonflower, four-o'clock, yucca, evening primrose, night-blooming water lily, night-blooming jessamine, cleome, or nicotiana. [2]
    • Growing plants native to your area might also attract bats since they are most likely to be what the bats already look for.
    • If you want to remove a bat that has entered your house, isolate it to a specific room with a window.
    • If the temperature outside is 50 degrees or above, open the window and allow the bat to leave without being harassed.
    • If the bat does not fly, wear thick leather gloves, pick the bat with a towel, and quickly take the bat outside.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Positioning the Bat House

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-1.jpeg\/v4-460px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-1.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-1.jpeg\/aid11366369-v4-728px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-1.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    Mount the bat house on the side of a building or pole. A bat house mounted on the side of a 2- or 3-story building without any obstructions will be easiest for bats to get to. The side of a tall pole also works. [3]
    • The ideal height for a bat house is around 12 to 20 feet (3.7 to 6.1 m) off of the ground.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-2.jpeg\/v4-460px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-2.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-2.jpeg\/aid11366369-v4-728px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-2.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    Avoid mounting a bat house on a tree. It's best to keep bat houses off of trees since trees are too shady for most bats. They can also attract predators and can mess up a bat's flight pattern. [4]
    • While bats sometimes naturally roost in trees, you will be more likely to attract bats if you mount the house on a building or pole.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-3.jpeg\/v4-460px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-3.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-3.jpeg\/aid11366369-v4-728px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-3.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    3
    Put the bat house near a water source. Bats like to roost near sources of water. If you live within 1 ⁄ 4 mile (0.40 km) of a pond, lake, or river, you are more likely to attract bats. [5]
    • If you don't live near a natural body of water, try adding a birdbath, fountain, or small pond to your yard.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-4.jpeg\/v4-460px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-4.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-4.jpeg\/aid11366369-v4-728px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-4.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    4
    Keep the bat house away from artificial light sources. Bats prefer complete darkness at night. Mount the bat house away from any lights or lanterns that you have installed outside of your home. [6]
    • Also try to position the bat house so that it faces away from any street lights.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-5.jpeg\/v4-460px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-5.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-5.jpeg\/aid11366369-v4-728px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-5.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    5
    Place the bat house away from any windows, doors, or decks. Bat houses usually have an open bottom, which keeps excrement from accumulating. Bat waste drops directly out of the house to whatever is underneath.
    • You can check the ground underneath the bat house for waste to see if you are attracting bats.
    • Bat urine can strip the finish and paint off of decks.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-6.jpeg\/v4-460px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-6.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-6.jpeg\/aid11366369-v4-728px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-6.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    6
    Position the bat house where it will get at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. The ideal temperature of a bat house is around 80 to 100 °F (27 to 38 °C). To make sure your bat house gets as warm as possible, put it somewhere on the building where it will get as much direct sunlight as possible.
    • Placing the bat house on a south-facing side of a building is usually the best bet for keeping the bat house in the ideal temperature range.
    • Mother bats are the pickiest when it comes to temperature. Male bats will tolerate a cooler resting place.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-7.jpeg\/v4-460px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-7.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-7.jpeg\/aid11366369-v4-728px-Attract-Bats-to-a-Bat-House-Step-7.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    7
    Mount your bat house in spring or early summer. Bats like to find a place to roost for an entire season. The earlier in the season you mount your bat house, the more likely bats will be to find your bat house and settle there. [7]
    • If bats don't show up the first season you install your bat house, be patient. Bat houses can take up to 2 years to attract bats.
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Seal any openings to your home before mounting a bat house. A bat can fit through a hole the size of a quarter.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
      • Look for or build a bat house made of cedar or plywood to create a nontoxic roosting place.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Build a Frog Pond
      How to
      Build a Vivarium
      How to
      Attract Bats to Your Garden
      How to
      Make a Frog Home in a Garden
      How to
      Create a Habitat for a Toad
      How to
      Attract Frogs
      How to
      Design a Habitat for a Ladybird
      How to
      Attract Honey Bees
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.batcon.org/resources/getting-involved/bat-houses/build
      2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/pests/insects-diseases-weeds/attract-bats-for-organic-insect-control/
      3. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a20706363/how-to-attract-bats/
      4. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a20706363/how-to-attract-bats/
      5. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a20706363/how-to-attract-bats/
      6. ↑ https://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/blogs/how-to-attract-bats
      7. ↑ https://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/blogs/how-to-attract-bats

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 60,437 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Sigurd Munk Giese

        Jun 13, 2021

        "Awesome. I will buy this for my birthday or something."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement