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Age Range: 7 and up
Bats are remarkable nocturnal insectivores, capable of consuming hundreds of mosquitoes and other pests in a single hour. By constructing a bat house, you create an inviting habitat for these flying mammals while keeping them out of your attic. In the above demonstration, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor shows how to build a simple yet effective bat house with materials readily available at your local home center.
Benefits of Attracting Bats to Your Property
Inviting bats to your property offers several advantages:
- Natural pest control: Bats consume vast quantities of insects, including mosquitoes, moths, and scorpions.
- Pollination: Some bat species are important pollinators for various plants.
- Fertilization: Bat guano is an excellent natural fertilizer for gardens.
- Biodiversity: Providing a habitat for bats supports local wildlife diversity.
Materials and Tools Needed To Build a Bat House
Before starting your bat house project, gather the following materials and tools:
Materials
- 1/2-inch exterior-grade plywood (2-by-4-foot)
- 1-by-2-foot lumber
- Bat-shaped wood cutouts (optional)
- Deer netting or plastic mesh
- Exterior paint (black for interior, dark color for exterior)
- Exterior wood caulk
- Exterior wood screws (1-inch and 3 1/2-inch)
Tools
- Caulk gun
- Clamps
- Drill/driver with a 1/4-inch bit
- Jigsaw or circular saw
- Paint brushes and roller
- Safety glasses
- Straightedge
- Staple gun
- Tape measure
- Work gloves
Choosing the Right Location for Your Bat House
The location of your bat house matters to make it enticing to bats. Consider the following factors:
- Height: Mount the bat house at least 15 feet above the ground.
- Sunlight exposure: Aim for 6 to 10 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Proximity to water: Place the house within a quarter-mile of a water source.
- Orientation: In most regions, face the bat house south for warmth and protection from prevailing winds.
Construct a Bat House: An Overview
Bats are very particular about where they live. With that in mind, their houses must meet certain specifics to encourage them to nest. The inside of this house should be black to keep it dark and warm, and the outside is a color that makes it blend in with the surroundings. The space where they go inside the house and roost is only about 3/4-inch thick—with a small gap for air circulation. Still, dozens of bats can live in this box and raise their pups.
When working on this project, keep safety in mind at all times. A jigsaw is better off in adult hands, but kids can help out by caulking, driving screws, attaching the netting, and painting. Make sure everyone has safety glasses on when the saw is in use, and keep sleeves away from power tools.
Steps To Build Your Bat House
Follow these steps to create a cozy home for your nocturnal neighbors:
1. Cut the Plywood Pieces
Using your jigsaw or circular saw, cut the plywood into three pieces:
- One piece measuring 2 feet wide by 26 inches long (back panel)
- One piece measuring 2 feet wide by 22 inches long (front panel)
- One piece measuring 2 feet wide by 3 inches long (roof panel)
To parents: Using a jigsaw is definitely a job for an adult. But take this opportunity to teach your kids saw safety so they’ll be ready when they’re old enough.
2. Create the Bat Design
Draw or trace a bat shape using the provided template or French curves on the shorter plywood piece. The design should be 24 inches wide.
Hey, kids! French curves are great for helping you draw the bat wings, but you can also trace cans or cups to make curves of different sizes.
3. Drill Holes for the Jigsaw
Clamp the plywood with the bat design to your worktable, making sure the whole bat hangs over the edge. Using a drill/driver with a 1/4-inch bit, drill holes just inside the points of the bat shape. This will make it easy to turn your jigsaw blade as you cut out the curved parts.
4. Cut Out the Bat Shape
Using a jigsaw fitted with a narrow scroll blade, which is designed for making intricate curves, cut out the bat design. Cut the shape closest to the edge first, then cut the whole bat from the sheet. Both halves of the cutline must look clean, so work slowly and carefully. Whenever you get to a drill hole at one of the points, stop the saw and turn it before you continue.
5. Prepare the Side Strips and Roof Supports
Cut four pieces from the 1-by-2-foot lumber:
- One 24-inch piece for the top
- Two 19-inch pieces for the sides
- One 5-inch piece for the roof support
6. Assemble the Frame
Using a caulk gun, lay a bead of caulk along the face of the long 1-by-2-foot. Line it up with the top edge of the larger piece of plywood and clamp it in place with spring clamps. Using a drill/driver, drive 1-inch deck screws through the 1-by-2-foot and into the plywood every 6 inches to hold it in place.
Attach the two shorter pieces to the sides similarly, and caulk the ends where they meet the top piece before you clamp them down. Use a damp rag to wipe up any caulk that oozes out.
Hey, kids! You can help out with the caulking while your parents get the clamps ready.
7. Paint the Components
Using a brush and roller, paint the back piece black, from the top edge to the ends of the 1-by-2-foots. Also, paint the back of the front piece black. These will form the dark inside of the bat house.
Paint the other surfaces in a color that will help maintain a healthy temperature inside the house. If you live in the North, a dark color can keep the house toasty by absorbing the sunlight. In the warm South, a light color may be a better choice. Be sure all surfaces of the wood are painted and well sealed.
Let the paint dry completely before moving on.
8. Install the Netting
Unroll the deer netting and lay it over the inside of the back section, flat against the plywood. Using a staple gun, attach the netting to the inner edge of the top 1-by-2-foot and along the sides. Make sure to pull it taut, so it can’t sag when bats hang from it. Extend the netting over the bottom edge and wrap it around to the back. Once it’s stapled all around, cut off the excess.
9. Attach the Front Panel
Caulk along the face of the 1-by-2-foots on the back section. Place the front piece onto the 1-by-2-foots, with the bat shape facing the bottom and the top edges and corners lined up. Clamp it in place. Drive 1-inch screws every 6 inches through the face and into the 1-by-2-foots to secure it.
10. Mount the Roof Panel and Bat Cutout
Attach the roof panel at an angle to provide shelter from the rain. Next, caulk the exposed sections of the 1-by-2-foots, then place the cutout below the large front piece. Leave a 1/2-inch gap between the two for the air vent. Clamp the piece, and attach it in place with a single 1-inch screw on each side.
Step 11: Hang it Up!
Hang your bat house under the eaves of your home or from a tall, flat pole made from pressure-treated lumber. Make sure to bury one-third of the lumber in the ground to keep it steady. Attach it by driving 3 1/2-inch deck screws through the corners into the siding or fascia of your house or, if you’re using a pole, along the middle at the top and bottom.
The bat house should be at least 15 feet off the ground, away from bright lights. Choose a place facing south to get plenty of sunlight—aim for 6 to 10 hours of exposure. This will keep it nice and hot—just as bats like it!
To parents: Hanging the bat house is a job best left for adults. Just be sure to practice when you put it up.
Build a Bat House: Finishing Touches and Decorations
Adding personal touches to the bat house can make it more appealing and fun:
- Decorate the exterior with non-toxic paint in natural colors.
- Include small bat silhouettes as decorative accents.
- Attach a plaque with the family’s name as the creators of the bat house.
Tips for Successful Bat House Installation
To maximize the chances of attracting bats to your new house:
- Install the bat house before spring, when bats are seeking new roosts.
- Avoid using chemical wood preservatives or metal mesh, which can harm bats.
- Make sure the house is secure to prevent it from being swayed by the wind.
- Be patient—it may take a few seasons for bats to discover and inhabit the house.
- Maintain a clean environment around the bat house to discourage predators.
Maintaining Your Bat House
With your bat house installed, minimal maintenance is required:
- Inspect the house annually for any damage or wear.
- Clean the house only when bats are not present, typically during winter.
- Avoid disturbing the bats, especially during breeding season.
Cleaning Process
If cleaning is necessary, use a gentle approach to avoid disturbing any potential bat residents. Clear out debris or droppings using a soft brush, and wear disposable gloves for hygiene.
Bat Houses Building Plans: Our Conclusion
Building a bat house benefits your family and the local ecosystem. It provides a home for these helpful creatures, supporting pest control and biodiversity. This project can educate children about conservation while creating a thriving habitat for nocturnal mammals. Enjoy watching your new neighbors contribute to a balanced environment.