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Buildings: are the easiest and often financially feasible choice for mounting bat houses.
They discourage bat predators such as house cats which are unable to climb the side of a house. Choose any side of the building except the North side, which is too cool. Generally the East/Southeast side
(where morning sun strikes) is ideal. Mount the bat house(s) as high up as possible. People often elect to mount two bat houses in place of shutters (shingled building at right) on a 2nd story window. Western exposure
(brick building right)
can be successful as well when the bat house is large enough and painted correctly. Notice the three bat houses are painted different colors of black white and gray to absorb varying amounts of solar warmth. Chimneys and brick homes are great places to mount bat houses due to their heat retention qualities. They absorb heat slowly during the day and give off heat gradually during the night.
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Poles: are a great option for those sites without a suitable tree and where a building is not present or chosen. Height ? Mount them at least 15 feet
up. You can mount them singularly one bat house to each pole/post or place two or more bat houses (even better!) per pole/post. Another option is to create a mounting grid (
see mounting grid below) and face toward morning sun. Isolate the pole/post in an open area. This will increase sun exposure, increase bat flyway access and may help discourage predators. For complete
instructions on pole/post mounting click: BCM's Pole/post mount |
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Trees: This should be your last option for often they contain numerous branches with
foliage which may shade the bat house(s). With a little tree branch trimming and preparation a tree can be a viable mounting option. Larger trees are preferable. Try to choose an isolated tree which is
at least 20 feet away from any other tree. Again mount at least 15 feet up and preferably higher. You can also use the mounting grid option for multiple bat houses on trees as well.
Experiment, when mounting more than one bat house face them in different directions at the same level with at least one bat house facing toward morning sun. |
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Mounting Grid:
A mounting grid is a simple rectangle made from 2" by lumber which you center on poles or trees and then mount the bat houses
to. It enables you to group multiple bat houses on the same pole or tree hanging them out which discourages ground predators such as house cats, raccoons, and snakes. The split photos at right show the grid
empty and then with six(6) back to back bat houses mounted. |
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