Introduction
Bat boxes, or bat houses, give bats a safe place to roost. That's important because many species of bat are in decline.
Erecting a bat box in your yard doesn't just help out bats. They return the favor by eating hundreds of mosquitoes an hour. Bats are one of the safest and most effective forms of insect control, as well as crucial pollinators. By putting up a bat box, you also encourage them to roost there, which helps keep them away from eaves and attics.
Building a bat box is time-consuming, so if you want one in a hurry, purchasing one is probably the way to go. But if you have the time, it's a fun and rewarding project. We used free plans provided by the nonprofit Bat Conservation International, with a few modifications. Here's how to do it.
Tools Required
Materials Required
- 1 can clear varnish spray
- 1 quart latex paint (dark in color)
- 1 quart latex primer
- 1-1/2-inch exterior screws (1 lb.)
- 1-1/4-inch exterior screws (1 lb.)
- 1-inch exterior screws (1 lb.)
- 120-grit sanding discs
- 3-foot x 5-foot roll of polyethylene mesh
- Exterior-grade paintable caulk
- One 1x6-inch x 8-foot pine or similar board
- One 4x4-foot sheet of 1/2-inch outdoor-grade plywood
- Outdoor staples (200)
