Bats and Insects

Birds, especially swallows, play a major role in controlling day-flying insects. At night bats take over and provide important checks against night-flying insects, such as mosquitoes and moths (larvae of some moths such as cutworm and spruce bud worm are quite destructive). The amount that a bat eats varies depending on the season and reproductive condition. Nursing mothers are especially heavy feeders. An individual bat will consume hundreds of moths or thousands of mosquitoes during a night. Think of it - 10 little brown bats from your bat house could catch more than 10,000 insects in an evenings feeding!

Bats and Birds

Bats and birds do not compete, either for food or space. So put up a few bird houses to encourage birds to nest in your yard.

Location of Your Bat House

Bat houses should, if possible, be located near a permanent source of water such as a stream, lake, or marsh. They should be hung about 12 to 15 feet above the ground, sheltered from the wind, and where the approach is unobstructed by vegetation or utility wires. Bats need a clear fly-in to their home. The side of a building works well, probably because of the increased temperature stability, but a tree or a pole will also serve the purpose.

Temperature is very important. Nursery colonies of females and young prefer stable temperatures from 80 to 100 degrees fahrenheit. Bachelor colonies frequently select cooler roosts. In this area, it is well to orient the house to receive the maximum sun early in the day, i.e. south east.