Conservation Corner

Bats make good neighbors—Honest!

Fri, January 13, 2012

Do mosquitoes get on your nerves? Are you tired of using insect repellants? Is the bug zapper not working up to par or is it just too noisy?  If so then it may be time to consider a bat colony.

While spooky tales have turned these fuzzy creatures into monsters, bats are an integral part of the ecosystem. The loss of natural roosts, like tree cavities or caves, has impacted many bats. But many bats are without homes and may need some encouragement from private landowners and homeowners just like you.  Kole and I always enjoy watching the bats fly around our heads late in the summer and fall evenings as we toss a ball around in the backyard.  We always wonder how low they will get over our heads.

You can buy a bat house, or you can make your own. Bookstores feature guides on how to build a bat house. You can also visit the Bat Conservation International, Inc. website, http://www.batcon.org for m,ore on building successful bat houses.

The best-designed bat houses are two to three feet tall, and foot to two feet wide. They are often four to five inches deep, and most houses have several roosting chambers about an inch wide. Using rough lumber allows bats to hang on more easily.

Houses should be placed 10-20 feet off the ground on poles or buildings. Place your house so it receives at least six hours of sun a day.

Bat houses do best in areas where water and habitat with diverse vegetation are nearby. The houses are most successful when they are installed before migrating bats return in the spring.

Remember: do not handle bats or other wildlife. If a bat is close enough for you to pick up, it could be sick and should be left alone.

While fear of bats is common in the U.S., other cultures like the Chinese consider bats a symbol of good luck. Native American cultures consider them powerful deities. Give them a chance! They can be a fascinating and helpful addition to the wildlife family in your neighborhood.

For more information bats and other Backyard Conservation practices, visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service online at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/  or call 1-.888.526.3227 (toll free) and press 2 for a free colorful Backyard Conservation booklet and tip sheets.

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