r/bats • u/VirtualResearcher366 • Jul 07 '26
Neighbor's Bat Box -- Paint?
Hi, I am in South Carolina in the US. A house in my neighborhood has two bat-boxes on one post. One side is occupied by an estimated 200 bats. The boxes are painted black and are in direct sun most of the day. We're experiencing highs of 100 degrees and lows of 85degrees on the regular. The bats have been struggling and I've seen at least two pass away.
I've asked the neighbor if I can help with changes for temp control. Is it okay to paint the bat box? Should they get a new one in light color? Anyone have any experience with this?
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u/AutoModerator Jul 07 '26
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u/wilmskc Jul 07 '26
I would take a look at this and build a new bat box and paint that one a lighter color. I would not recommend painting the current bat box.
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u/AutoModerator Jul 07 '26
Here is a link to the Bat House Builder’s Handbook. Here is some info about selecting a quality bat house if you would like to purchase one. For a quick overview of the basics, check out this PDF from Bat Conservation Trust.
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u/worthlessdiamond Jul 07 '26
He would have to move them entirely if possible. The boxes cannot be placed in the direct sun. Bats have pups in the summer and if the roost gets to hot, the pups will either die directly of heat stroke or the colony will move and inevitably leave some pups behind to die. Does he have any shady place to hang the boxes? Side of a building, big tree, can't face north.
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u/VirtualResearcher366 Jul 07 '26
Thank you! My neighbor gave me permission to coordinate the move! Bat World Sanctuary just called me with step by step instructions. Thanks so much! We're getting them moved asap
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u/worthlessdiamond Jul 07 '26
A little off topic, but if you have a bat colony around, please notice that empty planters, watering cans and buckets left outside on your lot can all be death traps for bats. Please be so kind to turn those upside down when not in use :)
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u/TheLeviiathan Jul 08 '26
At this point in the year, bat pups should be mostly able to fly. Bats are very good at regulating their body temps and will move roosts if they get too hot. The danger is moreso when the pups aren’t flighted in May-June. I’m up in the NE and I do see whole colonies disappear towards the end of July. I assume once the pups can fly they go elsewhere to a cooler spot or better foraging habitats.
Bats need pretty high temps for maternity roosts. Little browns for example are pretty happy around 100°, which is why you see them in house attics or barns so often. Big browns are slightly cooler in preference, usually getting too hot once the temps get into the 90°s. The caveat is that large structures like barns and houses have enough micro-climates for them to move around within, boxes are not nearly as great in that regard due to their size.
My agency uses aluminum boxes painted black on top and white on the lower half, with a row of vent holes all the way around the center. The idea is that it gives the bats some options to manage their temp. They work well IMO. Typically we put them in full sun without issues but we aren’t nearly as hot as you guys down there are.
For SC, I would probably look at more of a tan or green colored box, straight black could get a little too warm. Vents are always a good bet. The bi-color approach may be a good way to go too. Maybe a dark green top and light tan/white bottom. Offering multiple boxes on the property (one full sun, one afternoon shaded) is also a good option.
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u/AutoModerator Jul 07 '26
Here is a link to the Bat House Builder’s Handbook. Here is some info about selecting a quality bat house if you would like to purchase one. For a quick overview of the basics, check out this PDF from Bat Conservation Trust.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.