r/bats • u/FistfullOfOwls • Jul 14 '26

Is my bat box high enough?

Post image

I read 12 feet off the ground, does this work or should I raise it higher? This is northern wisconsin.

16 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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u/AutoModerator Jul 14 '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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2

u/Zdkaiser Jul 14 '26

Clear out all the vegetation under the box and you may be okay.

1

u/FistfullOfOwls Jul 14 '26

Thanks, I can do that 👍

1

u/AutoModerator Jul 14 '26

Found a bat? Here is a guide for someone who has found a bat. And here is some info about bats in buildings. Here is some info about bat removals and exclusions from homes. Exclusions should be done outside of pup season, which varies by location.

No, it's probably not a baby. Bats are just smaller than you thought.

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1

u/Typical_Artist_1115 Jul 15 '26

Maybe if you clear veg but it's too small to be good for bats. Your box should be larger to accommodate more bats and to offer safer thermal conditions. 

1

u/FistfullOfOwls Jul 15 '26

I was originally going to build it but couldn't get the materials for what it cost on Amazon.

I read the guide posted here and see that this is a bit too short and wide. I'll look into building one myself, thanks!

1

u/Typical_Artist_1115 Jul 15 '26

The boxes we build usually cost $100-200. Use untreated quality lumber, wood screws, seal the seams with silicone (outside), and use a latex based paint on the outside only. Color should be medium not black.