Bat Boxes

[PyreneesPlot]

Any bat experts out there?

For the first time this autumn we've had bats flying around the house every night. Previously its been just the odd visitor. I would like to encourage them by putting up a box/es, however our house is single story so would they be too low?

Although we have woodland on one side, we don't yet have any trees of our own that are more than saplings, so the house walls are the only option.

Thanks
PP

[roitelet]

If you have shutters they will roost behind them in the summer, you just have to leave them back against the wall and they will creep in behind. They seem to prefer the east facing ones but I have found them on the south side. Look on the ground for tiny mouse like droppings and they will be there but don't disturb them too much. All our shutters are on the ground floor so you should not have a problem. I have put up bat boxes without any success they are fussy little things.

[Kleftiwallah]

I should track down a specialist web site to find out more, you lucky beggar! ! !

Cheers, Tony.

[PyreneesPlot]

Thanks for your replies. Our shutters are rollers - lizards live in the housing for them!
There is a small French wildlife forum I like so I'll ask them too.

[Jeanied]

It will all depend on which kind of bat you have flying around, PP. They all have different preferences for roosts. I have put a pipistrelle box up - right up high near the roof- in a similar spot to where they roosted but next door. It hasn't been used yet, but if it does get used, it will be a summer maternity roost.

Other bats are a bit more solitary, but the key is that they need to be able to drop into clear space to get the air into their wings - they can't take off like birds do.

In the wild bats like to roost in hollow tree trunks without branches underneath them - or in caves. Bat groups often find roosts in old ice houses in the grounds of the big house. For hibernation purposes they need to be in a cool place that has a steady temperature.

[Dusty Rhodes]

Bats eat lots of bugs, but they can be a nuisance. Much like mice, they can get into every nook and cranny where you don't want them!

[Nicos]

Jeanied is my bat expert!!!!

We have a solitary male long eared bat here in our garage and she's been REALLY helpful!!!

[PyreneesPlot]

Thanks guys. I'm still working out how to ID the bat as it hurtles by in the dark!