Bats are an important part of Colorado’s ecosystems. They consume large numbers of flying insects, support healthy food webs, and contribute to the natural balance of our neighborhoods and open spaces.

Habitat loss and the removal of old trees and structures can leave bats with fewer places to rest and raise their young. A properly selected and installed bat house can provide valuable additional shelter.

A look inside an occupied bat house, where narrow chambers provide bats with a warm, protected place to roost together.

 

Quick Answers About Bat Houses

Will putting up a bat house attract huge numbers of bats?

Not necessarily. A bat house provides a possible roosting site, but bats decide whether the location offers the warmth, protection, and accessibility they need.

Where should a bat house be installed?

Bat houses generally perform best when mounted 12 to 20 feet above the ground on a building or sturdy pole with a clear flight path.

Should I place a bat house on a tree?

Trees often provide too much shade and give predators easier access. A pole or building usually provides a better location.

 

Choosing a Bat House

A useful bat house should imitate the narrow spaces bats naturally use for roosting. Look for:

• Rough or grooved interior surfaces bats can grip
• Narrow internal chambers
• Proper ventilation
• Durable, weather-resistant construction
• Nontoxic materials and finishes
• A design appropriate for the local climate

Bat houses should not contain fabric mesh, which can loosen and entangle bats.

Bat House Placement

Warmth is especially important for females raising young. In Colorado Springs, a sunny south- or southeast-facing location often provides helpful warmth. Many bat houses benefit from approximately six to eight hours of direct sunlight, although the best exposure can depend on the house’s color and the heat reflected by nearby surfaces.

Install the house:

• Approximately 12 to 20 feet high
• On a building or sturdy pole
• Where the entrance is unobstructed
• Away from bright nighttime lighting
• Away from heavily used doors, patios, and walkways
• Near a water source when possible

Do not place a bat house where droppings could collect above a doorway, seating area, vehicle, or play space.

Consider Adding a Pup Net

Young bats sometimes lose their grip and fall from a bat house before they can fly. A properly installed pup net, sometimes called a pup catcher, creates a textured landing surface beneath the house and gives fallen pups an opportunity to climb back into the roost.

Pup nets must be designed specifically for bat houses and installed securely. Never use loose garden netting, bird netting, or fabric mesh, which can entangle and injure bats.

Be Patient

A bat house may be occupied quickly, several seasons after installation, or not at all. Bats cannot be forced to move into it, and a new house should never be used as justification for sealing bats out of a building without first following proper exclusion practices.

If bats are roosting inside a home, contact a qualified wildlife professional. Exclusions must be timed carefully so flightless young are not trapped inside.

Never handle a bat with bare hands. If a bat has had possible contact with a person or pet, contact your local public-health agency for guidance.

 

Create a Bat-Friendly Yard

A bat house is only one part of supporting bats. You can also help by:

• Reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting
• Avoiding pesticides
• Planting native flowers that support nighttime insects
• Maintaining clean water sources
• Preserving mature trees and natural habitat where safe
• Keeping cats indoors

Find a Bat House for Your Property

Visit Wild Birds Unlimited of Colorado Springs to explore bat houses and learn more about selecting an appropriate installation location.

Providing safe shelter while protecting natural habitat is a wonderful way to support these fascinating and beneficial neighbors.