How to Attract Bats for Natural Mosquito Control

Bats are one of nature's most efficient and eco-friendly methods of keeping mosquito populations under control. Just one bat can eat more than 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour. You can forgo harsh chemical repellents and bug zappers by attracting bats to your backyard with just a few simple steps.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Habitat
• Bat house

1. Add water. Bats eat the bugs that are naturally drawn to water. Whether you have a natural water source like a spring or creek or a man-made water feature, it will attract bats.

2. Build or buy a bat house. Bat houses are simple wooden structures that provide a place for bats to sleep during the day.

3. Plant a tree or two. Trees not only attract insects to feed bats, but also provide more housing for them. Dead trees also provide both food and housing to attract bats.

4. Plant a bat garden. A bat garden containing herbs and highly scented flowers will attract insects and the bats that eat them. Climbing vines and shrubs will also provide homes for bats.

5. Add lights. Nearby insects, including mosquitoes, will cluster around the lights in your backyard and bats will fly in to enjoy an easy supper.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use any toxic chemicals in your backyard. With the large numbers of bugs that bats eat, they may grow sick or die if the insects have been sprayed with or exposed to pesticides, herbicides or other toxic substances.

Resources

• Bat Houses for Sale