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Step 1
Consider your location before you buy a bat house. Bats are attracted to locations within a quarter of a mile from water or places close to mines or caves. The most successful bat houses are placed in these locations.
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Step 2
Look for the correct dimensions. A bat house should be at least two feet tall with lots of roost space. Bigger and wider houses are better and will attract more bats.
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Step 3
Buy a bat house with landing space below the entrance. This gives the bats a place to land before they roost.
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Step 4
Glance at all the landing surfaces before you buy. They should either be roughened or covered with plastic mesh. Bats will not roost in houses without these features.
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Step 5
Ask about the wood and hardware. The wood should be treated with exterior paint or stain. The hardware (screws or staples) should also be exterior grade.
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Step 6
Choose the right color for your bat house. The color will vary based on how much sun the house will get and the area of the country where you live. If you live in a warm climate with lots of sunlight, buy a white or light-colored bat house. If you live in a cooler climate with not much sunlight, purchase a dark brown or black bat house. For climates in between, find a gray or medium color.
