How to Build Bat Houses

Despite getting a bad rap from many people, bats make good neighbors because of the amount of insects that they consume. A single bat can consume hundreds of mosquitoes in just one night. Once you're bat house is up and running, you may not even know they are living there since they are strictly nocturnal.
This easy-to-build bat house can be adjusted to be bigger or smaller depending on the builder's needs. Instead of spraying pesticides everywhere to control insects, build a bat house and let nature do the job for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One quarter sheet of 1/2-inch outdoor grade plywood 8 foot 1 by 2 pine board 1 box exterior grade of 1-inch screws 1 quart exterior grade flat, water- based stain or paint 1 pint exterior grade dark, water- based stain 1 pint exterior grade, water-based primer 1 tube latex caulk 3 foot 1 by 4 pine board Circular saw Common hand tools

How to Build Bat Houses

1. Consult plans for bat house that are located on Bat Conservation International's website. The link is listed below in the Resources section. Construct the sides of the house by cutting the plywood into 3 pieces: 26 1/2 by 24-inches, 16 1/2 by 24-inches and 5 by 24-inches. Cut this plywood with the electric hand held circular saw, which is commonly sold in any hardware store.

2. Take the larger piece of plywood and using the circular saw, cut grooves horizontally across the plywood. Use the depth setting on the saw and adjust the depth of cut to 1/16-inch. Guide the saw across the width of the plywood, making grooves that are 1/2- to 3/4-inches apart. Stain the interior of the house with two coats of the dark stain.

3. Construct the housing side supports by cutting the 1 by 2 board into 3 lengths: one 24-inch and two 20 1/2-inches. Attach the two shorter pieces to the sides and the longer piece to the top of the house. Coat the strips with caulk when attaching the 1 by 2 boards.

4. Attach the two smaller pieces of plywood to the front of the house, leaving a 1/2-inch air gap between them. Cut a 28-inches long section from the 1 by 4 board and attach to the top of the house for a roof. Caulk all of the seams to keep moisture out.

5. Prime entire exterior surface with primer. When dry, apply a coat of the flat paint. Hang the house on a tree or building, facing south or east if possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when using power tools. Wear safety glasses when using power tools.

Resources

• Bat Conservation International