Bat Houses, anyone have one?

Discussion in 'Wildlife in the Garden' started by hummingbird3172, Jul 11, 2007.

  1. hummingbird3172

    hummingbird3172 In Flower

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    I used to, but it got destroyed in a Hurricane (I don't think any bats were inside).

    I want to get another and I was looking to see what they seem to like best. I know there are lots of bats around because we see them every night. :-D
     
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  3. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    I don't have any bat houses Anna but I've PM'd you some websites that you may find interesting. :-D
     
  4. muddybob

    muddybob In Flower

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    What is the best location to hang a bat house? Ours has southern exposure and today I'm thinking if there are any bats in there they must be well done! I've often wondered if it ought to be moved.

    muddy
     
  5. hummingbird3172

    hummingbird3172 In Flower

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    I've read it's best for them to have southern or eastern exposure, but that it isn't as important in southern climates.
     



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  6. plantswap

    plantswap New Seed

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    Check this out:
     
  7. hummingbird3172

    hummingbird3172 In Flower

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    And I thought this was a big bat home:

    http://www.afn.org/~ufbat/

    Those are incredible pictures of the bats in front of the sunset. I love that the city is embracing them now!
     
  8. plantswap

    plantswap New Seed

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    Yeah, it's really enjoyable to go there and camp out on the hill by the bridge and watch them. You can hear them sqeaking up a storm about an hour before they take off.
     
  9. glendann

    glendann Official Garden Angel

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    I have not been able to go see the bat flight.I've heard so much about it.I did see the flight from Carlsbad Caverns many years ago.It is awesome to watch them.
     
  10. DaphDaph

    DaphDaph Seedling

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    Thanks for the 2 weblinks. It's nice to read stories about wildlife winning out over stupid people that are afraid and hate something they do not understand. :setc_005:
     
  11. hummingbird3172

    hummingbird3172 In Flower

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    We used to have a neighbor that had two bat houses together on a pole. Every night at dusk they'd come pouring out, it was really pretty thrilling to see them. You'd never believe how many could fit in two little bat houses.

    I can't decide if I want to mount it on the house or a pole. I think if I use a pole I'll get a better view, but if I use the house I think they'll get more protection. I'm leaning towards the house...last bat house I had got ruined in a hurricane (don't worry, the bats hadn't moved in yet). We are painting the house soon so I will probably wait until after that.
     
  12. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    I need to get a bat house, I know they are in the area and boy could they feast for a lifetime on the pests in my yard.

    We went to Austin a few years ago, sat on the river bank expecting to see a swarm of bats take off but it was a dud. Seems we were there at the wrong time of year for the swarming :-?
     
  13. plantswap

    plantswap New Seed

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    There are only a few weeks of the year that they (the Austin bats) come out with daylight left. Most of the year (like right now), they won't come out until it's dark (like ~9pm or so).
     
  14. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    I think we were there in late July that year and sat out on the riverbank from 8 to 11 p.m. waiting for the swarm but it was a no show.
    We mentioned it at the hotel the next day and were told it was the wrong time of year for them.
     
  15. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    We want to get a bat house. Right now they are living in OURS! You can hear them scratching the siding on their way out every night.
     
  16. hummingbird3172

    hummingbird3172 In Flower

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    Well, on the upside--once you get a bat house you'll probably have an easy time getting them to move in! :D

    I want to mount ours on the house this time because I think it will give them more protection and I'm hoping they are quicker to use it.
     

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