Bat House Forum

[mattkime4]

I live in brooklyn and have attempted to provide an urban bat house. I'm curious when I might expect the critters to appear.

The house has been install for about a year and a half and I haven't attracted any bats yet (that I know of). Unfortunately an urban backyard presents a number of limitations which make me wonder if its even possible. The house is a bit too close to trees and light sources. (I've developed a hatred for "safety" lights.)

I'm curious if anyone else on the boards has braved a bat house urban build.

[Terry Lobdell]

I have not talked to many people who have gotten bats within a city, but If you are patient hopefully you will. I have had the best luck by mounting pre-used boxes that already have scent in them. Just keep experimenting.........having one mounted on a pole and one on a building is a good approach......

[mattkime4]

who wants to swap a used box for a "new" one??

[Dave Miller]

Are there bats in your neighborhood already? If so, keep trying. If not, it may be a very long time until you get any occupants.

You might try adding a backyard pond, with a small recirculating pump and biological filter. I have done that. I'm not sure if it attracted any bats, but it definitely attracts birds, frogs and lots of other neat creatures.

[cloudman75]

I built a new house about four seasons ago and placed it within 20 ft of two houses that the bats were using. It remained unused for two seasons, then last season I got some bats in it. I thought I would pass my experience on to you as
it may take several seasons for the house to get some use. Also this year I relocated two houses and so far they have no bats. I have a few bats already in the house I did not move. I am hoping that in a few weeks when it gets warm here that the bats will move to the relocated houses. I think if I were you I would leave the existing house where it is and if possible be patient a while longer. If you see bats flying, then I would bet they have checked your house out and may use it after a few seasons. Another bat house in a different location would also be a plus if that is possible for you. I had 19 bats fly out after a few warm days and nights last week, then it turned cold. Tonight I checked And no bats flew out, but four are in the house that was not relocated this year.
Good luck and hang in there.

Frank