MacGregor-Dourson Post Bat House
For best results, we recommend that bat houses be located: (1) in upland forest habitats on south or southwest slopes with open canopy, (2) in small openings, especially along edge habitat near ponds, (3) along riparian zones, forest roads, and powerline, pipeline or waterline rights-of-way where conditions are more open, and (4) within forest shelterwoods, along forest cuts, or along the edges of small forest gaps. Bat houses in these locations will receive more sunlight. We also recommend placing bat houses in clusters of 3 - 5 per site. Colonies of bats using one bat house will sometimes move to others in a cluster. This may keep predation and parasitism to a minimum and also allows the bats to have alternative roosts when weather conditions change (cooler days can be spent in bat houses that are in more open conditions & warmer days in houses with a little more shade). Avoid placing bat houses close to barns, out-buildings and houses. It appears that the more urban the area is, the less likely bats will use them. It is not necessary to paint the houses; placement appears to be more important.
The best wood to use for the 4 x 4 post is oak, red cedar, or black locust. Avoid using pine and poplar because these woods will decay quickly in the ground. The box itself can be made of a lighter wood since it is not in direct contact with the ground and is partly covered by the roof. use only galvanized screws to put the bat house together. If you can get the post in the ground at least 2 1/2 to 3 feet, there is no need to cement it in. Spacing between the bat house and the 4 x 4 post is critical. Any more than 3/4 inch will make it more attractive to mud-daubers and paper wasps.
Let us know of your success with this design. You can contact Dan Dourson at 606-663-2852 and John MacGregor at 606-745-3100.
