Anyone have bats?

divinemsbee · July 2014

So, where we live there's a large bat population (about an hour away is the largest colony of Mexican Freetail Bats in North America). We see and hear them all over base at night. We also have a huge mosquito problem in our backyard and we don't want to have to spray all the time (plus the spray, even when it dries all the way, can be irritating to the dogs' skin). So we're thinking of buying a bat house and putting it up on one of the trees here to see if that helps with the mosquito population.

So, has anyone else done this or thought about doing it? Any tips for attracting the bats? It looks pretty straightforward, you get the box and put it up and the bats come and sleep there. And they eat the mosquitoes, so it's like setting up an apartment at an all-you-can-eat buffet.

PrimRoseMama · July 2014

We have two for our trees. You just have to watch for fallen or disabled bats in your yard. Also, be ware of your chimney. Maybe get a good screen. We had some bats try to colonize our chimney too!

Bee1112 · July 2014

Yes watch your chimney! When I was younger one got in our house. It was exciting to a bunch of kids but now as an adult I would not want that happening and having to be the one to take care of it!

3houlagirl · July 2014

We are rural and have bats without a bat box, but they don't make a dent in the mosquitos.
A conservation website like @MrsWaffles‌ posted ought to have some good tips.

Good luck!

justkeepswimming01 · July 2014

I have no experience with attracting bats so not sure how helpful I will be however, I would say use caution. Bats are one of the biggest carriers of rabies.

mander82 · July 2014

Lurking....my old house had bats in the attic. It was an old farm house that wasn't sealed off well around the chimney and peaks. There was a swamp and pond nearby and the bats kept the bugs under control. We had the house screened off and thought about getting the bat houses, but they ended up just moving into the barn. Bats are awesome, but batshit in your attic STINKS. Keep them out of your house and they will be awesome.

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Wine&Cupcakes · July 2014

This conversation creeps me out.

That being said, yes, just watch for fallen bats or daytime bat activity. Make sure your animals are updated on their rabies vax and if you ever wake up to a bat in your bedroom, the rabies protocol is advised as you likely won't know you have been bitten.

I'll go back to being creeped out now.

Edit: mobile effs me up.

divinemsbee · July 2014

Thanks guys. I know we have them around, I'm just hoping to attract them to us, I'll look into the conservation website and see what we should do.

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Anyone have bats?

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