For over two decades, Bat Conservation International (BCI) ran the gold-standard certification program for bat houses — ensuring they were properly designed, safely constructed, and effective at attracting bats. In 2020, BCI discontinued their certification program. While their design guidelines remain an excellent reference, no new bat houses can earn BCI certification.
Today, the active certification standard is maintained by Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation (MTBC), founded by the world's leading bat authority and the original founder of BCI. All Big Bat Box (WildYard) bat houses are MTBC certified, meeting or exceeding the original BCI standards.
Not all bat houses are made equal. To see how certified designs stand out, check our Big Bat Box Comparison and learn what makes top-quality boxes different.
Why should you purchase a certified bat house?
Certification matters because most uncertified bat houses are too small, poorly ventilated, and constructed with materials or methods that can actually harm bats. Common problems include chambers under 20 inches tall (providing no thermal gradient), missing or incorrectly placed ventilation, metal mesh that can injure bats, and nail-only assembly that loosens over time. A certified bat house eliminates these risks and gives you the best chance of successful occupancy.
Certification is important, but placement matters too. Follow our Bat Box Placement Guide to make the most of your certified bat house.
What the BCI certification criteria required
When the BCI program was active, bat houses had to pass 10 strict criteria covering chamber dimensions, crevice spacing, ventilation, interior textures, hardware safety, construction quality, and more. The key requirements included:
- Roost chambers at least 20 inches tall (taller is better)
- Chamber width of at least 14 inches
- Partition spacing of ¾ to 1 inch apart
- A 3-to-6-inch landing area below the entrance
- Textured interior surfaces with no protruding hardware
- Half-inch ventilation slots in the lower third of the house
- Draft-free, screw-assembled construction with caulked joints
All Big Bat Box bat houses meet or exceed these standards and carry active MTBC (Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation) certification — the current gold standard for bat house design.
For a full breakdown of all 10 criteria and how our houses meet each one, read our complete guide: Bat House Certification Explained: BCI, MTBC, and Why It Matters
How to Install your Certified Bat House
Installing your BCI certified bat house is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.
- Begin by finding a suitable location for your bat house. It should be placed in an area that is clear of trees, buildings, and other structures. The bat house should also be facing a south- or southeast-facing slope to maximize the amount of sunlight it receives.
- Once you have found the perfect location, it's time to start installing your bat house. Begin by attaching the mounting bracket to the bat house using screws or nails. Then, use the screws or nails to secure the bat house to the chosen location.
- That's it! Your bat house is now installed and ready to provide a safe and warm home for our little flying friends.
For detailed, climate-specific installation guidance, see our Installation Guide →
Wrapping it All Up!
A properly certified bat house is an investment in both wildlife conservation and natural pest control. Built to science-backed standards, certified houses are durable, safe for bats, and designed for real-world occupancy — not just curb appeal. With the right house and proper placement, you're giving bats the habitat they need while gaining a colony of natural pest controllers in your backyard.
Want the full picture on bat house certification? Read our complete guide: Bat House Certification Explained: BCI, MTBC, and Why It Matters →
Want to build a certified-style home yourself? Try our Bat House Kits which inspired by professional designs and perfect for hands-on learning.
