Bats are among the most fascinating and beneficial animals in our gardens. A single bat can devour up to 3,000 insects per night — including mosquitoes, moths, and other pests. Yet their natural roosting sites like old trees and attics are disappearing fast. A bat house provides these remarkable creatures with a safe roosting spot while giving you natural, chemical-free pest control.
Why a Bat House Matters
Many bat species are now protected by law across Europe and North America. Building renovations and the loss of old-growth trees are steadily reducing their available roosts. By installing a bat house, you actively contribute to conservation — and benefit from nature's most effective insect control, completely free of chemicals.
Contrary to common myths, bats are neither dangerous nor a nuisance. They are excellent insect regulators and play a vital role in the ecosystem.
The Right Height: How High Should a Bat House Hang?
Bats prefer roosts at a height of 3 to 6 metres (10 to 20 feet) above the ground. The higher the house, the better it is protected from predators and the easier it is for bats to fly in and out. Make sure the area below the bat house is clear for at least 3 metres to allow an unobstructed flight path.
Our premium cedar bat houses are designed for safe mounting at any recommended height.
Choosing the Perfect Location
Location is the single biggest factor in whether bats will move in. Here are the key criteria:
Orientation: South to southeast facing is best. The bat house should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight — bats need warmth.
Wind protection: Choose a sheltered spot that is not directly exposed to prevailing winds.
Water source: A pond, stream, or lake nearby is ideal — bats drink while flying low over water.
Hunting ground: Forest edges, hedgerows, and gardens with native plants provide plenty of insects for food.
Which Bat House to Buy: Choosing the Right One
The number of chambers determines how many bats can roost:
3-Chamber Bat Houses offer the most capacity, housing colonies of up to 300 bats. Multiple chambers provide different temperature zones, allowing bats to choose their ideal comfort level based on the weather.
2-Chamber Bat Houses are the perfect balance between capacity and size — ideal for medium-sized gardens.
1-Chamber Bat Houses are excellent for beginners or for smaller gardens and balconies.
Our Big Bat Barn is our largest model, perfect for rural properties and conservation projects where you want to attract the biggest colonies possible.
Step-by-Step: How to Mount a Bat House
1. Check your materials: Use stainless steel screws and anchors suited to your surface (wood, masonry, or concrete).
2. Mark the position: Mark your drill holes — at least 3 metres high with clear space below for the flight path.
3. Secure firmly: Screw the bat house firmly to the wall or tree. Tilt it slightly forward (about 5°) to prevent rainwater from getting inside.
4. Leave it alone: After mounting, leave the bat house undisturbed. Bats need time to discover and adopt a new roost.
Best Time to Hang a Bat House
The ideal time to hang a bat house is March to April, before bats emerge from hibernation and start searching for summer roosts. However, houses hung in autumn are also frequently adopted as winter roosts.
Patience is key: It can take 1–2 seasons for bats to colonise a new house. Hang multiple houses in different orientations to increase your chances of success.
Maintenance and Durability
Bat houses made from high-quality cedar wood are naturally weather-resistant and require no chemical treatment. Our bat houses are crafted from North American cedar and last for decades.
Inspect the house once a year in winter (November–February) when bats are not present. Remove cobwebs and check the mounting hardware.
Natural Mosquito Control for Your Garden
A bat house is the most environmentally friendly way to control mosquitoes. A colony of 100 bats eats over 300,000 insects per night. Combine your bat house with an owl box and a bee hotel to create a complete backyard ecosystem.
Discover our full collection of premium bat houses — handcrafted from cedar wood, with a satisfaction guarantee and free shipping.
