Build Easy Bat House Plans

Creating a bat house is a rewarding venture, especially for those who appreciate the role bats play in nature. These marvelous creatures are natural pest controllers and pollinators, making them valuable allies in the garden. With this simple step-by-step guide and easy bat house plans, you can construct a welcoming abode for these beneficial mammals. Materials Required:

1 piece of 1/2-inch (1.27-cm) plywood (minimum size: 16 x 24 inches or 40.6 x 61 cm)
1 piece of 1x4-inch (2.54 x 10.16 cm) pine board (minimum length: 32 inches or 81.28 cm)
1 piece of 1x6-inch (2.54 x 15.24 cm) pine board (minimum length: 32 inches or 81.28 cm)
Wood screws (1 1/2-inch or 3.81 cm)
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Paint or stain for exterior protection (optional)
Hooks or brackets for mounting

Step 1: Preparing the Materials * Cut the plywood into two pieces: one 16 x 24 inches (40.6 x 61 cm) for the front and one 16 x 18 inches (40.6 x 45.7 cm) for the back. * Cut the 1x4-inch pine board into two 16-inch (40.6 cm) pieces for the sides. Step 2: Assembling the Bat House * Place the front and back pieces of plywood on a flat surface. * Position the 1x4-inch side pieces between the front and back pieces, aligning them along the top and bottom edges. * Apply wood glue to the edges of the side pieces and press them firmly against the front and back pieces. * Secure each side piece with three wood screws. Step 3: Adding the Landing Platform * Cut a 6-inch (15.24 cm) wide strip from the 1x6-inch pine board. * Position the strip horizontally across the front of the bat house, 2 inches (5.08 cm) from the bottom. * Secure the landing platform with wood screws. Step 4: Adding the Roosting Chamber * Cut a 2-inch (5.08 cm) wide strip from the 1x6-inch pine board. * Position the strip vertically inside the bat house, 2 inches (5.08 cm) from the back. * Secure the roosting chamber with wood screws. Step 5: Sanding and Finishing * Sand the entire bat house to smooth any rough edges. * Paint or stain the bat house with an exterior-grade finish for added protection against the elements. Step 6: Mounting the Bat House * Choose a sunny location at least 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) above the ground. The entrance should face south or southeast to maximize sunlight exposure. * Mount the bat house using hooks or brackets securely attached to a wall, post, or tree. Step 7: Maintaining the Bat House * Inspect the bat house annually for signs of damage or deterioration. * Clean the bat house once a year by removing any accumulated guano. By following these steps and easy bat house plans, you can create a cozy haven for these valuable creatures, contributing to a healthier ecosystem in your backyard.