Small Economy Bat House Plan

Small Economy Bat House Plan: A DIY Guide to Providing a Safe Haven for Bats

### Introduction Bats play a vital role in our ecosystem, providing natural pest control and pollination services. However, their populations are declining due to habitat loss, roost destruction, and other factors. Building a small economy bat house is a simple and effective way to provide a safe and secure home for bats in your area. ### Materials Required - Untreated 1x6 pine boards (3 pieces, each 8 feet long) - Roofing shingles (3-tab, any color) - 1/2-inch wood screws (1 1/2 inches and 2 1/2 inches) - Wood glue - Sandpaper - Paint (optional) - Tape measure - Saw - Drill - Screwdriver - Hammer - Level ### Step-by-Step Instructions 1.

Prepare the Materials:

- Cut the pine boards according to the following dimensions: - (2) pieces at 6 feet long - (1) piece at 2 feet long - (2) pieces at 18 inches long - (2) pieces at 12 inches long - Cut the roofing shingles to a size of approximately 12 inches by 18 inches. 2.

Assemble the Bat House Front:

- Place the two 6-foot boards side by side, with the edges flush. - Glue and screw the two 18-inch boards vertically to the inside of each 6-foot board, creating two compartments. - Glue and screw the 2-foot board horizontally across the top of the compartments, connecting the two 6-foot boards. 3.

Assemble the Bat House Back:

- Place the remaining 6-foot board horizontally. - Glue and screw the two 12-inch boards vertically to the inside of the 6-foot board, creating a single compartment. 4.

Attach the Front and Back:

- Position the front and back pieces so that the edges are flush. - Glue and screw the pieces together along the top and bottom edges. 5.

Install the Roof:

- Place the shingles on top of the bat house, starting at the bottom edge. - Overlap each shingle by approximately 2 inches. - Secure the shingles with 1 1/2-inch screws. 6.

Sand and Paint:

- Lightly sand the bat house to smooth out any rough edges. - Apply a coat of paint (optional) to protect the wood from the elements. 7.

Choose a Suitable Location:

- Select a location that receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. - Mount the bat house on a pole or building at a height of 10 to 20 feet. - Ensure that the entrance faces south or southeast. ### Maintenance Inspect the bat house regularly for signs of damage or wear. Clean the inside of the house once a year to remove droppings and debris. ### Conclusion By building a small economy bat house, you can provide a safe and secure home for bats in your area, helping to support these beneficial creatures and promote a healthy ecosystem.