Bat Boxes: A Benefit for Woodland Ecosystems and People

Bats are predators of the night and help maintain a balanced woodland ecosystem. They are one of the most effective nocturnal managers of insect populations, and cause little damage to humans. Due to their stereotype as dirty pests, bats are often unfairly persecuted, and at times their habit of roosting in attics bothers homeowners. One way to keep your home free of bats and to ensure a bat presence nearby for insect control is by building a bat box.

Bat boxes provide a safe place for bats to roost outside of the home. Now more than ever, it is becoming important to protect Maine's bat populations. A disease known as White-Nose Syndrome has been rampaging through Maine caves and mines, decimating bat populations and allowing for growth in insect populations.

By building bat boxes, humans can provide some small shelter for bats to roost, and hopefully a place where they can escape the disease infesting their hibernacula. While this may only be a small step in bat protection, it is certain extra steps must be taken to protect the bat population in Maine from becoming endangered.

If you are considering building a bat box to protect the bats in your area, make sure it is appropriate for bat habitation. Ensure the box is big enough, will not overheat, is protected from the elements, is safe from parasites, disease, and chemicals, and is maintained properly.

Bat houses must also be maintained to protect them from natural damage or infestation by harmful insects. Knowing where to build a bat house is also important, as areas that are too shady or bright will both offer poor habitats for bats. Make sure to conduct proper research in determining how and where to construct a bat box near your home.