AY Honors/Ecology - Advanced/Requirements

For best results, the roosting chamber should be at least 50 cm (20 in) wide, 70 cm (24 in) high, and about 2 cm (3/4 in) deep on the inside. It should have an open bottom and a roof. The inside should be roughened with horizontal saw cuts or lined with a plastic mesh so the bats will have something to grab on to. Do not make the bat box from pressure treated wood, but do use outdoor grade plywood or cedar. A roof will certainly help preserve the bat box, especially if covered with an asphalt shingle or with metal. Caulk the box to prevent drafts since bats, like you, like a draft free home. Painting your box an appropriate color increases success. Lighter colors in hot climates and dark or black in cooler areas. You might experiment with different colors on boxes to see what the bats like.