May 13, 2005

Free Bat House Designs –The Best Bat Box Design For You

Deciding on the best free bat house designs can sometimes be a frustrating task. Like birdhouses, there are many designs available and it is sometimes difficult to know which one to choose. Erecting a home for any animal requires a certain amount of responsibility and we all want someone to occupy the space we have taken the time to provide. This article will help you understand the nature of bat houses and hopefully it will make your search for a free bat house design a little easier!

A bat house design is not much different than that of a bird house, except that the entrance to a bat box will be underneath and not through a hole in the front. The critical element in all bat house plans is the removable lid or front portion, which allows you to inspect the interior of the box. In all bat house designs, the entrance must be at the bottom and should always be less than six inches wide. This width is large enough to allow bats to climb in, but small enough to keep other uninvited animals out.

A bat box can come in various sizes, however generally the most successful houses are roughly two feet tall and at least 14 inches wide. They should also have three to six inch landing areas extending below the entrance. This will allow the bat to gain entry to the opening by landing on the landing areas and climbing into the interior cavity.

Bat House Plans – Look For A Plan With Simple Instructions

Bat houses also come with the option of multiple chambers (usually from one to six of them), but designs with three or four seem to be the most popular. Additionally, roost partitions should be spaced anywhere between ½ inch and ¾ inch apart. Bat house plans should also show how to build optimal ventilation slots, which should remain open and not be covered by anything except mesh material. This is because bat houses are generally used in high temperatures.

Essentially, the objective of a bat house is to recreate a hole in a tree so the preferable building material is rough sawn planks. Never treat the wood with preservatives as bats are highly sensitive to chemicals and would be turned off by the smell. Most importantly, your bat box or bat house should be simple and easily accessible to bats.

Provided that you keep in mind the basic needs of bats, it is fine to experiment with several more intricate bat houses designs, although the bats will not know the difference. The key is to choose a design or a plan that has instructions laid out in an organized way, that are easy to read and that are simple. After you have found these attributes in a bat box plan, choose the design that appeals to you aesthetically, and the one which will allow the most comfortable roosting arrangements for bats. Have fun browsing for free bat house plans on the web!

About The Author:
Erin McMillan is a talented and successful freelance writer. Her various writings provide relevant information and wonderfully researched resources for gardeners and garden enthusiasts wanting to learn more about gardening and gardening products. Erin loves sharing knowledge and education through her numerous writings and educational articles.

By: Erin McMillan
http//www.a1-best-garden-supplies.com