Oklahoma Bats
. . . Coming Out of the Dark
Bat House Success Secrets
A successful bat house depends upon many factors. In Oklahoma, the following factors should be taken into con- sideration:
- Bat houses must be located a quarter mile or less from a stream, river
or pond larger than three acres.
- Research from Bat Conservation International has shown that in Oklahoma,
bat houses need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. A southern or southwest
exposure should be considered in locating the bat house.
- In areas south of Interstate-40, paint houses white to protect bats from
overheating.
- In areas north of Interstate-40, paint the top half of the house light
brown and the bottom half white.
- Mount houses 15 feet or more above the ground. Houses mounted on the sides
of buildings or poles are more attractive to some bats than houses placed
on trees.
- If possible, erect houses in groups of three or more. Houses on the sides
of buildings should be placed close together. Pole-mounted houses can be
placed facing different directions where they won't receive too much sunlight.
- "Bat houses should NOT be placed in trees at all"
- "Paint houses tan or light brown."
- "Do not place houses on metal buildings or buildings with metal siding. This could cause the bat house to get too hot."
Previous Section -- Build a Bat House
Return to Contents
Next Section -- No Bats in your Belfry?

