Oklahoma Bats

. . . Coming Out of the Dark

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?