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How far apart should we be setting up bat and bird houses?

Posted on December 29, 2001

Question:
Hi Chuck ~ We recently bought a house which sits approx 50 feet from the edge of a wetland. There is evidence of past bat roosting in the attic. We want to promote bats and birds living in the back yard to keep the mosquitoes in check. How far apart should we be setting up bat and bird houses? In the shade? How high should the poles be? Can we paint the bat houses bright colors? We are very excited about all the possible wildlife viewing in the spring.

Answer:
It sounds like you have a great opportunity to enjoy nature in you location. Bats & birds, for the most part, do not need any particular spacing from each other. But house should be mounted 15 feet high in a tree, or a pole, or on the side of a building. Some shading is suggested. The hotter boxes will most likely attract nursing colonies & cooler houses will shelter the males who are not allowed into the nursing colonies. Painting is not always a good idea. Most boxes are made of cedar to hold up well against the elements with no maintenance. Only a latex paint would be suggested but sometimes may deter habitation of the box. In either case, the box should go up early in the season so that they get weathered before the bats come into the area.
Birdhouses should also be weathered. The mounting of bird houses depends on the species of bird you are trying to attract. Stop in for a rundown on the varieties you have in mind as too many to mention here. Over the years we have collected allot of tips on how to be more successful in attracting & maintaining your birds in your houses. One most common for mosquito control is the Purple Martin. There are alot of housing possibilities & options. The houses we carry keep your maintenance down to a minimum and is the best for the birds health & will being.
Your friend in nature,
Chuck Roth

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