Bat House Construction Plans Free : House Plans

Bat House Construction Plans Free

Bats are fascinating and beneficial creatures that play a vital role in our ecosystem. They consume vast quantities of insects, including mosquitoes, which can help reduce the spread of diseases like West Nile virus and malaria. Additionally, bat guano is a valuable fertilizer that can improve soil quality and plant growth. Building a bat house is a great way to attract these helpful animals to your property and enjoy the benefits they bring. Here are free bat house construction plans that will help you build a home for these amazing creatures.

Materials List:

• 1x6 cedar or redwood lumber (12 feet) • 1x4 cedar or redwood lumber (6 feet) • 1/2-inch plywood (2 feet x 4 feet) • 1/4-inch hardware cloth (2 feet x 4 feet) • 1/2-inch wood screws • Wood glue • Paint or stain (optional)

Tools Needed:

• Circular saw or miter saw • Drill • Screwdriver • Measuring tape • Pencil

Instructions:

1. Cut the 1x6 lumber into the following pieces: • 2 pieces at 24 inches long (sides) • 2 pieces at 18 inches long (front and back) • 2 pieces at 12 inches long (roof)

2. Cut the 1x4 lumber into the following pieces: • 2 pieces at 18 inches long (dividers)

3. Cut the plywood into the following pieces: • 1 piece at 24 inches x 12 inches (floor)

4. Cut the hardware cloth into a piece that is 24 inches x 12 inches.

5. Assemble the sides, front, and back of the bat house by screwing them together with wood screws. Make sure the corners are square.

6. Attach the floor to the bottom of the bat house by screwing it into place.

7. Attach the dividers to the inside of the bat house, dividing the space into three equal compartments. Screw the dividers into place.

8. Attach the hardware cloth to the front of the bat house by stapling or screwing it into place. This will provide the bats with a way to enter and exit the house.

9. Attach the roof to the top of the bat house by screwing it into place. Make sure the roof overhangs the front and back of the house by about 2 inches.

10. Optional: Paint or stain the bat house to protect it from the elements.

11. Choose a location for your bat house that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. The house should be mounted on a pole or tree at a height of 10 to 20 feet.

Your bat house is now complete! You can expect bats to move in within a few weeks. Enjoy the benefits of having these amazing creatures around your property.

Tips:

• Use cedar or redwood lumber for your bat house, as these woods are naturally resistant to rot and decay. • Paint or stain the bat house to protect it from the elements. • Choose a location for your bat house that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. • Mount the bat house on a pole or tree at a height of 10 to 20 feet.