Building Bat House Free Plans : House Plans

Building Bat Houses with Free Plans

Bats are fascinating and beneficial creatures that play a vital role in our ecosystem. They consume vast quantities of insects, including mosquitoes and agricultural pests, saving farmers millions of dollars annually. Providing bat houses can encourage these nocturnal mammals to roost and raise their young near your home, enhancing biodiversity and insect control.

Building bat houses is a rewarding and relatively simple project that can be completed using free plans available online. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a bat house that will attract these flying mammals to your property:

Materials You'll Need:

1" x 6" lumber
3/8" plywood
1/2" x 1/2" wood strips
Roofing felt or shingles
Wood glue and screws
Paint or stain (optional)

Step 1: Cut the Lumber

Using the free plans you've downloaded, cut the lumber to the specified dimensions. The plans will typically provide measurements for the front, back, sides, and roof of the bat house.

Step 2: Assemble the Box

Join the front, back, and side panels together using wood glue and screws. Make sure the corners are square and the joints are secure.

Step 3: Install the Landing Platform

Cut a piece of plywood to the dimensions specified in the plans. This piece will serve as the landing platform for the bats. Attach it to the bottom of the box using wood glue and screws.

Step 4: Create the Roosting Chamber

Cut 1/2" x 1/2" wood strips to the lengths indicated in the plans. Attach these strips to the inside of the box, creating vertical channels that provide bats with a place to roost.

Step 5: Install the Roof

Cut two pieces of plywood or shingles to form the roof. Overlap the pieces and secure them to the top of the box using wood glue and screws.

Step 6: Cover the Roof

Apply roofing felt or shingles to the roof to protect the bat house from the elements. You can also paint or stain the bat house to match your home's exterior.

Step 7: Choose an Ideal Location

Bats prefer warm, sunny locations that are protected from wind and rain. Choose a spot on a tree, building, or pole that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day and is at least 10 feet above the ground.

Conclusion

Building bat houses with free plans is a fun and rewarding way to attract these beneficial creatures to your property. By providing them with a safe and comfortable place to roost, you can help bats thrive in your area and enjoy the many benefits they bring.