Fun Projects for Urban Wildlife

Economy Bat Houses
For placement and other information, see http://www.batcon.org

Small Economy Bat House (Front and Side Views) Click to enlarge   Small Economy Bat House (Interior View) Click to enlarge

Small Economy Bat House Materials (makes one) 1/4 sheet of 1/2" exterior plywood 1 - 1 x 2 x 8' fir board (furring strip) 1 - 1 x 4 x 8' cedar board (mounting board) 25 - 1 1/4" outdoor wood screws 1 pint of latex paint Construction Procedure Cut plywood into two pieces: 26 1/2" x 24" and 21 1/2" x 24" Cut furring strip into one 24" and two 20 1/4" pieces Cut cedar board into one 17" and two 30" pieces Screw back to furring. Start with the 24" piece on top Roughen all sides of plywood, including the back but not the front exterior, with a claw hammer or other tool. Remove any slintered wood Screw front to furring, top piece first Attach cedar mounting boards to back with screws entering through plywood and furring Paint with dark exterior latex paint at least twice. If necessary, roughen landing area below front sheet again. Caulk all seems that aren't tight with paintable silicone caulk   Large Economy Bat House Materials (makes one) 1/2 sheet (2' x 8') of 1/2" exterior plywood 1 - 1 x 2 x 8' fir board (furring strip) 1 - 1 x 4 x 8' cedar board (mounting board) 40 - 1 1/4" outdoor wood screws 1 pint of latex paint Construction Procedure Cut plywood into two pieces: 51" x 24" and 45" x 24" Cut furring strip into one 17" and two 43 3/4" pieces Cut cedar board into one 24" and two 58" pieces Follow steps 4-9 for the Small Economy Bat House   Optional Modifications to Economy Bat Houses In hot climates, drill 8 to 10, 1/2" holes in the front of the box approximately 5" up from the bottom. Vent holes may not be necessary in cooler climates. Attach a 1 x 4 board to the top as a roof (recommended). Attach a 1 x 4 board in back of the box at the top in between the two furring strips to create a chamber. Two bat boxes can be placed back-to-back and mounted on a pole. Build two houses the same size. Drill 4 - 3/4" holes on the back of each to permit movement of bats between the houses. The holes should be about 10" from the bottom edge of the back piece.