Beyond the old fears that no longer make sense regarding bats, it is now a matter of saving this great family of small mammals. As with many other species, we can all do something to participate in their preservation.
Bats, wonderful allies
French bats feed on insects. Preferring sunset and night to hunt, they will use their famous sonar to locate their prey in the dark and enjoy it. Some species of bats consume up to the equivalent of their weight each night and can hunt more than 1,000 mosquitoes per night each: true “natural insecticides“!
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Pipistrelle © Ognjeno
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Because yes, one of the prey of bats is the mosquito! But they do not just eliminate mosquitoes: they are also increasingly recognized allies, especially in viticulture: one more reason to attract Pipistrelles!
Attracting bats because they deserve it
Attracting bats to your home is not just about ensuring they provide you with mosquito control services or manage other unwanted pests, but also about giving a helping hand to this wonderful family of species.
Bats are greatly suffering from habitat loss, including caves and hollow countryside trees. With no places to rest, breed, or spend the winter, it is difficult for them to continue to colonize the night sky. Hence the importance of creating bat houses for them.
If we add to these phytopharmaceutical products from all sides and for all types of use, we quickly think we need to help them thrive.
How to install a bat house?
The first thing to keep in mind is that it is pointless to set up housing for them if your environment is not a habitat for bats, as they also need appropriate hunting grounds and food.
A hibernating pipistrelle in a wall crevice © Rudmer Zwerver
Creating a hunting ground for food
In your garden, prefer native plants that host many more insects than exotic ones. Favor flowers rich in pollen and nectar, fragrant species that attract insects, and tall-stemmed fruit trees.
For example, you can create a deciduous hedge as bats love to hunt along edges. A pond can be useful as it will attract insects… In addition to compost and piles of dead wood, twigs, and leaves that will host an incredible number of creatures and insects decomposing organic matter!
Of course, pesticides and insecticides are banned from your property, and we do not uproot old trees and hedges.
Creating housing for bats
But be careful, they will be very selective in choosing where they nest to raise their young. They like to settle under roofs, in attics, bell towers, hollow trees…
If you do not have the option to keep a dead tree that might have cavities suitable for them, you just need to install a bat house. There are several models ranging from accommodating a few specimens to entire colonies… It must be said that a bat does not take up much space!
However, it may take some time before your bat house is adopted, but it is worth a try!
Place the bat house high, facing direct sunlight to provide maximum warmth to its occupants and ensure that the house is at least somewhat protected from rain and wind. Also, make sure that no cat can access its housing, or all this effort will be in vain.
Generally, to see bats come to roost at home, it is best to avoid cutting down old trees, sealing holes in old walls, blocking access to cellars and attics, and chemical treatment of frames. And above all, never disturb an established colony!
Tips for installing a bat house
Install the bat houses before spring arrives so that bats coming out of their hibernation shelter and looking for a nest can find yours quickly.
Position the bat house(es) high (3-4 meters): a space under a roof (away from windows) or the top of a trunk will be perfect. The location should be quiet, protected from light and noise.
In summary, the presence of these little girls of the night in your gardens and homes is a testament to a healthy and quality environment… It’s your turn to act!
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Banner illustration: Pipistrelle in flight © RudMerzWerver
Tag: bat in house: how to do