Dear Bat Friend and Conservationist:

Fruit Bat
Straw-colored fruit bat at the Milwaukee County Zoo

The following information has been compiled to assist you in conserving native bats in your neighborhood.  We have gathered not only a number of different bat house plans, but also information regarding the house placement, the different species of bats in Wisconsin and a list of references for additional information.

Now that you have your Bat House plans and are ready to build, here are some tips regarding your finished project.

The best place to hang your Bat House is on a South-facing wall at a height of 15 feet or higher.  If you do not have a South-facing wall, a pole is better than a tree.  Bats prefer open, unobstructed areas for take-offs and landings.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see bats occupying your house right away.  It can take as long as a year or more.  Bats are very shy, but if you are patient, they should find that the house you built for them is safe.  Then hopefully soon you will notice a drop in your mosquito population. The bats will be at home and on the job.

Also for your and their safety, never pick up a bat on the ground.  Instead contact your state or local conservation organization for assistance.

Have fun and enjoy these wonderful (and often misunderstood) little animals.

We wish you luck,

The Small Mammal House Staff
Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens

Plans for other types of bat houses can be found at the sites listed under "Bat Links"

Bat House & Conservation Links