Bats in Your Belfry
Want to kill mosquitoes and protect threatened animals? Build a bat house in your backyard.

Bats normally use tree cavities and other protected spaces for shelter. But as towns and cities grow, fewer natural sites remain, and these winged mammals move into attics and wall spaces – and bat houses.

Bat Conservation International suggests that all bat houses be at least two feet tall, 14 inches wide, and have a landing area extending below the entrance at least 3 to 6 inches. Taller and wider houses, and those with multiple roosting chambers, are even better. Bat houses should be mounted at least 12 feet high on poles or buildings. Houses on trees or metal siding are seldom used.

And remember, a single brown bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquito-sized insects in an hour. Want to learn more? Visit www.batcon.org.