If you’re interested in attracting bats to your garden, building a bat house is an excellent way to give them a safe place to live.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be an experienced builder to create a warm, dry, and inviting home for bats.
In this article, you’ll find 18 free bat box plans and tips on where to place them to ensure the bats feel at home and are not disturbed by noise or other factors.
Netted Bat House Plan
The house features a bat design cut into the wood with a jigsaw and has a double-wall construction with a single layer of screening between the two walls to promote airflow.
The inside, outside, and roof are painted white to reflect heat from your house and back into the sky, where the bats can use it during flight.
This design not only supports local bats but also adds a unique decoration to your yard.
Wooden Carved Bat House Plan
This bat house plan is easy to follow and will provide a comfortable home for bats.
The detailing on the front of the house adds a touch of panache, making it a beautiful addition to any outdoor space.
With this plan, you can build a house for bats that’s both attractive and functional.
How to Make A Bat House
Building a bat house can be a fun and rewarding project that benefits both bats and humans. Here are some tips to help you create an attractive and safe bat house:
- Choose a design: There are many different designs for bat houses, but the most important thing is to make sure it is functional and meets the needs of the bats. You can find free plans online or purchase pre-made kits.
- Use the right materials: Bat houses should be made from untreated wood, such as cedar or pine, to avoid harmful chemicals. The wood should be at least ¾ inch thick to provide insulation.
- Install in the right location: Bat houses should be placed in a sheltered area away from direct sunlight and other weather elements. They should also be near a source of water and plenty of trees for the bats to roost and feed.
- Provide proper maintenance: Bat houses should be cleaned out every year to prevent the buildup of guano and parasites. It is also important to check for any damage or wear and tear and make repairs as needed.
By following these simple steps, you can create a safe and inviting home for bats in your backyard.
Easy Bat House For Beginners
This beginner-friendly plan requires only a hand saw, hammer, and staple gun. You can save on materials by using scraps from your local hardware store or gathering odd bits around the house. Follow these steps to build your own bat house:
- Cut and notch the panels according to the plan.
- Assemble the panels with screws or nails.
- Attach the mounting bracket to the back of the bat house.
- Hang the bat house in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Barn-Mounted Bat House Plan
This wooden structure is designed to be hidden by the mailbox and features a roof with multiple air vents around the front of the post, providing an inviting home for bats.
At under $30, it’s a cost-effective way to encourage these fascinating creatures to make their home in your area.
With this bat house plan, you can bring bats back into the urban landscape and support their population in your community.
Make Bat House
This gothic-style bat box can be constructed for under $20 with materials purchased at a home improvement store.
You will need to order ⅝th inch exterior grade plywood and cedar shingles for the roof.
Follow the step-by-step instructions to create a handsome piece of log architecture that will beautify your garden and provide a home for bats.
This single chamber plan is perfect for those looking to get started with bat conservation.
Bat House Pup Catcher Plan
This design features a small platform on top where baby bats can safely land after falling out of their houses.
They can then collect food before crawling back up to their mothers. The plan is simple and can be completed in just an hour or two by anyone with a hammer and saw.
The Bat House Pup Catcher can be placed near your existing bat house, or if there is nowhere else for the babies to go, it can be hung on a tree in an area where swarms of baby bats are known to occur.
3 Chamber Bat House Plans
The plan includes customizations that allow the bat house to adapt to your climate.
The house is longer than the previous model and has larger openings to accommodate different species of bats.
The plan details how to create three chambers with different temperatures, which is ideal for different types of roosting bats such as small tree bats or large fruit-eating species.
Reclaimed Pallet Extra Large Bat House Plan
The reclaimed pallet bat house might be just what you need. This do-it-yourself project is perfect for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike.
Its clever design uses reclaimed pallets to create a stunning birdhouse that is both functional and visually appealing.
The top of the roof easily lifts off for cleaning and maintenance, and four drainage holes in the bottom allow rainwater to quickly drain through.
Easy To Adjust Bat House Dimension Plan
This plan comes with detailed drawings and assembly instructions, making it simple for even those new to carpentry to build their own bat house.
The thick weatherproof liner and foam insulation will help keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
2 Chamber Rocket Box Plan
If you’re new to building bat houses, the 2 Chamber Rocket Box Plan is the perfect starting point.
This design features two chambers, which provide more roosting space than traditional single-chamber houses.
The landing and roosting areas are inside the house, making it easy to clean and maintain between uses. Additionally, the two-chamber design is more inviting to bats.
This bat box plan includes detailed photos, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the building process.
The design is also optimized for proper airflow to keep bats cool during the summer months.
With this plan, you can build a bat house that is both functional and attractive to bats.
Best Bat House Plan For Garden
The bat box is designed to provide a comfortable and safe home for bats, which are known for their ability to consume large quantities of insects, including mosquitoes.
The bat box plan we recommend has a depth of 9.75 inches and weighs about 3.5 pounds, making it easy to install and maintain.
The construction process takes only about an hour, and the instructions are easy to follow.
With this bat box, you can reduce the population of unwanted pests and protect your garden without using harmful chemicals.
Bat House Plan Made of Plywood
To attract bats to your yard, you can build a bat house using plywood.
This easy do-it-yourself project is designed to keep bats in the structure throughout the summer.
To ensure the success of this project, it is recommended to paint the bat house with black water-based spray paint.
The cavity of the bat house can be filled with paper shavings or shredded corn cobs. It is best to set up the bat house on an outside wall near trees.
Birdhouse Easy Bat House
The Birdhouse Easy Bat House is exactly what you need.
With its birdhouse-style design, this bat house is perfect for year-round housing and is a great alternative to traditional attic dwellings.
The weather-resistant and durable construction ensures that it will last season after season.
Placed in an ideal location for bats to roost, this bat house is both functional and stylish.
Suburban Bat House
This DIY project requires basic tools and materials that can be purchased for less than $20.
The kit includes a gable vent that is designed specifically for the needs of bats, making it an ideal roosting spot for these nocturnal creatures.
By providing a roosting space close to the ground, you can encourage bats to roost in your attic where they can help control insect populations.
4 Chamber Bat House
If you’re looking to provide a safe habitat for bats, a four-chamber bat house is an excellent option.
With some tooling and carpentry, this type of bat house can be constructed easily and is perfect for teaching children about bats.
Not only does it offer a unique experience for kids, but it also helps protect bats and their important role in controlling mosquito populations.
The benefits of a four-chamber bat house include raising awareness about bats’ importance and habitat.
By providing a safe and comfortable home for bats, you’re helping to ensure their survival and promoting a healthy ecosystem.
Florida Bat House Plan
This bat house is perfect for keeping multiple species of bats happy and well-fed year-round.
It features a deep roost chamber and a two-chamber entrance, making it easy for bats to enter and exit.
Simply attach it securely to your home or tree and watch as bats provide natural pest control services.
For larger species, the bat house also includes two escape doors. Get started on attracting bats to your yard today with the Florida Bat House Plan.
Modern Bat House Plan
The design is simple and utilizes a standard 4-by-8-foot sheet of plywood as the base, with sturdy load-bearing walls made from two sheets of plywood.
The plan also includes a window cut from ¼ inch boards, which not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the house but also provides a source of natural light for the bats.
The roof and floor of the bat house have been specifically designed to meet the needs of bats, providing them with sheltered spots to roost in groups and with several different orientations.
The plan is suitable for both beginner and advanced woodworkers, as it utilizes a table saw and allows for some room for error if you don’t own one.