5 Tips for Attracting Bats to Your Garden

So the first question is, why would you want bats in your garden? Aren’t they scary and dangerous? The truth is, no! Bats when left alone are quite peaceful creatures and can be quite beneficial. How? Because bats can eat thousands of mosquitoes and other biting insects that can cramp your outdoor style. Having bats around can actually make your yard more comfortable to be in, which is why inviting them in is a great idea. If you want to attract bats to your space, take a look at these 5 Tips for Attracting Bats to your Garden!

5 Tips for Attracting Bats to Your Garden

1. Build a bat house.
This is one of the most effective ways to invite bats to your yard. A bat house is much like a birdhouse in the sense that it is a wooden, square box that bats can live and roost in. Bats like being close to other bats as this keeps them warm, and a bat house is the perfect place for them to cozy up. Build a simple bat house and place one or more on your property so bats know they are welcome and can be protected. There are many ways to build a bat house, and the internet is FULL of various plans so you can construct one in under an hour. You might even be able to find free bat house plans at your local parks and recreation center or wildlife center.

Don’t have the time for a DIY project right now? You can also purchase a ready-made bat house that will be just as effective.

2. Keep it quiet.
Because bats use echolocation, sounds tend to be louder to them than we would hear them. You want to have a yard that is free from loud noises such as wind chimes, music, or a noisy pond. These loud noises can keep the bats from coming near as they will frighten them or make them feel danger is near.

3. Set out some fruit.
Some bats don’t feast on just bugs, but actually prefer rotting fruit. Before you toss those old fruit scraps, consider placing them near your bat houses or near heavy greenery where bats might hide. They are sure to love having the feast of rotted fruit left out for them.

4. Don’t cover overhangs.
Bats like to hang out under the overhangs of houses, so avoid covering these areas. They won’t damage any of the house by hanging out in these spaces, so don’t be alarmed should you see a few of them warming up in this space.

5. Toss tin foil balls in the air.
Once you have spotted a few bats, toss small tinfoil balls up into the air. They will reflect the moonlight and bats may think they are bugs. This will cause them to come closer and feel more welcome in the space, and hopefully they will continue to return.

Always use care when you are around bats, as they do like their space and to be left alone. When left alone however, they can be quite effective at ridding your yards of pests, so they are well worth having around. Give these tips for attracting bats to your garden a try and see what a difference they can make.