Bat Houses and Pest Control

Do bat houses really control pests?

Bats are major insect eaters, and some of the insects they take are pests of crops and people. A colony using a house on your land may help reduce certain insects, but results vary widely and depend on the species, the surroundings and the other roosts available. Treat a bat house as habitat support and a possible bonus, not as a replacement for good pest management.

Do not expect overnight results. Many houses sit empty for a season or longer, and some are never used.

Part of the appeal of bats is simple curiosity. Evening watches near a pond or field edge let you see them working, and that awareness helps you decide where habitat is most useful.

Should I install a bat house at all?

Think about whether bats already live nearby, whether your property has feeding areas such as water, fields and edges, and whether natural roosts are scarce. Wildlife agencies and extension programs offer guidance on when installing boxes makes sense and when other habitat steps, such as protecting old trees, come first.

Some wildlife agencies note that bat boxes are not suited to every situation, and rules and recommendations vary by state. Ask your state wildlife agency before you build or buy.

Where should a bat house go?

Location matters more than almost anything else. Bat houses generally need enough sun to stay warm, protection from strong wind and predators, and a position near water and good foraging areas. Mounting height and the surface it hangs on also matter, since bats need a clear flight path to the entrance.

Because details differ by region and species, follow a trusted extension or wildlife agency guide for your area instead of a generic rule. A poorly placed box, such as one in deep shade or low on a tree, will likely stay empty.

Check conditions through the year. A box that overheats in summer or collects wet drafts in winter will fail even if it is mounted well, so use a design suited to your climate.

• Choose a sunny spot with a clear flight path
• Place it near water and open feeding areas
• Mount it on a pole or building according to local guidance
• Keep it away from lights that disturb roosting

How do I choose or build a bat house?

Look for designs recommended by extension services, wildlife agencies or bat conservation groups, rather than decorative boxes sold for show. Good designs use rough interior surfaces for gripping, narrow roosting chambers and weather-resistant construction.

If you build one, follow a tested plan exactly. Small changes in dimensions can make the house unusable. Use safe building practices and follow tool and ladder safety guidance for installation.

Predator guards and smooth mounting posts can discourage climbing animals from reaching the entrance. Follow design guidance for your region.

What are the health and safety concerns?

Bats can carry rabies, though most do not. Never handle a bat with bare hands. If a bat is found in a living space, or if anyone has had contact with a bat, especially a child or a sleeping person, call your doctor or local health department right away. If a pet has had contact with a bat, call your veterinarian.

Bat droppings can also carry disease risks, so avoid disturbing large accumulations and ask your health department or a qualified professional how to handle cleanup safely.

If a bat is found indoors, do not try to catch it barehanded. Keep children and pets out of the room, close interior doors and call your local animal control, health department or wildlife agency for advice.

Are there laws about bats?

Many bat species are protected, and some are threatened or endangered. Rules about disturbing, excluding or removing bats vary by state and sometimes by season, since maternity colonies are protected during pup-rearing. Before you do anything to an existing colony, contact your state wildlife agency.

If bats are in your barn or attic, do not seal them in. Ask your wildlife agency for approved exclusion methods and timing.

Maternity season is a particularly sensitive time, and in many places exclusion work is restricted during it. Ask your wildlife agency when and how humane exclusion can be done legally.

How do I support bats without a house?

Protect old trees and snags where safe, maintain water sources, reduce outdoor lighting and avoid chemical use that kills insects broadly. A varied mix of hedges, fields and wet areas gives bats plenty to eat.

If you want to learn more, local bat conservation programs, state wildlife agencies and extension offices run workshops and monitoring programs for landowners.

Keep your barn and outbuildings in good repair so bats are not tempted to roost in places where they conflict with people, and so a purpose-built roost is the better option.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.