How to Build a Bat House

Bats: The Best Pest Control You Can Build For

A single bat can eat hundreds of insects in one night — including mosquitoes. A bat house gives them a safe roost and gives you free, chemical-free pest control. But bat houses have specific design requirements: bats are picky tenants, and a wrong-sized box stays empty.

This plan builds a single-chamber bat house, 24 inches tall and 16 inches wide — the minimum useful size. Bigger is better if you want to expand.

Tools You'll Need

  • Miter saw or circular saw
  • Drill/driver with bits
  • Tape measure, pencil, speed square
  • Caulk gun (for exterior caulk)
  • Sandpaper (100 grit)

Materials

  • 1 — 1x8 x 8 ft cedar or pine board (exterior grade)
  • 1 — 1x10 x 2 ft board (for the roof)
  • 1 1/2 in exterior wood screws
  • Exterior wood caulk
  • Plastic mesh or roughened interior surface (see below)
  • Dark exterior stain or paint (water-based)

Cut List

PartQtySize
Back board11x8 x 24 in
Front board11x8 x 20 in
Sides21x8 x 20 in (tapered: full width at top, 6 in at bottom)
Roof11x10 x 18 in (overhangs all sides)
Interior baffle11x8 x 19 in

Step-by-Step Build

1. Roughen the interior surfaces

Bats need texture to grip. Before assembly, cut shallow horizontal grooves every 1/4 inch across the inside faces of the back, front, and baffle boards with a saw or utility knife. Alternatively, staple plastic mesh to the interior surfaces. Never use metal mesh — it injures bats.

2. Cut the side tapers

The chamber should be about 3/4 inch wide at the top — bats squeeze into tight spaces. Taper the side pieces so the box narrows toward the bottom, leaving a landing area at the bottom entrance.

3. Assemble the chamber

Screw the back, sides, and front together with exterior screws. Caulk every seam from the inside — bats hate drafts, and a sealed box holds heat better.

4. Install the interior baffle

Mount the baffle board inside, parallel to the back, creating a 3/4-inch chamber. This gives bats the tight crevice they prefer.

5. Add the roof

Attach the roof with an overhang on all sides. Caulk the roof joint — this is the most common leak point.

6. Paint it dark

Bat houses need heat. In most climates, paint the exterior a dark color (dark brown or black) to absorb sun. In very hot southern climates, a medium color works better — check local bat conservation guidance.

7. Mount it high

Mount 12–20 feet high on a pole or the side of a building (not on a tree — too shady and too many predators). Face it south or southeast for morning sun. Near water is ideal.

Why Bat Houses Fail (Avoid These)

  • Too small. Tiny decorative bat houses don't hold heat. Go big.
  • Smooth interior. Bats can't grip smooth wood — groove it or mesh it.
  • Wrong location. Shade all day or near bright lights means no tenants.
  • Mounted on trees. Trees are shady and give predators easy access.

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