Bat House Project

Kennedy Middle School, St. Clair Shores, Michigan

Synopsis: Concerned with the growing epidemic of West Nile Virus in their community, caused by an overpopulation of mosquitoes, the team set out to find a way to control the mosquito population and contain the spread of West Nile. The team found that bats consume large amounts of mosquitoes. The team then built bat houses to attract bats and control the mosquito population. The team publicized their solution through local newspapers and by creating an awareness video.

Description: Made from rough sawn spruce with the rough sides on the inside. The roof is caulked and tar papered w/stainless steel staples. This bat house has a large cross hatched landing area w/predator guard and a 1/4"+ ventilation slot. It is also partitioned off into two chambers. Bat experts say this new wider and taller design has a higher occupancy rate. (13" W X 4 1/4" D X 20" H) Price $35.00

Free Bat House Plans

If you would like to build your own bat house, we have free plans. You can also purchase a bat house that is ready to be mounted. For more information about bats and how to receive your free plans or purchase a bat house, call

Joe St. John (586) 774-4750 or visit the "Wood Duck, Bird and Bat House Information" page.

There is a need for bird and bat houses because of the destruction of their natural habitat especially in urban areas. Natural bat houses are found in and around old forests, dead trees, large dense trees, caves and crevices in nature. Unnatural bat houses are found under house siding, garages, attics and bell towers. Bat houses can be mounted on poles, garages, barns, chimneys or trees. It is not a good idea to mount your bat house on your home.

This model is partitioned off into two chambers and is constructed with rough sawn spruce lumber. There are no natural or man made chemicals in rough sawn spruce lumber. All the rough sides are on the inside of the bat house. This gives the bats more traction when they move around the inside of the house. The roof is caulked and tar papered with stainless steel staples. The black tar paper roof is for attracting solar energy and acts as an insulator against cool Michigan weather. The 1/4"+ slot opening on the front serves as a source of ventilation. The bats move up and down in the bat house looking for their temperature comfort zone. Bats enter the house through the small 1" entrance crack on the bottom of the house. The bat landing area which is the area below the entrance crack, has grooves etched on it, making it easier for the bats to land. The small wood strip above the 1" entrance crack is a predator guard which allows only bats in, instead of cats or raccoons. The bat house comes ready to mount on a flat surface. For best results, install it as high as you can safely and in an open area because bats find the houses by site. It should face a south to southeasterly direction if possible.

For more information about bats and their habitat visit your local library or visit the different bat organization's web sites.......Good Luck!