We often receive questions about how to support local bats through artificial roosts and habitat management. While each site and species is different, we have carefully compiled research-informed resources to help guide your efforts.

Why Artificial Roosts Matter

Artificial roosts can provide safe spaces for bats where natural habitats have been lost or disturbed. Like any artificial structure, however, bat boxes can become too warm under certain conditions. Studies show that temperature plays a key role in whether a box provides suitable habitat, especially during hot summer months. The good news? Selecting the right design and placement to install the bat box can greatly reduce overheating and improve the chances that bats use the box.

Choosing the Right Bat Box

Not all bat boxes are created equal. The most effective designs provide stable temperatures, protection from predators, and adequate roosting space. Below we have selected some bat box designs that we like and that we know work. 

• 2 Chamber Rocket Bat Box Design - Edmonton & Area Land Trust

• 4 Chamber Nursery Bat Box Design - Bat Conservation International

• Additional Information on Bat Box Design and Setup - US Fish & Wildlife Services

Placement and Maintenance

Location, orientation, and long-term maintenance are key to success. Boxes should receive plenty of sunlight, be mounted securely, and be inspected periodically for wear.

• Mount at least 10 feet high from the bottom of the box to allow bats to “fall” out safely.

• Attach to a building or pole—avoid trees, which increase predator access and reduce sunlight.

• Choose a site near water, if possible.

• Place where the box receives 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Paint dark brown for best thermal performance in this region. An alternative option is to paint the top half black and the bottom half white to provide varying temperatures.

• Avoid using boxes with wire mesh inside—textured wood provides all the grip bats need.

• Purchase, or build, boxes with 3/4 inch chamber widths. Big brown bats can use 1 inch chamber widths.

Tip: Two boxes facing different directions (east and west) can help bats adjust to changing temperatures throughout the season.

Monitoring Your Bat Boxes

Once installed, it may take some time before bats begin to occupy the box. Even the best placed boxes may remain unoccupied for a while. However, once you do notice bats, you can count emerging bats, use acoustic detectors, or even set up small cameras to learn more about your colony. Sharing your observations helps improve regional conservation efforts.

Got Bats? Contribute to Ohio’s Bat Box Map

Do you already have a bat box installed on your property? By sharing information about your bat box, you will help us better understand what designs, placements, and conditions work best for Ohio’s bats.

We are especially interested in learning about:

• The type and size of your bat box (single-chamber, multi-chamber, rocket box, etc.)

• Where it is mounted (building, pole, tree, etc.)

• Estimated sun exposure and nearby habitat

• Whether bats are using it — and for how long!

Help us collect statewide data by filling out our quick online form.

Further Actions you can take

• Plant native plants in your garden to attract insects that bats like to eat.

• Reduce pesticide use.

• Reduce artificial lighting in your yard.