I don’t know a single person who likes having mosquitoes around. People hate them!
But I’m very familiar with an animal that loves mosquitoes—bats!
If you’ve ever looked up into the early evening sky and spotted a bat flying around, you’ll remember that funny zig-zag pattern they use—with abrupt twists and turns, acrobatic dives, and constant altitude changes. Every one of those precision moves delivers a small part of a bat’s evening meal. Bats aren’t picky. They’ll eat a large moth just as quickly as they’ll eat a mosquito, but since there are usually more mosquitoes around, they make up a good portion of a bat’s diet. That’s good news for us!
Mosquitoes aren’t just a pest for humans—they bother our pets and wildlife too. They can transmit diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a serious and potentially fatal condition that causes neurological symptoms. Deer, horses, and other animals are also vulnerable to EEE from mosquito bites. West Nile Virus and heartworm are other mosquito-borne pathogens we could certainly do without. That’s why we rely on bats to help lower mosquito populations.
In a scientific study, researchers found that a single bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes per hour. That’s not to say every bat will do that—but even if one bat ate just 250 mosquitoes in an hour, it would have my undying gratitude. Bats use echolocation—nature’s built-in radar—to lock in on their prey and snatch it right out of the air. The best part? They work for free! No batteries, no maintenance, no chemicals—just a natural, built-in pest control system that gets the job done every night. It makes perfect sense that we’d want these helpful creatures around.
There are plenty of bat species in North America, and each chooses its roosting spots differently. Some are loners and prefer solitude, while others like to live in colonies. The ones we want to attract are the colony types. Their roosts need to be close to good hunting grounds—like ponds, marshes, or wooded areas where insects are plentiful. If you already see bats flying around your property at dusk, there’s a good chance they’ve found a decent place to live nearby. If not, they might just need the right nudge to settle in. That’s where installing a bat house comes in.
By mimicking the conditions they naturally seek, you can provide a safe, reliable home for bats while keeping them close enough to help with your mosquito problem. Now, let’s talk about how to make that happen.
Axel Bueckert
What Exactly Is a Bat House?
A bat house—also known as a bat box—is a specially designed shelter where bats can roost, sleep during the day, and raise their young. It mimics the natural roosting spots bats prefer, like hollow trees or cave-like nooks and crannies. Unlike birdhouses, which are open and spacious, bat houses are narrow, with tight spaces that provide the protection and warmth bats need.
They’re typically made of wood, with slatted interiors that bats can cling to. The design includes small entrance slots to allow easy access and often has a slanted roof for rain protection and airflow. A good bat house should be snug, warm, and dark—or bats won’t move in.
You can find bat houses at most garden centers, some home improvement stores, or online retailers. Many come pre-made and ready to install. If you’re a DIY type, building your own bat house is an option too—there are plenty of simple plans online. Whether you buy or build, the key is making sure it meets the basic needs of bats. Most are painted a dark color, usually brown. Just make sure your bat house isn’t sporting a bright color.
How to Install Your Bat House
Once you have your bat house, it’s time to set it up! But remember—placement is key. Bats are picky about where they live. You want a location where they’ll feel safe, have access to good hunting grounds, and won’t be disturbed. Mount your bat house to a sturdy pole, tree, or building. It must be stable—bats won’t stay if the house sways or wobbles, especially at night when they’re most active. Here are some tips:
Height and Placement: Install the bat house 10 to 15 feet off the ground. This provides safety from predators and easier takeoff (bats drop from the house to begin flight). The house should face south or southeast to catch the morning sun, but avoid full afternoon exposure to prevent overheating.
Avoid Disturbance: Bats are shy and prefer quiet. Choose a low-traffic area, away from noise, people, and pets.
Proximity to Water: Bats love to hunt near water—ponds, lakes, or marshes. Placing the house near a water source will give them easy access to insects.
Avoid Competition: If other bat houses are nearby, space yours at least 100 feet away to give colonies room to thrive.
Maintaining Your Bat House
Bat houses require minimal upkeep, but occasional checks are wise. Inspect it once or twice a year (spring or fall is ideal) for issues like cracked wood or loose fasteners. Many people put up a bat house and forget about it—but it’s important to check if bats are actually using it!
Luring bats takes patience. If you don’t see activity after a season or two, consider:
Changing the Height or Location: Try moving it higher or placing it somewhere more sheltered.
Adjusting the Orientation: Too much afternoon sun? Too much shade? Aim for morning sun—south or southeast-facing.
Improving the Entrance: Ensure the entrance slot is 1 to 1.5 inches wide, with a rough surface so bats can grip and climb.
coulanges
The Dangers of Bats – The Truth
When people think of bats, they often think of rabies. While rabies is a serious disease, it’s important to know that most bats do not carry it. Like any mammal, they can be infected, and rabies is always fatal—but it’s rare. Bats flying high overhead at dusk are usually healthy. A bat on the ground or clinging low on a tree might be sick, injured, or just exhausted. In any case, don’t touch it!
Also, bats do not want to fly into your hair, and North American bats do not suck blood. Those are old myths. Hollywood has made bats seem spooky or dangerous, but the truth is they’re shy, gentle creatures.
One real concern is histoplasmosis, a lung infection caused by inhaling fungal spores from bat droppings (guano). While rare, it can be serious. Folk singer Bob Dylan contracted it from using guano as fertilizer—he was hospitalized and later joked he was “this close to seeing Elvis!”
If bat guano collects under your bat house and you choose to clean it up, wear gloves and a mask for protection.
Final Thoughts
Bats might seem mysterious, but they’re incredibly beneficial and essential to our ecosystem. By offering them a proper roosting space, you’re helping nature—and helping yourself.
With the right setup and a little patience, you can reduce your mosquito problem naturally and enjoy a more balanced outdoor environment. Follow the tips, monitor your setup, and let the bats do their thing. They won’t get every mosquito—but if they stop even one from biting me? I’m all in.
