Newsletter Archives

BestNest.com Newsletter
October 2002, Issue A

 
The BestNest.com Newsletter offers fascinating content on backyard birding and wildlife conservation as well as information about upcoming specials, additional online content, and new product offerings.

IN THIS ISSUE:
We have many products currently on sale. The products below are just a few!

Single Chamber Bat Box, 16" wide, 100 bats
Sale $31.99
OBC Five Chamber (XL) Bat House, 500 bats
Sale $89.99
 
Squirrel Buster II Squirrel Proof Feeder w/ Cardinal Ring
Sale $61.99
Deluxe In-House Window Feeder
Sale $114.95


We are very excited about the new products we have to offer this month. We have recently added many new products, the products below are just a few!

Birding Software: Guide to Birds of North America v3
Now $69.95
Heated 20" Bird Bath with EZDeck Mount
Now $54.95
 
The Lodge Purple Martin House, 12 Rm
Now $202.99
No/No Collapsible Wire Seed Feeder, Forest Green
Now $24.95
 
Pagoda Feeder with Large Roof, Screen Tray, Two Story
Now $56.95
Hanging Wren Nest Box
Now $23.95


Many people have serious misconceptions about bats. Myths that they are vicious carriers of rabies and pests are abundant. The fact is that bats are actually quite harmless and are important indicators of a healthy environment. Bats are sensitive to high pollution and pesticide levels and can be useful as a warning sign to potential environmental problems. Also, bats can be important weapons in combating pests that are actually dangerous to humans: insects.

With the increased media coverage of deaths caused by the West Nile Virus, many people are looking for effective ways to prevent the spread of the disease. As most of us are aware, the West Nile Virus is primarily spread through mosquitoes. Mosquitoes make up a significant portion of a bat’s diet. A small bat can capture more than 1,200 mosquitoes in a single hour! Also, bats cannot contract the West Nile Virus by eating infected mosquitoes. Besides mosquitoes, bats can help control the populations of beetles, moths, and leafhoppers. Many insects can hear bats up to 100 feet away and will avoid those areas. The effectiveness of bats in some areas diminishes the need for pesticides that can harm both the pests and their natural predators.

One of the most effective and environmentally friendly ways to reduce the mosquito population near your home is to install a bat house. Bat house sizes range from holding a dozen or so bats to having enough space for a colony of 500 bats. Most North American bats prefer to live in large groups, called colonies, so a mid-sized house (100-300 bats) is typically recommended. A bat house may be mounted on a tree, pole, or building; however, houses mounted on poles or buildings tend to have a slightly higher occupancy than those mounted on trees. For mounting on buildings, wood or stone buildings are best, and your bat house should be mounted under the eaves with some sun exposure. You should mount your house 15-20 feet above the ground. Also, it should not be in a place lit by bright lights. Temperature is also a consideration. You should place your bat house where it will receive at least six hours of sun if you live in a region where average July temperatures range from 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a region where average July temperature are less than 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you should mount your bat house where it will receive at least 10 hours of sun.

If you are interested in learning more about bats, America’s Neighborhood Bats by Merlin D. Tuttle and Understanding Bats by Kim Williams and Rob Mies are excellent books. If you are interested in a bat house or have additional questions, please check out our selection at www.bestnest.com or give us a call at 877-369-5446 for more information.



CONGRATULATIONS to Daniel Cannon who just won a new Bat House, Rustic, 60 bats! To claim your prize, please send an email to [email protected] and include your address information and telephone number. We may follow-up with a phone call to verify your address information and identity. Congratulations!

Next issue, our winner will receive a new:
 
Pagoda Feeder with Large Roof, Screen Tray, Short
$33.95

As a subscriber to the BestNest.com Newsletter, you will be automatically entered into our drawing for free BestNest.com merchandise. Every issue, we will announce a new winner in our newsletter. The winner will be announced by First and Last name and must claim the prize within 30 days of notification. For more information about our giveaway, please visit http://www.bestnest.com/bestnest/bnmail.asp.

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