Newsletter Archives

Sales & Specials

We've decided to run a special on a handful of products. Act now on the following "Hot Buys" because the special ends on Monday, September 17th. Be sure to check out all of our exciting specials by visiting the Hot Buys department regularly.

Clearance

A few of our deeply discounted items appear below. These items feature exceptional savings and value but are not all of our sale items. More discounted items may be found in their corresponding departments. Be sure to check out some of our other exciting deals by visiting the Clearance department regularly.

Bat Houses Explored

As bats increase in popularity, so do the options for bat houses. Whatever brought you to the decision to invest in a bat house - you want to evict bats from your attic, you want to reduce the insects in your yard, or you simply enjoy watching them fly – you need to know what to look for in a bat house. According to the Organization for Bat Conservation, “Proper bat house design is a very important factor in occupancy.” By understanding the different bat house features, you will be more likely to purchase a house that bats will use.

One of the first things to consider while browsing bat house designs is color. Some bat houses are made from light or natural hued wood while others are painted or stained. If your average July temperatures fall within 80 - 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a lighter colored house should be just fine. However, if your average temperature is lower, then you probably need to look at darker colored houses for more heat retention. Weather protection and durability tends to be a little better in stained or painted houses.

Your bat house should also have some key features to its construction. You should choose a bat house that has a sloped roof or overhang, to direct rain away from the bats. It needs to have a rough interior, for bats to have a secure grip, and a 4” to 6” long landing platform at the base. Most bat houses are crafted from wood, allowing for the necessary rough interior. Those bat houses made from other materials should have netting or be textured to allow bats to grip it. Ventilation slots or holes on the house will help maintain the proper temperature, and can also double as an echolocation slot to help the bats find their home. As these animals prefer a house placed high up on a pole or building, you will likely want to look for one that can also be easily mounted with pre-drilled mounting holes.

When it comes to bat houses; size matters. Larger bat houses tend to offer better chances for occupancy than smaller houses. According to the Organization for Bat Conservation “Research also shows that as the number of chambers increase, the occupancy rate rises.” For the first bat house erected in an area, we recommend one with a capacity of 85 or more bats. Some research has shown that not only does size matter, but also the number of houses available to the bats. Bat houses placed in groups of three have been shown to have increased occupancy. Knowing the right house for your area and the features it should include will help you become a successful bat landlord. BestNest carries a wide range of Bat Houses to meet your needs. For more personal assistance, feel free to contact one of our customer service representatives toll free at 877-562-1818 or internationally at 513-232-4225 from 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. For even more bat fun, be sure to visit our Facebook page and add your own bat haiku. Our staff wrote some to help get you started.