Attract Bats for Organic Insect Control

Bats are misunderstood garden allies. They're not bloodsucking, disease-ridden rodents. Embrace them for natural pest control!

Why You Should Attract Bats

A single bat eats 600+ mosquitoes per hour—fantastic organic pest control. Creating bat-friendly habitat also helps declining populations threatened by pesticides and habitat loss.

Click here to learn how to conquer animals that are true pests in the garden.

How to Attract Bats

Like birds, bats need shelter: old trees, large shrubs, abandoned buildings, hollow trees, under eaves, loose bark, bat houses. They also like water features (ponds) where insects gather.

Plant night-blooming flowers to attract bats (and add beauty): datura, moonflower, four-o'clock, yucca, evening primrose, night-blooming water lily, night-blooming jessamine, cleome, nicotiana.

Enjoy a Moon Garden

More Tips to Attract Wildlife

Bat Myths

• Bats can get rabies but are less likely than many animals; even if infected, contact is rare. Never handle wild bats.
• Bats don't chew holes in attics but will use existing openings.
• Bats won't suck your blood. Most North American species eat insect pests (mosquitoes). Some are pollinators feeding on pollen/nectar.

Build a Bat House

Use rough, nontoxic wood (plywood, cedar). Rough interior helps bats climb. Minimum size: 2 ft tall, 1 ft wide, 3 inches deep. Hang 10–15 ft high in sunny spot (paint black to absorb heat). Mount on poles, buildings, or structures.