Tips for Bat Houses Offered - Martin Nature Center, Oklahoma City, OK - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

Almost any neighborhood in Oklahoma City is likely to have bats, Thompson said.

"They pose no danger. And contrary to movie myths, they won't swoop down on you and get tangled in your hair. They don't generally attack humans. If they're lying on the ground hurt, they might bite if you tried to pick them up," he said.

Only one-half of 1 percent of bats carry rabies, he said.

While 22 varieties of bat species exist in Oklahoma, experts say the numbers are declining. The state has three bat species on the federal list of endangered species - the Indiana, gray and Ozark big-eared bats.

Three main causes for the decline in population stem from loss of habitat, vandalism and pesticides, experts say.

By putting up a bat house, you can help protect the state's bat resources and benefit from their ability to control pesky insects, Thompson said.

Local businesses have started stocking building supplies due to the increased interest in bat houses, he said. Outlets include Oklahoma City stores such as Backwoods Northwest and Wild Birds Unlimited.

For a successful bat house, try these tips: - Bat houses must be located a quarter-mile or less from a stream, river or pond larger than three acres.

- Bat houses must receive no more or less than four hours of daily sun. - In areas south of Interstate 40, paint houses white to protect bats from overheating.

- In areas north of I-40, paint the top half of the house light brown and the bottom half white.

- Mount houses 15 feet or more above ground. Houses mounted on the sides of buildings or poles are more attractive to some bats than houses placed on trees.

- If possible, erect houses in groups of three or more. Houses on the sides of buildings should be placed close together.

Pole-mounted houses can be placed different directions where they won't receive too much sunlight.

Experiment if bats don't occupy houses after two summers. Bat roosting preferences are still not completely understood. Try moving the bat house a few feet to receive more or less sun or try raising it higher off the ground.

Do not expect bats to roost in your bat house during the winter months.

For information, contact Martin Park Nature Center at 755-0676.

Type of publication: Newspaper When was the article reported?: 01/30/1995 Publication: The Oklahoman Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: regional News Category: Society/People

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