Published August 18, 2022
Get batty online and at home this weekend with Five Rivers MetroParks
Heads up! This article was published 2 years ago.
Ohio’s first-ever bat blitz is happening Friday, Aug. 19, and Saturday, Aug. 20, in the Twin Valley — and you have a chance to get a virtual behind-the-scenes look at the research and learn more about bats. Tune in to MetroParks’ Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube on Saturday, Aug. 20, at 9 p.m. to view our education coordinators on site.
Keep it going:
If you’re inspired to continue bat conservation in your yard, you can get a bat box. One option is to purchase a locally crafted bat box at the 2nd Street Market.
Before you install your bat box at home, make sure your bat box is stained or painted in a medium to dark shade (not black). You’ll also need a long pole to fasten your box to, as putting a box in a tree makes them susceptible to predators and won’t provide enough warmth from the sun. Pick a location that is within a quarter mile of a water source. When possible, install several boxes near each other, but with varying levels of shade.
Bat boxes should have a 10-to-15-foot clearance below them. Boxes also should be facing south to ensure they get at least six hours of direct sun exposure per day.
You can install a bat box any time of the year; however, boxes placed before bats return in the spring are more likely to be used that year.
Learn more about the upcoming bat blitz and native bats.
