Building Bat Boxes To Eliminate Mosquitoes & Insects
In every successful garden, pest control is an important factor for which to plan that will impact the health of your plants. Although there are many different methods for controlling garden pests, more gardeners are beginning to turn to natural methods that are safer for everyone and easier on the environment. One of the most effective methods for naturally controlling pests is to include a bat box that will attract bats that prey on a variety of insects. If you are searching for an innovative way to control insect populations, then here is how a bat box can help you in your garden.
Debunking the Bat Myth
Bats frequently get a bad rap when they are portrayed as blood-sucking creatures in movies; however, their reputation is undeserved. Almost every bat in North American feeds only on insects, which is exactly why you need them in your garden. According to Better Homes and Gardens, one bat can eat 600 mosquitoes in a single feeding. In addition to mosquitoes, they eat many other insects that prey on garden plants.
Attracting Bats to Your Garden
Bats are attracted to spaces that attract insects such as flower gardens and water pools. Since bats are nocturnal, including a few night-blooming flowers, such as moonflowers, can attract them to your yard. Bats prefer to build their nests up high and will search out tall trees and the eaves of buildings for a place to build their nests. If you want to make sure they stay nearby, building a bat box is a surefire way to make them feel welcome.
Building a Bat Box
Bat boxes are simple to build and only require a few basic materials. For bat boxes, it is best to use rough wood, such as plywood, so that they bats can climb easily in and out of the box. Then, build a box that is approximately two-feet tall and one-food wide. Leave the bottom open to serve as an entrance. Many people prefer to paint their box a dark color so that it will blend into the environment. Once your box is built, you can hang it on a pole, tree or the side of a building.
Bat boxes are an excellent addition to any garden that will encourage these natural pest predators to set up residence. Not only are bats completely harmless to humans when they are left alone, but they will continue to control insect populations in your garden naturally and effectively for many seasons to come.