The 10 Best Bat Houses

If you think the Uncle Dunkels Triple Chamber (appx. $99) looks like it's made out of tree bark, you hopefully won't be alone. Bats love to nest in wood peelings, and this box will make them feel right at home — so they'll be less likely to want to move into yours.

Created from select-grade pine, the Applewood Outdoor Premium (appx. $40) is capable of acting as home to multiple generations of winged visitors. The company only uses lumber that's free of knots, reducing the risk of sap odors that can drive away your prospective tenants.

The landing pad inside the Looker Products Triple Chamber (around $66) is lined with nylon mesh, giving the critters something to hang from and making it convenient for them to move between the three chambers, while the sealed upper panels offer protection from the rain.

If you live in an area that's prone to inclement weather, the Kenley Outdoor Box (about $30) is worth considering, as it's made out of rot-resistant cedar. The two internal chambers increase your odds of maintaining a stable temperature, which the little fliers love.

Having a few flying predators around to keep the mosquitoes under control is one thing, but supporting an entire colony is another. The Belfry HaBATat (appx. $44) holds 25 individuals, which should be more than enough to reduce the pest population without being overwhelming.

This selection from Evergreen Garden (around $25) makes it easy for rookies to get their first community started, as it comes with a metal hook for mounting — no complicated installation necessary. With room for only 12 fliers, though, you'll likely need to upgrade before long.

The Looker Products Single Chamber (around $69) is made from a combination of 3/4" exterior-grade plywood and weather-resistant cedar, helping it to survive both the elements and rough use from its tenants. Despite the fact that it only has one chamber, it can hold up to 100 animals.

With its single chamber, the Woodlink Audubon NABAT (around $32) is only capable of supporting up to 20 bats. That's perfect for anyone looking for a basic starter kit, but those with experience attracting and maintaining a colony will likely want to find something more expansive.

The fir in this Houseables Kit (about $26) is grooved, giving your insectivores a surface they can cling to effortlessly. Unfortunately, other creatures — especially wasps — will likely find it inviting as well, so you'll probably have to clean it out periodically.

If you're not sure exactly what type of bat you have flying around your yard, the Planted Perfect (appx. $25) is capable of accommodating virtually any species. The wood is pretty thin, so regardless of which creatures decide to nest inside, they'll likely tear it up before long.