Pollination in Greenhouse Gardening [Hometown Structures]

By far the most common question I get about growing vegetables in my Hometown Structures greenhouse is “but how do the plants get pollinated?” And as with most things in gardening, the answer just isn’t that straightforward. Of course, it is an important consideration when planning what you will grow in your greenhouse garden! The truth is, I don’t rely on pollinators in my greenhouse the same way that I do in my outdoor vegetable garden, and there’s a few reasons for this - as well as a few techniques I use instead to ensure my flowering plants are being manually pollinated by hand so they can produce the harvests I want them to. While there’s certain limitations in pollinating a greenhouse garden, most of them are easily overcome, allowing you to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your greenhouse with very little extra time and attention.

The role of pollinators

Without getting too science-y on you, pollinators play a crucial role in a garden by transferring pollen from the male part (stamen) of a flower to the female part (pistil). This process is essential for the fertilization of plants and the production of seeds and fruits. Pollinators ensure that plants can reproduce and continue to exist. A diverse population of pollinators supports a wide variety of plant species in a garden. Many of the fruits and vegetables we eat rely on pollinators for their production, and pollinators contribute to the overall health and balance of the ecosystem in a garden. Common pollinators in gardens include bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and bats. But of course, these creatures can have a difficult time finding and entering your greenhouse!

How do bugs pollinate plants in the garden?

Bugs have a few clever tricks to spread pollen from one flower to another. As they buzz around, pollen sticks to their furry bodies. When they visit another flower, some of this pollen can rub off, fertilizing the plant. Some bugs have long tongues that they use to suck nectar from flowers. As they do this, pollen can get stuck to their tongues and be transferred to other flowers. Other insects can vibrate their bodies to shake pollen loose from flowers. This helps to ensure that the pollen is spread effectively to many different plants.

How does pollination affect yield and fruit production?

When a pollinator successfully transfers pollen to the female part of a flower, it can lead to fertilization. Fertilization results in the development of seeds, which are essential for the reproduction of plants. In many cases, the development of seeds triggers the growth and maturation of fruits. These fruits often contain nutrients and are attractive to animals (including us humans!), which can help disperse the seeds. Without pollination, many plants would be unable to reproduce, leading to reduced yields and fewer fruits.

In a greenhouse, it is often a closed environment which pollinators cannot enter. Even in a backyard greenhouse with open windows and doors throughout the season, it is less likely that you will see a large population of pollinators inside, simply because it is not an organic environment or as much a part of the local ecosystem. While companion planting pollinator friendly varieties may help, we need to consider this when choosing what to plant and pick varieties that have self pollination features, or can be hand pollinated.

Which vegetable plants need pollination?

Many vegetable plants require pollination to produce fruit. However, this does not mean they need pollinators in order to do it, since many are what is called self-pollinating. Some common examples include anything in the Cucurbits family which includes squash, zucchini, pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons as well as the Solanaceae family of plants which includes tomatoes, peppers, eggplants. Legumes such as beans and peas and many fruits such as apples, berries, cherries, and peaches also require pollination.

How does biodiversity affect pollination?

A diverse ecosystem with a variety of plant species and pollinators can lead to more efficient and effective pollination. Some pollinators have evolved to specialize on particular plant species. A diverse ecosystem can support a wider range of specialized relationships, ensuring that more plants are pollinated. When multiple pollinators are available, they can visit more flowers, increasing the chances of successful pollination. It really is a numbers game! A diverse ecosystem is more resilient to disturbances, such as habitat loss or climate change, which can affect pollination rates. A diverse ecosystem can also support genetic diversity among plants, which can make them more resistant to pests and diseases.

What is self pollination?

Self-pollination occurs when pollen from a plant's own stamen (male part) is transferred to its own pistil (female part). This can happen in the same flower or between different flowers on the same plant. While self-pollination can ensure that a plant reproduces, it can also lead to inbreeding depression. This is when offspring inherit harmful genetic traits from both parents. To avoid inbreeding depression, many plants have evolved mechanisms to prevent self-pollination, such as having separate male and female flowers or releasing pollen at different times. However, self-pollination can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when pollinators are scarce or when a plant is isolated such as in a greenhouse.

What plants are capable of self pollination?

Many vegetable plants can self pollinate, making them a good choice for a greenhouse garden. Some examples include:

Tomatoes: While they can also be cross-pollinated by bees, tomatoes are primarily self-pollinating.

Peppers: Similar to tomatoes, peppers can self-pollinate, but cross-pollination can often lead to higher yields.

Eggplants: Eggplants are also self-pollinating plants.

Squash: Many varieties of squash, such as zucchini and yellow squash, are self-pollinating.

Cucumbers: While cucumbers are typically cross-pollinated, some varieties can self-pollinate.

Beans: Beans are self-pollinating plants.

Peas: Peas are also self-pollinating.

What is cross pollination?

Cross pollination occurs when pollen from one plant is transferred to the pistil of another different plant. Insects, birds, bats, and other animals can transport pollen from one plant to another as they gather nectar or pollen for food. Wind can carry pollen from one plant to another, especially in plants with small, lightweight pollen grains. In aquatic plants, pollen can be carried by water currents. Cross-pollination can lead to genetic diversity among offspring, as they inherit traits from both parents. This can make them more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental changes.

How can you pollinate plants by hand in a greenhouse?

Pollinate greenhouse plants with hand pollination:

First differentiate between male and female flowers based on their structures. Male flowers typically have stamens (pollen-producing organs), while female flowers have pistils (ovary-containing organs). Gently touch the stamen of a male flower to the pistil of a female flower. This will transfer pollen grains, potentially leading to fertilization. Perform this process for multiple flowers to increase the chances of successful pollination.

Pollinate greenhouse plants with fans:

Place fans within the greenhouse to circulate air and disperse pollen. This can help simulate natural wind and increase the likelihood of pollen reaching different plants. Experiment with different fan speeds and placement to find the optimal conditions for pollen dispersal.

Pollinate greenhouse plants by shaking plants:

Gently shake or tap plants to dislodge pollen and facilitate its movement. This technique can be particularly effective for plants with dangling or pendulous flowers.

Pollinate greenhouse plants using a small paintbrush:

Gently brush a small paintbrush against the stamens of male flowers to collect pollen. Apply the pollen-laden paintbrush to the pistils of female flowers.

Timing pollination correctly successful fruit production.

Look for flowers that have fully opened and are displaying their reproductive organs. Some plants exhibit color changes in their flowers when they are ready for pollination. For example, tomato flowers often turn yellow.

Ensure that the plant is healthy and growing vigorously. A stressed or unhealthy plant may not be receptive to pollination. Provide the plant with sufficient nutrients to support flowering and fruiting.

Many plants have optimal temperature ranges for pollination. Research the specific requirements of your plant species. High humidity can promote fungal growth and interfere with pollination. Maintain adequate ventilation in your greenhouse or garden.

If you are relying on pollinators, monitor their activity around your plants. When you see them visiting flowers, it's a good sign that the plants are ready for pollination.

If you're unsure, try pollinating a few flowers at different stages of development to see what works best.

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Tap here to visit their website to learn more and book a design consultation today.

Why Should You Plant Native Plants In Your Garden?

Native plants are unsung heroes in the symphony of nature, harmonizing with the land's rhythm. While exotic plants may flaunt vibrant allure, local blooms bring something irreplaceable to the garden table. But you don’t need to take my word for it - this blog post is all about the importance of planting native plants in your garden.

What Is A Native Plant?

Native plants are plants that are naturalized to the area in which they are growing. They originated from the place they are growing, so are well adapted to the climate and generally work in synchronicity with the natural ecosystem of that area. Many non-native plants have been imported to other parts of the world with dire consequences to the native plant populations, as they possess characteristics that make it easy for them to crowd out the native plants or otherwise make the environment unsuitable for the growth of the native plants that were there first.

Why Are Native Plants Better Than Non-Native Plants?

Native plants have evolved to withstand local climate challenges. They are like wise elders we can turn to for advice, intimately interconnected in deep understanding with the land's idiosyncrasies. Native plants are a practical addition to your garden design - uniquely formed to adapt to your region's exact pest pressures and weather conditions, they are more resilient than exotic options and can withstand the stresses of your ecosystem more easily because they have co-evolved with native flora and fauna.

Native Plants Conserve Water

Because the root systems and water uptake of native plants has evolved in tandem with the climate in which they grow, less irrigation is needed for them to thrive because they are already used to the amount of water that the soil naturally receives from rainwater. This reduced water consumption can contribute to water conservation and the garden's overall sustainability.

Native Plants Are Low Maintenance

Since native plants are adapted for the soil they grow in, they are pretty laid back plants to grow especially once established. This means you can spend less time and money fertilizing and fighting off pests with constant interventions. If you’ve ever said you just don’t have a green thumb in the past, I can almost guarantee that you’ll have better luck if you try growing native plants instead - with less effort on your part.

Native Plants Are An Important Cultural Touchstone

Native plants are storytellers, weaving tales of a region's history, traditions, and cultural richness. Nurturing plants with cultural significance can help you form deeper relationships with the plants in your area and connect with nature.

How Do You Know If A Plant Is Native To Your Area?

There are a few ways to figure out if a plant is native. One option is to check with local botanical gardens, nurseries, or agricultural extension offices—they often have information about native plants in your area. Field guides specific to your region can also be handy. Online databases or apps designed for identifying local flora can be a quick and convenient resource. Plus, if you have any green-thumbed friends or neighbors, they might have some insights.

What Is The Role Of Native Plants In Supporting Biodiversity?

Native plants play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity for several reasons. First off, they provide habitat and food sources for local wildlife, including insects, birds, and mammals. Many native insects, for instance, have evolved to depend on specific native plants for survival. This forms the basis of the food chain, as birds and other animals rely on insects and other invertebrates for sustenance.

Native plants also contribute to ecosystem stability. Their root systems help prevent soil erosion, and they are adapted to local climate conditions, making them more resilient in the face of environmental changes. Additionally, native plants often have complex relationships with other organisms, such as fungi and bacteria in the soil, creating a healthier and more balanced ecosystem.

When non-native plants are introduced, they can sometimes outcompete native species, leading to a decline in biodiversity. Invasive species may not provide the same level of support for local wildlife, disrupting ecological relationships that have developed over time.

In short, native plants are like the backbone of an ecosystem, providing the essential elements that support a diverse and thriving community of organisms.

What is Native Plants Role in Habitat Creation?

Native plants offer a source of food for local wildlife. They attract insects, birds, and other animals with nectar, fruits, seeds, and foliage. This creates a natural food web where different species rely on each other for sustenance.

The structure of native plants provides shelter and nesting sites for various creatures. Tall grasses, shrubs, and trees create hiding spots and safe havens for birds, mammals, and insects. This is especially important for breeding and raising offspring.

Many native plants have evolved alongside local pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and other insects rely on the nectar and pollen of these plants. By supporting pollinators, native plants indirectly contribute to the reproduction of other plants, including food crops.

How Do Native Plants Attract Native Wildlife?

Native plants have evolved alongside local wildlife, forming intricate relationships that benefit both the plants and the animals. Many native plants produce nectar, a sweet liquid that attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Pollinators feed on the nectar and, in the process, transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating the plants' reproduction.

Native plants often produce fruits and seeds that are attractive to various animals. Birds, mammals, and even insects may feed on these fruits, helping in seed dispersal. Some seeds may even be adapted to survive passage through the digestive systems of certain animals.

Native plants are often the hosts for specific insect species. For example, monarch butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed plants. By providing a suitable environment for these insects, native plants support the entire food web, as insects are a crucial food source for many other animals.

The coloration and patterns of native plants often provide camouflage for animals. Insects may mimic the appearance of leaves or flowers, while birds and mammals use the vegetation for cover, protecting them from predators.

Native plants may bloom or produce fruits at specific times of the year, aligning with the seasonal needs of local wildlife. This creates a consistent and reliable food source for animals throughout the year.

What Are Some Challenges Faced by Native Plants?

Native plants face several challenges, many of which are a result of human activities and environmental changes. Urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure development often lead to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. This reduces the available space for native plants to thrive and disrupts ecosystems. The introduction of non-native, invasive plant species can outcompete native plants for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. Invasive species may lack natural predators or diseases, allowing them to spread rapidly and displace native flora.

Changes in climate patterns, including temperature increases and altered precipitation patterns, can affect the distribution and growth of native plants. Some species may struggle to adapt to these changes, impacting their survival and reproduction. Air and water pollution, including pollutants from industrial activities and agriculture, can negatively affect native plants. Pollution can alter soil composition, disrupt nutrient cycles, and directly harm plant health.

Native plants can be susceptible to diseases, and the introduction of new pathogens or the spread of existing ones can pose a significant threat. This is particularly relevant in a globalized world where pathogens can be transported across regions. In some ecosystems, fire plays a natural role in maintaining plant diversity. Changes in fire frequency or intensity, often influenced by human activities, can disrupt the balance and negatively impact native plant communities.

Addressing these challenges requires a combination of conservation efforts, sustainable land management practices, and public awareness. Protecting and restoring native plant populations is crucial not only for the plants themselves but for the entire ecosystems they support.

Popular Native Plants In The USA

The United States is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, and each region has its own set of popular native plants. Here are some examples from various regions:

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Found in the eastern and central United States, this small deciduous tree is known for its stunning pink or purple flowers in early spring.

Bluebonnet (Lupinus spp.): The Bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas and is part of the lupine genus. These vibrant blue flowers are a common sight in the spring in Texas.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): The California Poppy is the state flower of California and is known for its golden-orange blooms. It thrives in the dry, open landscapes of California.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Native to the eastern and central United States, Black-Eyed Susans are yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom throughout the summer and are a favorite in gardens.

Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Milkweed is crucial for the survival of monarch butterflies, as it serves as the sole host plant for their larvae. Various species of milkweed are found throughout the country.

Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda): A common pine tree in the southeastern United States, the Loblolly Pine is an important timber species and provides habitat for numerous wildlife species.

Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata): Found in arid regions of the western United States, sagebrush is a hardy shrub that plays a vital role in providing habitat for a variety of wildlife.

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Goldenrod is a late-summer bloomer found in meadows and along roadsides across the country. It's known for its bright yellow flower clusters.

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum): Native to the southeastern United States, the Bald Cypress is a deciduous conifer known for its distinctive "knees" that protrude from the water in swampy areas.

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Also known as Bee Balm, this native plant with pink to lavender flowers is found in prairies and open woods. It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

These are just a few examples, and the diversity of native plants in the U.S. is vast. Local nurseries, botanical gardens, and native plant societies are excellent resources for learning more about and obtaining native plants for your specific region.

How to Build a Bird Feeder [Tutorial]

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Like many young people, I thought my grandpa might have some kind of magic. You see, he was one of those people who seemed to be friends with the birds in a way not many of us are. He could merely step out into his yard and with a few quick whistles summon all varieties of backyard birds to his palm or his shirt pocket, where they would enter into a conversation of chirps and intense eye contact that fascinated me. To be honest, looking back I’m still fairly certain that it was some sort of magic. Even through the rose colored glasses of childhood, I know deep in my bones that he understood something of nature that many people do not. Could he have known that these moments he spent with me and the birds, carving whistles from fallen horse chestnuts, would become a part of my own origin story as a naturalist? Far from an expert though I might be, he showed me what it meant to be a student of nature long before I grew my own garden or made my own companions in the rabbits and toads that keep me company as I sow, weed and water. I learned from him that all wildlife has value, no matter how small. That bird song deserves our attention. And of course, I learned that feeding birds is just plain fun.

Why have a bird feeder? Here’s some of the benefits of backyard birds in your yard:

Pollination

Backyard birds do much of the same work as the insect pollinators we are all familiar with when it comes to spreading seed and supporting plant growth - both good and bad. For example, the reason you almost exclusively find poison ivy along fences and underneath trees is because birds eat the berries, digest them and then “plant” them while sitting on branches or fence posts.

Pest control

Birds eat bugs - the largest ones eat rodents too. Aside from the beloved garden worm, they also eat flies, ants, moths, aphids and ticks…and if you’re luckier than me, they’ll even help with your cabbage moth problem by eating the larvae before they have a chance to totally decimate your kale crop (ask me how I know)

Weed control

Birds eat seeds, including weed seeds! Birds can help manage invasive species that you do not want growing on the land with their snacking. This is also why it is so important not to completely clear-cut your dead garden for the fall and winter - leave it up as a vital food source for the local wildlife and cut back in the spring before new growth forms instead.

Conservation

Creating an environment that is inviting and safe for backyard birds offers us the chance to give back through conservation of these important species. The more trees and shelter your can provide throughout the land, the better for all your neighborhood birds (and other wildlife!)

Education

What better way to teach your children the importance of wildlife than to observe it in your own backyard, as I did as a child with my grandfather.

Bird song

I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t enjoy the warbling, chirping, sing-songing symphony of bird song in the summertime.

What is a bird feeder?

A bird feeder is some type of container hung from a high up spot and filled with bird food that allows birds to land and eat safely. A bird feeder can be made of many different things - read on for some of my favorite DIY bird feeder ideas!

So you want to know how to build a bird feeder. Thanks to decades of experience, I’ve made my fair share of zero waste bird feeders for free, with repurposed materials you probably have in your house right now. Here are some of my favorite DIY bird feeders you can make today:

• Fruit string garlands: This is a simple bird feeder. Pop some popcorn the night before and leave it out so it gets a bit stale since it’s easier to thread this way. The next day, cut up various fruits (apples, oranges and blueberries work well) With a needle and thread, pierce through your fruit chunks and popcorn in an alternating pattern until you have a good length of garland. Simply drape your finished garland over a couple of branches and you’re done.

• Empty can on its side: Create a bird feeder station by piercing a hole in the bottom of your empty tin can and thread a piece of sturdy twine all the way through the inside of the can, through the opening and the hole you created, making a large loop over the top. Secure the twine so that the can can lay on it’s side when hung and add a layer of birdseed to the “floor” of the can.

• TP roll covered in peanut butter + seeds: Kids love this easy bird feeder! It’s a little bit messier, but easy and fun. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the exterior of the toilet paper roll. Pour your birdseed into a tray or baking sheet and then slowly roll the tube in the seeds to coat the outside with seed. Thread a piece of sturdy twine through the interior of the tube and secure, making a big loop from which to hang your TP roll!

• Cookie cutter ornament bird feeder: Combine 2 envelopes of gelatin with ⅔ cups boiling water. Stir 2 cups of birdseed into this and press firmly into your cookie cutters. Use a toothpick to form a small hole that you can pass twine through to hang your ornament outside. Allow to dry overnight.

• Pinecone bird feeder: Similar to the TP roll craft above, you’re going to spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the pine cone and roll in seeds on a tray. Securing a piece of twine may be a little trickier on this one - but just try and wrap it around the top of the pinecone and form a loop for hanging.

• Hollowed out orange with toothpick ledges: Cut your orange in half and scoop out the inside. Save for a snack for later, or incorporate into the fruit garland idea above. Poke 8 holes evenly around the cut edge of the orange. Thread twine through 4 of these holes and have them meet at the top to form a hanging basket. Poke toothpicks in the remaining 4 holes to serve as ledges the birds can stand on. Fill the empty orange with seed and hang.

• Egg carton: Take the lid off of an egg carton and poke holes in the four corners of the bottom piece. Thread twine through the four holes you just made to create hanging loops. Pour bird seed into the divots that the eggs would normally rest in and hang! I think this is the best bird feeder you can make with minimal effort.

It’s important to be mindful about choosing a bird seed blend that is meant for birds in your area when considering a bird feeder DIY. If possible, choose an organic variety to avoid exposing your bird neighbors to unwanted pesticides or other chemicals. Bird seed is the safest thing to feed your backyard birds. Here are some foods that aren’t safe for backyard birds:

• Bread

• Spoiled seed

• Chips

• Anything with sugar

• Honey

• Salt

• Milk

How to keep squirrels away from bird feeders

Let’s be honest; you’re going to have a tough time finding any bird feeder that is completely squirrel-proof, and DIY bird feeders do not have any extra cages or protection on them to help in that regard. I accept that squirrels will probably take more than their fair share from the snack I create, but you can try a couple of things to deter squirrels from investigating your bird feeder: Switch up your seed to see if there’s a variety they aren’t interested in (squirrels do not like safflower seed, nyjer seed, and white proso millet), try mixing cayenne powder into your bird seed (birds are not sensitive to the heat of capsaicin but squirrels are!) keep the ground clean of spilled seed underneath the bird feeder and place your bird feeders away from trees.

Where to place a bird feeder

According to Yard Envy, you should hang your finished DIY bird feeder in a place where your visiting birds feel safe from predators. Avoid open and noisy areas and hang your bird feeders at eye level or a little above. Do not hang feeders too close to any place where squirrels can jump on them, or so low that they are within a cat's reach.

How to attract birds to your feeder

According to Wild Birds Unlimited, birds generally find their food by sight. Placing your feeder where it will be visible to them should decrease the time it takes for birds to start feeding. Sometimes sprinkling some seed on the ground or on top of the feeder will let the birds know that you are open for business.

Bat Houses You Can Build Or Buy

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Bat Houses

When I was young, we had a playroom in our attic. One afternoon, we noticed there were bats hanging upside-down on one of the window screens. There were two big bats, and a little baby bat.

With the glass between us, we were able to safely look them over, and we learned something unexpected – bats are cute!

They stayed quite a while, sleeping all day and disappearing at night. We actually felt a little sad when they left for good, and so we bought a bat house kit.

Bat Facts

Bats have flown over the earth for more than 50 million years. Unlike birds, their fellow flyers, they are mammals, and are in fact the second largest order or mammals, with more than 1,400 species. 

Bats are nocturnal, and have wings where their forelegs might have been, making them the only mammals that can truly fly. (Flying squirrels don’t actually fly, they just glide small distances.) They are more agile fliers than most birds.

Bats pollinate night-blooming flowers, and are the primary pollinator of agave, which is the main ingredient in tequila.

The world’s smallest bat is the Bumblebee Bat, which is about an inch by ¾ of an inch when full-grown. The largest is the Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox, which has a wingspan up to 6 feet. The 

Mexican Free-tail Bat is the fastest bat, and can travel up to 100mph. Mexican Free-tails gather in a cave in New Mexico to give birth, with a population of up to 20 million!

There are 10 or 12 bat species that regularly use bat houses. The two most common are Little Brown and Big Brown bats. Neither is a vampire bat.

Bat Get a Bad Rap

In North America, bats are closely associated with vampires, and this stigma often overshadows the many beneficial qualities of bats. In fact, of the 1,400 species of bats, only 3 are vampire bats that drink blood.

They are also stigmatized because people fear they’ll catch rabies from a bat. Bats, like most mammals, can carry rabies, but the fact is that the vast majority do not. So while we should still see a doctor if there’s any chance we’ve been bitten by a bat, catching rabies isn’t something we need to worry about very much.

What Good Are Bats?

When you’re sitting in your backyard and see bats flying overhead, know that on that night, a colony of hundreds of bats will consume hundreds of thousands of insects. Imagine how many million bats around the world consume!

Bats are the top predator for insects that fly at night, eating pests like flies, termites, flying ants, June beetles, and moths. They also do us the great service of eating mosquitoes. In agriculture, the more bats we have, the less pesticide is needed.

Aside from eating pests, bats who feed on nectar also pollinate plants like bananas, cloves, and peaches. And those who feed on fruit disperse seed through their guano, spreading plants to the surrounding areas.

What Do Bats Sound Like?

To our ears, bats don’t sound like much of anything, but the sounds they do make are clicking noises. Bats make these noises using their vocal cords, their nostrils, and their tongues. Some species of bats also make clicking sounds by flapping their wings. 

These clicking noises are ultrasonic, in a frequency 3 times higher than what we can hear with our human ears.

We know what bats sound like because of the use of bat detectors, which use an ultrasonic microphone and convert the sounds to a frequency humans can hear.

And so we know that if the noises are slowed down, they sound like the chirps of a bird, and that different species of bat have different calls, just as birds do.

Bats use these noises to echolocate, and presumably to communicate with each other. Their echolocation skills allow them to sense something as fine as a human hair.

What is a Bat House?

A bat house is built and secured somewhere high in order to provide bats with a space to live that mimics the roosts they would choose in the wild. 

Many bat species roost under the bark of dead trees (and if you have a dead tree it is safe to leave standing, you can leave it up to provide a natural bat house). 

Because this is the environment they choose in nature, bat houses are made to be narrow and tight. They are generally made from rough wood, so the bats can hang on without slipping, just as they would be able to between bark and the trunk of a tree.

Bat houses are often painted in dark colors, and the sides caulked, to recreate the warm and snug area they would naturally choose to raise babies.

Why Have a Bat House?

More than half of the bat species in North America are endangered. 

Some of the main problems in maintaining bat populations are a fungal disease called White Nose Syndrome and the very long gestational period bats experience. The common vampire bat, for example, carries its young for 209 days! Most bat moms only give birth to one pup a year.

But human activity bears the majority of responsibility for their population decline: the destruction of natural habitats, windmills, climate change, pesticide use, hunting for sport and meat, and stigmas which lead to their being killed.

Having a bat house is an easy way to do our small part towards helping them have what they need to survive. A bat house provides a safe, warm place for mothers to bear their young.

Bat houses also provide bats who have been ‘evicted’ from people’s homes an alternative spot to roost.

DIY: How to Build a Bat House

A bat house is fairly simple to make. There are tons of plans and instructions online. The government of Massachusetts provides this free plan to build a four-chamber bat house: https://www.mass.gov/doc/build-a-four-chamber-bat-house/download 

Their site details some key elements for a successful bat house. They recommend:

• Using exterior plywood or cedar. 

• Using rough wood.

• Not using pressure treated wood.

• Using exterior grade screws to assemble.

• Making your house at least 24” tall and at least 14” wide.

• Making a bigger box is better.

• Adding a 6” x  ½” vent on each side for airflow.

• Caulk all seams.

• Cover the roof with shingles or metal for a more durable bat house.

• Provide a landing pad of 3-6” just below the entrance.

The overall goals to keep in mind when building a bat house are warmth and tight spaces, as these will provide the right environment for babies. 

To help maintain a good temperature, bat houses can be painted, but it is not required.

What Are the Best Bat Houses I Can Buy?

Bat houses are readily available to buy online at Amazon, Home Depot, Lehman’s, and Etsy. Here’s a few top picks for handmade bat houses from Etsy:

DIY Bat House Kits

Bat house kits are easy to assemble, and most can be completed in under an hour. Building one is a great project to do with kids.

When shopping for a bat house kit, choose one that is made with quality materials.

A bat house kit should come with everything you need, with the exception of tools like a drill or caulking gun. The necessary wood will be included and cut to size.

Bat Conservation & Management https://batmanagement.com/ is committed to the conservation and study of bats. They conduct research and surveys and work to educate people about bats. On their site, they sell a variety of bat house kits you can assemble yourself or buy premade. Their designs are backed by many years of experience and study.

Where Should I Hang a Bat House?

• First, look for a place that is away from windows, doors, patios, or decks. Bats’ droppings make quite a mess.

• Choosing the location for your bat house can make all the difference as to whether bats will move into it or not. 

• Bats scout for new roosts at night while they feed. Here is what you can do to make them more likely to choose yours:

• Do not put your bat house on a tree. Bats can find houses more easily on a building or pole.

• Put your bat house near a water source.

• Install your house at least 12-20’ from the ground.

• Make sure the location gets at least 6 or 7 hours of sunlight.

• Consider placing it under your eaves, but only after making sure your house is bat-proof.

• Bat houses should be a good distance away from wires and tree branches so there’s nothing to impede the bats’ flight.

• Face your bat house to the south or southeast to catch as much warmth from the sun as possible.

• In cooler climates, paint the house black to increase heat absorption from the sun.

• While you can install a bat house at any time of year, you are more likely to get bats if you install it in spring or early summer.

How to Attract Bats to Your Bat House

One way to attract bats to your bat house is to grow night-scented flowers. These flowers often attract moths and other bugs which bats find tasty.

Night-Scented flowers:

• Evening Primrose

• Honeysuckle

• Goldenrod

• Fleabane

Another way to attract bats is to minimize (or better yet, eliminate) the use of pesticides in your yard. Bats are looking for a place where there’s a plentiful food source, meaning lots of bugs.

Finally, make sure there are no outdoor lights near your bat house. 

It can take up to 2 years for bats to find and move into a bat house, so you’ll have to be patient. If no bats have made it their own in 2 years, you can move it to a different location and try again.

The majority of bat houses may never house bats. Don’t be discouraged by that! All we can do is our little part. The rest is up to the bats.