A bat house in the wrong spot can sit empty for years, while a few small changes can make it far more likely to be used. This checker looks at the eight things that matter most and tells you which are good, which to double-check and which to fix before you drill. It runs entirely in your browser: nothing you type is sent anywhere.
Check your bat house location
Fill in the details and press Check placement. Your results will appear here.
This checker applies widely published guidance from Bat Conservation International. Bat house recommendations can vary by region, so also read your state wildlife agency's advice. It cannot predict whether bats will move in.
How the checker works
Every rule comes from widely published guidance by Bat Conservation International (BCI), and the thresholds are shown here so you can check or adapt them.
- Sun. In climates where the July average high is below 100°F, a bat house should get at least 6 hours of direct sun. Where July highs are 80°F or lower, aim for 10 or more hours. In places with July highs of 100°F or more, the checker flags the result for you to review, because overheating is the greater risk and regional advice differs.
- Color. Based on the July average high: below 85°F black, 85 to 95°F dark brown or dark gray, 95 to 100°F a medium color, and above 100°F white or a light color.
- Height. At least 12 feet above ground. Fifteen to twenty feet is better.
- Mounting surface. A pole or the side of a building. Trees and metal siding are flagged.
- Clearance. About 20 to 25 feet of open space around the house, free of branches and wires.
- Water. A stream, pond or lake within about a quarter mile.
- Chambers. Houses with two or more chambers give bats a choice of temperatures, and three or four are better.
Using the results
Treat a "Fix" as something to change before you install. A "Check" is a prompt to look further. Because bat house advice varies somewhat by region, read your state wildlife agency's guidance and BCI's regional pages too. Our placement guide explains the reasoning, and the troubleshooting guide helps if a house is already up and empty.
Limits of the checker
It cannot see your yard. It does not know where bats already roost nearby, whether your neighborhood has the right species or whether insects are plentiful. It does not predict whether bats will move in. It also does not replace the instructions from the bat house maker, who may give mounting details for a specific design.
Safety reminder
Bats can carry rabies. Never handle a bat with bare hands, and contact your local health department or a doctor if a bat bites or scratches anyone, or if you find one in a room where people or pets were sleeping.
Frequently asked questions
Is this checker accurate for every region?
It applies general guidance from Bat Conservation International. Regional advice differs, particularly in very hot or very cold climates, so treat the results as a starting point.
Does it save or share my answers?
No. The calculation happens in your browser, and nothing is stored or sent.
Where do I find my July average high temperature?
Look up your town's climate normals from the National Weather Service or your state climatologist, and use the July average daily high.
What if my site has fewer than 6 hours of sun?
Choose a different spot or mount height. In cool climates the guidance is even higher, 10 or more hours, so shaded sites are difficult.
Will bats definitely use my house if every box is checked?
No. Good placement improves the odds, but occupancy is never guaranteed.
