FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Bat Boxes
All domestic Bat species are at risk in their habitats and are acutely threatened with extinction!
Bats have been protected by law since 1936. Nonetheless, they are still at risk today and in some places they have even already disappeared. Especially for this group of animals, it is clear that mere legal protection does not have any effect unless targeted, extensive protection concepts combined with species protection projects are started.
In terms of numbers, bats are the second largest group within
the mammals, but they are the only ones that can actively fly. Bats are not flying mice (German word for bat = "flapping mouse"). Their scientific name is Chiroptera, i.e. "hand" + "wing".
Bats live worldwide, on almost all continents of the Earth; apart from the Antarctic. There are 900 different species.
24 Bat species have been verified in the whole of Germany and 53 in the whole of Europe.
Bats not only occupy the walls of houses, but also quiet, spacious roofs. A typical "house bat" is, e.g. the Mouse-Eared Bat, a "tree bat" would be the Bechstein's Bat and a representative of the "forest bat" is the Common Noctule Bat.
Do I have to clean Bat Boxes?
In the case of closed Bat Boxes it is generally advisable to inspect and clean them at least 1 – 2 times a year. However, you should avoid opening summer and winter roots during May to the end of July, so that any nursery roosts are not disturbed.
Winter Bat Boxes (e.g. 1FW) should not be opened from November to April, to avoid startling the animals out of their hibernation and to avoid cooling the cavity.
Here too, the same applies as to Bird Nest Boxes: Simply remove the excrement, do not spray. The cleaning is best carried out using our SCHWEGLER Cleaning Tool
The bat boxes that are open at the bottom (e.g. 1FF) are self-cleaning and maintenance-free, the crumbly droppings can fall out at the bottom.
Which direction should my Bat Box face?
Bats love warmth. The roosts are therefore mostly south-facing. SCHWEGLER Bat Boxes are coloured black, as this colour attracts heat.
Where should the Bat Boxes hang?
Light, sunny places on forestry paths, windfall or clear felling areas, quiet avenues, large gardens, cemeteries, and many other places are suitable habitats for hanging up Bat Boxes. Ensure a clear, unobstructed approach/entry path. A certain proximity to lakes and streams always proves to be very positive.
Are multiple Bat Boxes useful?
As bats tend to change their roost spontaneously, Bat Boxes should always be hung up in groups of 3 to 5 boxes at small distances apart.
How high should the Bat Box hang?
The best height to hang them is between 3 and 6 m.