Bat Conservation

ERICD has in previous years distributed bat box kits that provide habitat for local bats. If you are interested in funding this program or have a woodworking or school group who could help us relaunch the program, please let us know! Click to contact us.

Bat Box Kit & Conservation FAQs

Why do we want to protect bats?

Why do we need to protect bats?

  • Population decrease due to habitat destruction and fragmentation

  • White-nose syndrome - a fungal disease

    • Present in all bat caves in Rhode Island

  • Bat habitat is constantly under threat with human development

Why do they need a bat box?

  • Box boxes provide optimal roosting conditions that might otherwise be hard for bats to find.

  • An accessible, high off the ground home is vital to their survival.

  • Boxes mimic the types of crevices found under the peeling bark of a dead or dying tree and similar places where bats like to roost.

  • How To Help Urban Bats

How do I assemble my bat box?

  • Click here to view ERICD bat box kit assembly instructions or view video above.

  • Make sure to paint the outside a dark color to absorb heat!

Where do I put my bat box?

  • A sunny spot (at least six hours of sunlight per day, specifically facing south, east, or southeast)

  • At least 15 feet off the ground (to protect against predators)

  • Ideally near a water source (so the mother bat doesn't have to leave her young for too long)

  • Not too close to woods, so it's easy to find

  • Mount on a post (wood or steel) or on the side of a building

    • Do NOT mount on a tree (branches may block light or obstruct flight and predators may be in trees)

  • Check out this website for more on attracting bats to your bat house

Do I need to put bat food or guano to attract bats?

  • No, bats will find new roosting sites on their own without guano or food lures.

What types of plants can I plant to attract bats?

  • Flowers that release scent at night (sweet rocket and soapwort)

  • Plants with blooms that are pale in colors (dahlia, thyme, raspberry, or honeysuckle)

  • Plants that attract insects (all Rhode Island bats are insectivores!)

What types of bats can I expect here in Rhode Island?

  • Big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

  • Silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)

  • Eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis)

  • Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus)

  • Eastern small-footed bat (Myotis leibii)

  • Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus)

  • Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

  • Tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus)

For more information on bats of Rhode Island, see "Bats of Rhode Island"