Putting up a bat box is easy. Choosing the right place for it is the part that really matters. Bats need a safe place to roost, but they also need a clear way in and out, nearby feeding habitat and suitable conditions inside the box. Here we explain where to put a bat box, how high it should be, which direction it should face and why using several boxes can give bats a better choice.
Where is the best place to put a bat box?
Location is probably the single biggest factor in whether a bat box gets used.
There is no magic tree, wall or compass direction that guarantees occupancy because different bat species have different requirements. Instead, think about what a bat needs when leaving its roost.
It needs somewhere to emerge safely, somewhere to fly and somewhere to find insects.
The best locations tend to be close to the places bats are already using. Look for hedgerows, tree lines, ponds, woodland edges and other places where insects are likely to be plentiful.
Think like a bat: A safe place to sleep - a clear flight path - feeding habitat close by - quiet darkness.
Should a bat box go on a tree or a building?
Both can work.
Bat boxes can be mounted on trees or buildings, although the most suitable position depends on the box design and the species you are hoping to attract.
A tree is particularly useful where it sits beside a hedgerow, woodland edge, pond or other insect-rich habitat. A building can be equally valuable, especially where the box can be positioned close to the eaves and near established bat flight paths.
Buildings can also provide useful shelter from some weather conditions, while a tree may place a box directly within the habitat bats already use for feeding and commuting.
Look for existing signs of bat activity. If bats are already feeding along a hedge, flying beside a line of trees or emerging from a nearby building, placing a box close to that route gives them a new roost within an established part of their territory.
What about putting a bat box on a tree?
Trees can make excellent locations, particularly mature trees close to hedges, woodland, or water.
Choose a tree that gives the box a clear entrance and exit route. Avoid placing it where dense branches will block the bats as they leave, or where vegetation will eventually grow across the entrance.
The box also needs to be securely fixed without damaging the tree unnecessarily. Follow the manufacturer's fixing instructions, particularly with heavier wood-concrete boxes. The use of aluminium nails is recommended as these are long lasting and will not damage the tree.
Ideally, place a few bat boxes around the diameter of the trunk, rather than a single box. A bat box should be considered part of the tree's natural structure rather than simply something attached to the trunk.
How high should a bat box be?
As a general guide, around 4–6 metres above the ground is a useful range for many bat boxes, with Bat Conservation Trust recommending at least 4 metres where it is safe to to install the box.
The height is important, not only to protect against predators, but as bats emerge from their roosts they need room to exit and fly. A box positioned too close to the ground can be more vulnerable to disturbance and predation, while a box surrounded by branches, walls or other obstacles can make entry and emergence difficult.
Think about the space immediately in front of the entrance as well as the height of the box itself. A good location gives the bat a clear flight path toward and away from the box. Think of of the approach to the box like an airport runway.
On buildings, positioning a box close to the eaves can provide useful shelter while keeping the entrance accessible. Some integrated and surface-mounted boxes are specifically designed for installation higher up on buildings, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the particular model.
Which direction should a bat box face?
There is no single direction that suits every bat box.
Bat Conservation recommends providing several boxes facing different directions where possible, allowing bats to choose between different temperatures and conditions.
Sunny aspects, particularly south, south-east and south-west, can provide useful warmth. This can be particularly valuable for summer and maternity roosts. While warmth is good, hot is not. They must be fully insulated or sited out of direct sunshine to avoid overheating.
During the hotter summer months, boxes facing north, north-east can benefit from being protected against typical westerly winds and also will remain cooler than a south facing box. During heatwaves, bats will likely need cooler locations to regulate their temperature.
This is why we recommend choice over any single direction, to cater for the bats changing needs.
If you have space for several boxes, try different aspects. A morning-sunny box may behave differently from one receiving strong afternoon sun, while another might remain cooler for longer.
That gives bats the opportunity to choose the conditions they need.
Why does temperature matter so much?
A bat box is effectively a tiny shelter in which temperature can change surprisingly quickly.
Bats are mammals, but they deliberately allow their body temperature to fall during periods of inactivity. Where they choose to roost can therefore be important, particularly for maternity colonies and during cooler weather.
Warmth can be beneficial, but too much heat can make a box unsuitable. It is not possible to find the perfect temperature, so it is better to provide options.
This is one of the strongest arguments for putting up more than one box. Different aspects, materials, colours and designs can create different microclimates, allowing bats to move between roosts as conditions change.
Some Schwegler and Vivara Pro boxes are specifically designed with internal spaces or materials that provide different thermal conditions, so the characteristics of the box itself can also influence where it should be positioned.
How many bat boxes should I put up?
If you have suitable habitat, several boxes are usually better than one.
Two or three boxes facing different directions can provide bats with a choice of temperatures and conditions. Where space and habitat allow, groups of three to five boxes can provide even greater choice.
The boxes do not need to be identical either. You could have one warmer, south-facing position, another receiving less direct sun and another sheltered from prevailing winds. On a suitable tree or building, this creates a small collection of potential roosts rather than asking a bat to accept the conditions offered by one box.
There is another reason for doing this because bats don't necessarily remain in the same roost throughout the year. A colony may move between different roosting places as temperature, weather, breeding requirements and other conditions change.
Where should I avoid putting a bat box?
There are a few places that are best avoided.
Artificial light
Keep bat boxes away from artificial lighting wherever possible.
Security lights, bright garden lighting and street lighting can interfere with the dark routes bats use to move around a garden. A beautifully positioned bat box can become much less attractive if the entrance is illuminated every evening.
Obstructions
Avoid placing the box behind dense vegetation or somewhere branches block the entrance.
Bats need a clear approach and exit route. This doesn't mean the box has to be completely isolated from vegetation, though. A nearby hedge or tree line can actually be useful because bats often use these features as navigation routes.
The trick is to provide connected habitat without blocking the entrance.
Exposed, or windy positions
A box in full sun can quickly overheat, while prevailing winds create drafts and these types of conditions will deter bats.
Look for a location that provides protection as well as shelter.
Directly above doors and windows
Avoid placing boxes directly above doors, windows or other areas where people regularly pass.
This isn't because bats are dangerous. It is simply a practical consideration for the bats, and also because droppings can accumulate below an occupied box.
Is it better to put a bat box near water?
If you have a pond, stream or other permanent water source, positioning a bat box nearby can be beneficial. Water is particularly valuable because insects gather around it, providing bats with an excellent feeding opportunity.
You don't need a pond immediately beneath the box, though.
Think about the wider landscape. A bat box beside a hedge leading towards a pond may be much more useful than one beside a pond but surrounded by open, exposed lawn.
A good bat friendly garden connects roosting places with feeding places.
Should a bat box be near a hedge or tree line?
Yes, where possible.
Bats use echo location, rather than sight, so hedges, tree lines and woodland edges can act as flight routes and features that aid the bat’s ability to navigate. They also provide habitat for insects, giving bats somewhere to feed.
Buildings offer the same opportunity. Look at alleys, terraces and other features that create natural flight paths and locate bat boxes there with clear routes to the entrance.
Can I put several bat boxes close together?
Yes.
In fact, putting several boxes within the same general area can be useful because it gives bats different choices.
They don't need to be identical or face the same direction. Varying the aspect, height or amount of sunlight can create different conditions.
If you have a large mature tree, for example, a few boxes can sometimes be positioned around the trunk. On a building, several boxes can be placed on different elevations and aspects where appropriate.
Does the type of bat box affect where I should put it?
Absolutely.
Not all bat boxes are designed for the same purpose.
Some are simple external roost boxes. Others are designed specifically for crevice-dwelling bats, maternity colonies or integration into buildings. Materials also vary, from traditional timber to durable wood-concrete and other modern materials.
That matters because the box's design influences how warm it becomes, how much shelter it provides and which bats may be able to use it.
For example, a box designed for a building façade may have very different installation requirements from a lightweight wooden box intended for a tree.
Are Schwegler bat boxes good for gardens?
Schwegler produces a wide range of durable bat boxes designed for different situations, including boxes for trees and buildings.
One of the advantages of the Schwegler range is the use of wood-concrete, which provides a robust, long-lasting structure with useful thermal properties.
Schwegler recommends placing many of its bat boxes at around 3–6 metres high and, where appropriate, using groups of boxes so bats can choose between different conditions.
The right Schwegler box will depend on whether you are providing a general-purpose roost, a box for a particular type of building or a more specialist habitat.
Are Vivara Pro bat boxes good for gardens?
Vivara Pro also produces a range of bat boxes for trees, buildings and integrated installation.
Their range includes boxes designed for different roosting requirements, including crevice-dwelling species and maternity colonies. Some models can be mounted on either trees or buildings, while others are specifically designed for façades or integration into new buildings.
Vivara Pro's guidance commonly recommends a sunny, sheltered position, a clear flight path and avoiding artificial lighting. Some models can be installed facing different directions, so the individual product instructions are important.
At Ark Wildlife, we supply both Schwegler and Vivara Pro bat boxes, so we can help you choose a model based on where you want to install it and the habitat you have available.
Are bat boxes worth putting up?
Bat populations are in steep decline partially due to loss of habitat. Therefore siting a bat box in a wildlife-friendly garden, is most definitely worth it.
A box on its own cannot compensate for the loss of feeding habitat, hedgerows, mature trees, ponds and dark flight routes.
The most useful approach is to combine a suitable bat roost, alongside insect-rich planting, a water source, and connected vegetation beyond the garden without artificial lighting.
How long does it take for bats to use a bat box?
There is no fixed answer.
A box might be discovered relatively quickly, but it can also take months or several years before bats begin using it.
That doesn't necessarily mean you have chosen the wrong box or the wrong location.
Bats are creatures of habit and may already have established roosts nearby. A new box needs to be discovered, assessed and accepted as suitable.
This is another reason not to judge a bat box after a few weeks, give it plenty of time.
How do I know if my bat box is being used?
You don't need to open the box to look for bats.
Signs can include droppings below the entrance, urine staining around the lower part of the box and the sound of bats chattering inside on warm days.
You can also watch the box around dusk to see whether bats emerge.
If you have a camera or monitoring equipment, it is important to remember that bat roosts are legally protected. Monitoring should be carried out without disturbing the bats, and opening or inspecting an occupied box requires the appropriate expertise and licensing.
Can I open a bat box to see if bats are inside?
No.
Once a bat box is installed, don't open it simply to see whether it contains bats.
Bats and their roosts are protected by law, and disturbing bats can be an offence. If you need a box inspected, seek advice from a suitably qualified or licensed bat worker.
There are much better ways to look for signs of occupation without opening the box, including watching the entrance around dusk and looking for droppings below it.
Can I put a camera on a bat box?
It is possible to monitor bat boxes using cameras, and remote monitoring can be a fascinating way of learning more about how bats use artificial roosts.
But the equipment needs to be chosen and installed carefully.
A camera, cable, infrared light or other equipment should not block the entrance, illuminate the roost unnecessarily or require the box to be opened.
For a garden bat box, the safest approach is generally to observe activity externally rather than interfere with the roost itself. A good automatic camera trap can be placed in the vicinity of the entrance, not blocking it, and will record the comings and goings, even in full dark.
Bat Box FAQs
Should a bat box face south?
South, south-east and south-west aspects can provide useful warmth, but there is no universal best direction. If possible, provide several boxes facing different directions so bats have a choice of conditions.
How high should a bat box be?
Around 3–6 metres is commonly recommended for many bat boxes. Bat Conservation Trust recommends at least 4 metres above the ground where it is safe to install the box. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model.
How many bat boxes should I put up?
Two or three boxes with different aspects can provide useful choice. If you have suitable habitat and space, a group of three to five boxes can provide even more options.
Can I put a bat box on a fence?
It is usually better to choose a mature tree or suitable building rather than a fence, particularly if the fence is low or exposed. Bats need height, shelter and a clear flight path, so consider whether the fence provides those conditions before using it.
Can I put a bat box in a shady garden?
It can still be worth trying, but a completely shaded position may provide less useful warmth. If possible, choose a position that receives some sunlight while remaining sheltered from strong winds. Using several boxes can give bats different thermal options.
How close should a bat box be to a pond?
There is no fixed distance that makes a box suitable. Being near water can be advantageous because ponds and streams support insects that bats feed on. The bigger consideration is the overall connection between the roost, feeding habitat and flight routes.
How long does it take for bats to use a new bat box?
It could be months or several years. Don't assume a box has failed simply because you don't see bats using it quickly.
Will putting up a bat box attract bats into my loft?
Not simply because you have installed one.
A bat chooses a roost according to its suitability, access, temperature and surrounding habitat. A bat box may provide an alternative roosting opportunity, but it does not act like a magnet that draws bats into your home.
If bats are already using your house or loft, however, don't attempt to block their access or move them. Seek specialist advice because bat roosts are protected.
Explore our UK Bat Identification Guides
Bats are surprisingly difficult to identify by sight alone, particularly when they are flying at dusk.
Our individual species guides explain what to look for, where each species lives, what it eats, how it flies, where it roosts and how likely you are to encounter it around a garden.
[Common Pipistrelle]
[Soprano Pipistrelle]
[Brown Long-eared Bat]
[Daubenton's Bat]
[Noctule]
[Serotine]
[Natterer's Bat]
[Whiskered Bat]
[Brandt's Bat]
[Barbastelle]
More species guides will be added as the series develops.
A final thought
A bat box is a small thing.
It might sit quietly on a tree or wall for months without you knowing whether anything has noticed it. Then one evening, perhaps when you are standing outside as the light fades, a tiny shape slips from the entrance and disappears along the hedge.
That's the reward.
Not that you've somehow summoned bats into the garden, but that you've made room for something that was already living alongside you.
Sometimes the best wildlife homes are the ones we build and then have the patience to leave alone.
