SCCF has installed a rocket-style bat house at the Bailey Homestead Preserve. This marks the third bat house that has been installed by SCCF and funded by The Sanibel School PTA since Hurricane Ian.

“The installation of these bat houses is part of an effort to help restore bat roosting habitat after the loss of natural tree roosting sites from the storm,” said SCCF Wildlife Biologist Mike Mills.

The rocket box is unique to other bat houses as it provides a 360-degree area for the bats to roost instead of a typical 180-degree, allowing for bats to move around during the day to avoid the heat.

Where to place a bat house is just as important as how to build one. Houses need to be at least 10 feet above ground level and placed in a relatively open area.

“The Bailey Homestead Preserve offers an ideal location for a bat house due to the open field area that is bordered by forest and has a nearby water source,” said Mills. “The open area allows for bats to forage more easily and the bordering forest provides higher prey concentration and coverage for resting bats.”

Positioning the house near the Devitt Pond was also strategic and beneficial.

“It lets the bats get a quick drink when they first emerge from not drinking anything all day while roosting,” he added.

Stop by our Native Landscapes and Garden Center at the Bailey Homestead to check out your flying neighbor’s new house.

Learn more about how our native bats benefit our island’s ecosystem and why SCCF is now monitoring them. To report any bat sightings please email mmills@sccf.org.