Little brown bat roost sites are highly variable and not well known. In temperate regions, they often use cavities along forest edges with high sun exposure. Maintaining snags, particularly those over 14 inches dbh, in mature and over-mature stands is also beneficial. Avoid any disturbance of bats during hibernation. Avoid handling bats and vaccinate dogs and cats for rabies.
Bat houses promote public awareness of bats, although their effectiveness is uncertain.
To encourage bats, place the house in an area that receives at least four hours of sun exposure and is within a quarter mile of streams or rivers. A darkened bat house will absorb more heat and be more effective in cooler regions such as New Hampshire. Written by Ellen J. Snyder, Wildlife Specialist, UNH Cooperative Extension. UNH Cooperative Extension programs and policies are consisternt with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on non-descrimination regarding age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran's status. College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, County Governments, N.H. Division of Forests and Lands, Department of Resources and Economic Development, N.H. Fish and Game Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services cooperating.