Install a Few Bat Houses and Bird Feeders - To Bring Bug-Eaters To Your Yard

Did you know that a single brown bat can consume up to 1000 mosquitoes in one hour?

I live on a very wooded lot and during the summer months the insects can be unbearable. Especially the mosquitoes at night! This year to encourage even more bats and birds to visit our outdoor spaces and rid us of those pesky creatures, we have decided to hang up bat houses and bird feeders around our property.

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I know the thought of bats can really creep some people out – my daughter-in-law included. But did you know that just one bat can eat almost 1000 mosquitoes in one hour?

Here in the South, that is a big deal!

The truth is that bats are elusive creatures and usually stay away from human contact. So your chances of actually coming in direct contact with the bats are slim to none. The benefits they bring with them such as pollination of plants and pest control is worth considering helping a few bats to find a place to roost near your property.

I purchased my bat house from Amazon. Honestly it is a bit smaller than I was expecting but so darn cute with the bat image on the front. Following the recommended location and height, my husband attached it to one of our larger trees – not on the current chopping block list – that gets lots of morning sun and is close to the outdoor lights where we see the bats flying around at night. Most sites recommend hanging a bat house at least 12 feet off the ground.

Now we just wait to see if the bats like their new high rise apartment.

How are you getting rid of pesky bugs this summer?

I have also read on several gardening sites that if you put out several bird feeders in the early spring and summer months that the birds will not only thank you but will also stay closer to your yard and garden and feast on the creepy crawly bugs. It seems they actually need the bugs to nurture their new babies more than the bird food so you are really just providing dessert for their main courses – the bugs!

And since the birds in my yard have to compete with the hundreds of squirrel residents for the bird food, this year I have even purchased ears of corn for the squirrels so they won’t destroy the bird feeders.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy bird feeders either. One of mine is actually a chicken feeder from Tractor Supply I picked for a $1.00. I also use a terra cotta saucer on another railing. The birds don’t care what the feeder looks like just as long as it has food in it for them.

It is nice to watch the birds lined up for their turn at the feeder while I drink my coffee in the morning. Obviously our dog Pippin enjoys it too.

Search on Pinterest for some great DIY tutorials for bird feeders.

Below are a few ideas for a DIY birdfeeder that won’t cost a fortune:

Tin cans
Tea cups
Mason jars
Terra Cotta Pots
Small buckets
Plastic bottles or containers
Old plant hanging baskets
Pine cones and peanut butter
Toilet paper tubes and peanut butter
Egg cartons
An old pot or pan you no longer use in the kitchen

Whatever you decide to do about installing a bat house – yes or no – you know watching the birds enjoy the feeders is at least worth considering. Enjoy the warmer months.