The Ultimate Wooden Bat House for Outdoors - A Large Double

The Verdict

If you’ve ever watched mosquitoes destroy a summer evening, you already know why bat houses matter. A single little brown bat eats 600-1,000 mosquitoes per hour, and this large double-chamber house is built to host an entire maternity colony. But before you mount it, let’s talk about what you’re actually getting — and what might send you back to the hardware store.

What’s in the box

The house arrives fully assembled. You get the bat house itself, a wooden mounting strip, and all necessary screws. Dimensions are roughly 21 inches wide by 26 inches tall by 5 inches deep, weighing about 12 pounds. The exterior is untreated western red cedar — a smart choice for rot resistance, though you’ll still want to protect it (more on that below).

Inside, this is where the design earns its keep. The double chambers are separated by a center divider, creating two distinct roosting areas with 1/2-inch crevices. The interior surfaces are rough-sawn, which gives bats something to grip. This isn’t decorative — bats cannot cling to smooth wood, and if the interior were sanded, the house would be useless. The 26-inch height creates a temperature gradient from top to bottom, which is exactly what Bat Conservation International recommends. Maternity colonies need warm upper chambers for pups, with cooler lower areas for adults to escape heat on 90-degree days.

Real-world performance

Bats are picky. They scout for months before committing to a roost, so don’t expect overnight occupancy. Most buyers report activity between 2 and 8 months. One reviewer noted: “Took about 5 months but we finally have a colony of 30+ bats. They’ve completely solved our mosquito problem.” Another who mounted it on a pole rather than a building said: “Had bats within 3 weeks — the key is getting it 15+ feet up and in full sun.”

The quality of construction holds up. The cedar is thick enough to provide insulation without being so heavy that mounting becomes a chore. The roof overhangs the sides, preventing rain from seeping into the chambers. Buyers consistently praise the build: “This is the sturdiest bat house I’ve found. The wood is substantial, and the seams fit tight.”

Where it falls short

The biggest complaint is the lack of a landing pad. Bats approach roosts from below, swooping up and grabbing the edge. Without a rough landing zone at the base, they struggle to gain purchase. Multiple buyers report adding a strip of hardware cloth or rough wood to the bottom panel. This is a genuine design oversight.

The second issue is maintenance. The cedar is unfinished, so within 2-3 years, you’ll need to repaint or seal the exterior. Use dark exterior paint (bats prefer warmer roosts) and seal all joints with exterior caulk. Skip this, and the boards will warp, opening gaps that let in rain and predators.

Who should buy this

This is for homeowners with a genuine mosquito problem and the patience to wait. If you have a pole, tree, or building wall that gets 6-8 hours of direct sun, this house will work. It’s also ideal for property owners near water — bats need a water source within a quarter mile. If you live in a heavily shaded area or don’t have the height to mount it at 15-20 feet, save your money.

FAQ

How high should I mount it? At least 12 feet, ideally 15-20 feet. Higher is better for predator protection and sun exposure.

When should I install it? Early spring (March-April in most regions) gives bats time to find it before maternity season. Avoid installing during winter when bats are hibernating elsewhere.

Does it need to face a specific direction? South or southeast, to capture morning sun. Bats need that warmth — a shaded house will stay empty.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You have a sunny mounting spot at 15+ feet, live near water, and take mosquito control seriously. This is a properly built house that follows conservation guidelines.

Skip it if: You can’t mount it high enough, your yard is heavily shaded, or you’re not willing to wait months for occupancy. Also skip if you’re not prepared to maintain the exterior finish.

The missing landing pad is annoying, but it’s a 10-minute fix with hardware cloth. Given the quality of the cedar construction and the correct internal dimensions, this earns a solid 4.6/5. It’s one of the better bat houses available, and for the price, it’s a legitimate investment in natural pest control.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.