Orientation

Bats’ ability to successfully take up artificial roost is considered to be affected by temperature. Bats, in general, seek out warm environments to assist in the rearing of their offspring. As a consequence, Rocketbox should be positioned in a position that receives the most sunlight. This would be the southerly aspects/orientation of the northern hemisphere (south, south-west and south-east).

Height

Place the rocketbox at least 2 meters above ground, but preferably 4 to 6 meters. Placements above windows, doors, and wall climbing plants should be avoided to reduce the chance of cat predation. A site near the property’s eaves or gable apex would be ideal.

Landscape considerations

It’s good to think about whether there are nearby linear landscape features like hedges and treelines to make the Rocketbox a possible roost for a broader variety of bat species. This is because some bat species rely on these features to navigate between their roosting site and feeding grounds, as well as to avoid flying in open or exposed areas.

Monitoring

Bats and their roosts are protected by law from disturbance and destruction. As a result, only a licensed bat worker can thoroughly inspect the Rocketbox for bat use. Anyone, however, should look for signs of bat activity. This involves bat droppings on the plinth and surrounding walls, as well as bats flying away at dusk.