Using Light Lures to Improve Bat House Success Along Utility Rights-of-Way
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Installing bat houses along utility rights-of-way can seem like a natural fit, these open, linear corridors often provide ideal flyways for bats and can support abundant insect life. However, getting bats to actually use those structures is another story. Even with thoughtful placement and a variety of bat house designs, occupancy is never guaranteed.
Last year, EPRI, DuBois Environmental Consultants, and First Energy Corp installed bat houses along FirstEnergy rights-of-way, with multiple designs grouped together to increase the chances of success. To better understand how bats were interacting with these sites, acoustic monitoring devices were also deployed. The acoustic data confirmed that bats were actively using these corridors for foraging and movement, highlighting that the habitat itself was suitable.
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