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Box parts.
These pre-cut peices comprise a Five Chamber BCM Bat House:
1. INSPECT FRONT, BACK,
and each BAFFLE
Lay out all materials and inspect the roughened sides of each
BAFFLE, FRONT, and BACK. These surfaces have already been roughened
to give bats footholds inside the box. These scratch marks should
be no more than 0.25'' apart. Young bats need as many footholds
as possible, so use a utility knife to add more scratches on any
area which seems neglected. More footholds in the box will make
it easier for bats to use the site, which in turn increases the
likelihood they will use the box for years to come. NEVER USE
A SAW to roughen baffles, as this will cause the plywood to delaminate.
2 ATTACH FRONT to SIDES
Stand the two SIDES up on a workbench along the edge containing
the vents. Apply a bead of caulk to the front edge of one SIDE
and attach the box FRONT with six screws. The sloping edge of
the SIDE should match the sloping edge at the top lip of the FRONT.
With one SIDE securely attached, caulk the remaining SIDE and
attach with six additional screws. Excess caulk should have squeezed
from the joint between the FRONT and the SIDES, assuring a good
seal. Wipe off excess caulk from edges.
3. ATTACH BACK
Caulk back edge of SIDES, but do not caulk the vents. Lay the
BACK on to the sides, roughened side in. The top edge of the BACK
should extend 2'' beyond the top of the SIDES. This will form
an important lip which will be used to mount the finished box
to a pole or structure. Securely attach ONE SIDE to the BACK using
eight screws. Due to minor warping of the wood, the unattached
SIDE may not be aligned with the BACK. Manually align the remaining
SIDE to the BACK as best as possible without breaking off the
SIDE and install the remaining screws.
Extra sealant oozing from the joints is exactly what should happen to ensure a good seal. Wipe off excess caulk from edges.
4. INSTALL rear ROOF STRIP
Center the ROOF STRIP on the inside of the BACK, about two inches
from the top of box BACK. Align the angled edge of the ROOF STRIP
with the angled top edge of the SIDES. Place a straightedge across
the top of the SIDES along the BACK. Draw a line across the back
and then use this as a guide when placing the roof strip. Once
the position of the screws is found, use a tape measure to assure
screws are even. Attach with three screws from the back of the
BACK. This is the most difficult part of the assembly and some
care is needed to insure a flat roof assembly and an airtight
seal.
5. INSTALL front ROOF STRIP
to FRONT
Center and align a ROOF STRIP along the inside top edge of the
FRONT. Make sure the beveled edge of the ROOF STRIP matches the
beveled edges of the SIDES and FRONT. Attach with three screws
from the front of the FRONT.
6. ATTACH ROOF
Apply a bead of caulk to top of SIDES, FRONT, two ROOF STRIPS,
and angled back edge of ROOF. Lay ROOF in position and attach
with three screws into each the back and the front. By angling
the back screws, the BACK can be "pulled into" the ROOF
forming a tight seal. If too much angle is applied screws will
poke out the BACK. Cut off screws using a rotary tool or wire
cutters and dab caulk on the screw ends to prevent corrosion.
Two additional screws should be placed through the ROOF and into
each SIDE. Wipe off excess caulk from edges.
7. INSPECT SEAMS
Caulk back of roof top where it butts against the BACK and smooth
with a damp towel. Inspect all seams and add caulk if necessary.
Top of box MUST be airtight to hold morning heat.
8. ROUGHEN EXTERIOR
Use the utility knife to roughen around each of the vents as some
bats will use the vents as entrances. Also roughen the interior
bottom of each SIDE, as bats will use the sides to enter the box.
Lastly, the landing plate itself needs to be severely roughened
in case the screening (to be installed during step 11) should
ever fall off. If the screening is ever lost, DO NOT replace with
aluminum screen. Bat excrement reacts to aluminum and the result
is poisonous to bats.
9. APPLY STAIN
Apply two or three coats of black stain to exterior of entire
box including the landing plate.
10. FINISH ROOF
Apply thin bead of caulk around roof edges, and form an "X"
pattern on ROOF to serve as glue. Lay the roofing material on
ROOF, black side up. Staple in place, then caulk all exposed staples.
Apply a final bead of caulk along top of roofing material where
the roofing material meets the BACK. Check all edges and seams
and add additional caulk if necessary.
11. FINISH LANDING PLATE
Place fiberglass screening over landing plate and staple securely.
Normally about 20 staples are used all over the screen. Trim excess
with utility knife once screen is securely fastened. Coat the
staples with black stain.
12. INSTALL BAFFLES
Slide baffles into grooves in the SIDES. If the baffles are too
tight, lightly sand the baffle edge until a fit is achieved. Secure
the each baffle with one screw in each SIDE. Bats would rather
be left in the dark. To help cut down excess stray light from
entering the box, use the black spray paint to darken the bottom
of the baffles. DO NOT paint the entire baffle, only the bottom
few inches is necessary. The box is now complete, but must be
placed properly to attract
bats.
Note: more detailed plans and instructions are included in actual kits.