In this video, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor meets with general contractor Tom Silva and landscape contractor Jenn Nawada to talk about bats and how beneficial they are. Then Tom and Kevin build a bat house.

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One of the best ways to support bats is to hang a bat house in your backyard. They give bats safe places to stay during the day while allowing them to move freely. Kevin O’Connor meets with general contractor Tom Silva and landscape contractor Jenn Nawada to talk about how beneficial bats are, and then Tom shows Kevin how to build a bat house to encourage these flying friends to nest.

Where to find it?
For the building materials, Tom has chosen 3/4” exterior grade CDX plywood [https://homedepot.sjv.io/LX6xLY] and 2x4 cedar board [https://homedepot.sjv.io/eKzr0z].

To cut the cedar board, Tom uses a miter saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/KjNNMx]. He then uses a track saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/0ZqxaJ] to make all the other measurement cuts on the CDX plywood. To give the bats a better area to grip, Tom uses the track saw to cut a few rows of grooves on the bottom of the back piece.

To assemble the bat house, Tom secures the pieces with caulking adhesive [https://homedepot.sjv.io/LXkg2M] and exterior grade pocket screws [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Mm5DMq]. He then uses a drill bit [https://homedepot.sjv.io/NkLQa2] to create venting holes, allowing better airflow. For the finishing touch, Kevin and Tom paint the bat house with an exterior grade water-based black paint [https://homedepot.sjv.io/MmODeo].

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Materials:
Bat house plans [https://amzn.to/4djyZBz]
Cedar or untreated 2x4 [https://homedepot.sjv.io/eKzr0z]
Non-treated CDX plywood [https://homedepot.sjv.io/LX6xLY]
Caulk [https://homedepot.sjv.io/LXkg2M]
Exterior grade pocket screws [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Mm5DMq]
Water-based paint [https://homedepot.sjv.io/MmODeo]

Note: It’s important to use wood that has not been treated with chemicals. CDX plywood can be difficult to find untreated, so consider using another rougher plywood if you’re unable to find it. BC plywood will typically do the trick.

Tools:
Tape measure [https://homedepot.sjv.io/rQEBXy]
Miter saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/KjNNMx]
Track saw or table saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/0ZqxaJ]
Power drill [https://homedepot.sjv.io/R50Wna]
3/4 inch drill bit [https://homedepot.sjv.io/NkLQa2]

Build It:
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, and special guests including Jimmy DiResta, take you through step-by-step DIY projects in this popular video series. From end-tables to cutting boards to wine racks to chicken coops and more, learn how to build from the best pros in the game. Segments include mention of all tools and materials needed to get the job done.

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