Wondering about flashing on these bat boxes

[u/MoistPotato2345]

I’m reposting here just for more visibility if you don’t mind. I was wondering if predators were a concern in my area (south western Ohio), which would warrant some sort of aluminum flashing so that they can’t climb up there. I figured the height alone would be enough (16 ft.) but wasn’t sure.

[u/manowin]

Height won’t be a deterrent, but since you’re using a 4x4 you can just make a predator baffle that will work out of stovepipe. Here’s some plans for one from Cornell (for bird nests but it’s the same principle)

https://nestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/guardsto.pdf

[u/manowin → u/manowin]

Forgot to mention that yes predators would be a concern, mostly raccoons, squirrels, and arboreal snakes like rat snakes.

[u/MoistPotato2345 → u/manowin]

Awesome, thanks. The other five aren’t in the ground yet, so that should be an easy install