Download the Super Duplex install manual here.
The ColonyCondo Super Duplex Bat House provides a large, long term bat sanctuary for large backyards, parks, long term mitigation, and wildlife management areas. Twin 4''x6'' treated posts (obtained locally) provide redundancy and strength against high winds and long term deterioration. The 7'' space between the posts is filled with hand-roughened roost baffles, and covered with robust fiber-cement. Our 5-Chamber ColonyCondo bat houses are added in a back-to-back configuration. All BCM bat houses feature rear pass-thrus allowing bats to move into various sized crevices in the middle of the structure, or switch between the front or back roost boxes to find their preferred microclimate. Front, rear, and side vents to reduce overheating. The BCM ColonyCondo Super Duplex may hold approximately ~750+ bats! This is the least expensive, easiest to construct solution that approaches the ~1000 bat capacity ideal for watchable wildlife installations. Designed and built in Pennsylvania, ships nationwide via UPS. Each ColonyCondo includes a 10 year warranty against the exterior cracking or splitting due to normal weathering.
Does it work? Bats often prefer roosting in larger structures, which can help buffer nighttime temperature extremes, as well as heat up faster in the morning. Biologists are considering multiple smaller bat house structures are better than one large "condo"-class structure. Multiple bat houses spread the bat colony out among many structures, providing a variety of isolated microclimate options. Multiple roosts offer bats parasite and predator avoidance options. Multiple smaller bat roosts allow bat families to break up and segregate as they see fit. If one structure is vandalized or collapses over time, the whole colony will not suddenly be at risk, but will occupy the other nearby structures until repairs made.
A Super Duplex in Pennsylvania was occupied when checked 12 days after installation. It is possible to install 3 or more Super Duplex configurations than one traditional large one-off "bat condo"-class structure. We no longer recommend building "super sized" bat condos; too many animals in one place.
Installation. The Super Duplex is a significant structure, but by far the easiest and least expensive of any artificial bat roost available of similar capacity. It is possible to assemble the mounts, put the posts in place, then add the bat houses and roof separately using ladders, scaffolding, or a lift machine. However, the entire assembly can be assembled on the ground on sawhorses. Four people may lift & push the Super Duplex while several pull or winch with a rope as the base slides into the holes. We typically lean the Super Duplex against a truck with an appropriate contractor ladder rack, or lean on the bucket of a front end loader/forklift, etc. to be pushed into place. Assembly can be as little as a few hours; we have built/installed 3 in a single day. BCM delivery, micro siting, and installation is available, please contact jchenger@batmanagement.com for a quote.
Which color bat house is best for you? Both dark brown and our tan color has been successful in mid-FL and TX. Definitely select a black or dark green or dark brown for most northern states and high elevations, or tan for warmer climates most of Florida and desert). Included with every bat house is a comprehensive manual, which will assist you with site determination, installation, and long-term maintenance tips.
The Super Duplex Bat Roost includes two resin-shelled bat houses, center baffle cluster, framing, roof, and ships with all hardware necessary for assembly.
What's Included?:
What's needed?
Bat house and installation overview can be seen in our online Learning Center section All About Bat Houses. Specific installation instructions included the Super Duplex manual.