The box should also be in a sunny location, but away from bright lights at night. Bats need water, so bat boxes located within a quarter mile from a river, stream or pond have a better chance of attracting bats to their new home. Bats also need a clear flying zone to and from their houses, so trim back shrubs, limbs and foliage that would block or restrict a bat's movements, clearing a 15- to 20-foot diameter around the box.