I just received a bat house for my birthday. I am trying to find the best place to mount it. Our cabin is just inside the woodline, and is only 1 1/2 stories. It could possibly be mounted in on the back of the cabin.
Another option is to mount it on one of the trees in our woods, but have heard that houses mounted on trees do not usually attract bats as well.
A third option is on a power pole. This is a new pole, and still has quite a bit of creosote coating it. If not for the creosote, I would think this would be the best place, but I am worried about the chemical.
From my experience the south or east side of your cabin with exposure to the sun would be best. Bats explore roof lines looking to find ways to get into the attic. Because of this they usually find bat houses mounted on buildings pretty quick.
The pole would be good too if it gets good sunlight.