Most garden enthusiasts may not appreciate squirrels. However,you can protect your garden by building them a sanctioned area.
Building a squirrel home is a fun project for the family during those raining seasons in the winter or fall.
It’s the same thought process that goes into making a tank for hermit crabs — a fun pet to keep if you ask me.
Here are 6 Steps to Build a Squirrel House:
Step #1. Gather your tools
Step #2. Gather the wooden boards
Step #3. Measure and cut the front and back panels
Step #4. Create the side walls
Step #5. Create a doorway
Step #6. Attach the walls
Building the squirrel house can be even easier when youhave a unique plan and assembly instructions.
Designing the squirrel house does not make them pets. This might be different from hermit crabs or other uncommon pets which you may decide to keep.
Squirrels may cause nasty injuries using their sharp teeth as well as the long and sharp toes.
You can only provide storage and nesting room for the squirrels to assist with the local squirrel population. This post will take you through the entire process or simply watch the video below to learn how to build a squirrel house.
But first, let’s talk about the various designs you canadopt.
4 Squirrel house designs
1. Squirrel den
The squirrel den is suitable for the squirrel family. If you are building a squirrel den, you have to create three rectangular shaped structures.
Mother and father will live together until little ones are born. This is typical of cat pets that tend to live in most cases.
The mother squirrel will chase away the father squirrelto care for the little ones.
After the little squirrels are old enough, they will moveto the third den while the mother and father squirrel will resume theirlifestyle.
Place the squirrel den close to a tree trunk forsquirrels to access easily.
Include the interior steps on top and bottom of thestructure to provide natural movement options. A storage area is also necessaryfor keeping nuts and food.
2. Squirrel nesting house
The squirrel nesting house will accommodate the newbornsquirrels until they are old enough to live on their own. The mother squirrellives with the little ones in the nesting house.
The nesting home should have adequate ventilation and beplaced in a south facing position against the strong wind and precipitation.
Also, ensure the nesting house is mounted in a hiddenplace away from predators and rough weather.
3. Feeder and nesting box combined
The feeder and nesting box will provide a convenientplace for the squirrels to feed and provide room for the little one to grow.This structural design will also protect the squirrels from predators.
You can stock the squirrel natural products such as corns or other commercial supplies recommended for squirrels.
You will enjoy watching the squirrels play and scamper about the feeder and nester box.
Squirrel house features
Building a squirrel house has more than just the basicconstruction. Adding features that will make the house a good place for thesquirrel is mandatory.
1. Squirrel door
The ideal measurement for the squirrel door is about 3 inches wide. Create plenty of space for the squirrel to move in and out.
Remember to keep the door inaccessible to potential predators like the raccoons or hawks that might scare away the squirrels.
2. Squirrel entryway
Right inside the squirrel door, you should install ashelf to prevent the predators from reaching through.
The shelf right under the entrance will block the raccoonarms and provide a safer nest for both the squirrel mother and the little ones.
3. Squirrel stairs
Squirrels are good at climbing.
However, there is a need to build stairs along the smooth boards you use while constructing the squirrel house. The stairs will help squirrels to move up and down easily.
You can attach ladder pieces at the back to help squirrelsaccess the shelf at the entrance.
4. Squirrel cleaning and drainage
Ensure the roof is slanted to divert the rain that mightwet inside the squirrel house. Instead of a mesh bottom that will probably makethe squirrel house cold, you can drill drainage holes.
The above features will constitute a perfect house forthe squirrels.
You can consider designing each feature to maximizesafety and provide a convenient living environment for the squirrels.
Materials for building squirrel house anddescriptions
Once you are knowledgeable of the right squirrel housedesign and incorporate features, you need to gather your tools.
You need these materials:
- Wood boards
- Wood brackets
- Wood glue
- Drill bit
- Jigsaw,
- A mansion jar
- At least 4 dozen screws.
Cut the wooden boards with right measurements and assemble every piece correctly.
Use a measuring tape, pencil, and paper to draw a skeleton of the entire structure. Accuracy is the key to constructing a perfect home for the squirrels.
Select the right type of wood that will not be affectedby harsh weather or destroyed easily by predators.
You can use pine or other types that are not toxic. Usewaterproof sealants to fill cracks to enhance a dry interior.
Howto build squirrel house: Steps for constructing the squirrel house
Step #1: Gather your tools
Check to ensure you have all your tools so that you canfocus on the construction project.
You may notrequire anything too elaborate to build the squirrel house, but keep everythingreachable to your hands.
Step #2: Gather the wooden boards
Choose the best wood type that will work fine with yourproject. Scrap lumber or pine will be perfect. Avoid the plywood because it iseasy for the squirrels to damage while playing or moving up and down.
The boards will be used to build the floor, overhand andthe roof. Gather additional wood in ca you make errors.
Step #3: Measure and cut the front and back panels
To ensure the roof overhangs slightly to the front, cutthe front board an inch shorter than the backboard. This is the key to a goodsquirrel home.
Use your tape to make accurate measurements. Use yourpencil to draw lines and cutting points across the boards.
Take time sawing with accuracy and make an even fashionfor the squirrel house. Do not make the boards too big, the squirrels like acompact space.
Step #4: Create the side walls
Make the side walls with a width similar to the front andback board panels.
The side walls may require an advanced cut, o payattention to the measurements.
Draw lines to mark connections and use a ruler to makesure you get perfect cuts. You should be able to make panels that align theback and front board panels.
Step #5: Create a doorway
The squirrel house should have a small door for the squirrels to use. The entrance should have a diameter close to three inches.
Only squirrels should be able to go through while blocking potential predators like hawks.
Step #6: Attach the walls
Once you are done with measuring and cutting the boards,start aligning them using your hands.
Make sure all ends connect perfectly. If the walls fitcorrectly, begin attaching them in an orderly manner using screws and woodglue.
Use the waterproof sealants to cover and seal cracks inany of corners. Take your time aligning the structure to ensure you do notdamage it while correcting your errors.
Conclusion
I’m excited because my Squirrel house and boxes have been built and installed.
Even though I don’t have the right pictures or any pictures to show you, it’ll be up next week before the squirrel eviction takes effect.
However, if you really are serious with the process ofinstalling it, my husband has decided to use galvanized steel plate screwedinto the top and affix to the tree with lag screws.
One thing we’ll do is fill it with some dry leaves to helpthe squirrels begin a new life on their nest – I’m sure they can draw in someleads beneath all the snow.
I’m expecting to see how they move in! Trust me, this squirrel house seems like apretty good place to live, so many someone would love to spend a night there.Just kidding!