Squirrel Box DIY: Plans for Every Backyard

Are you tired of squirrels raiding your bird feeders? Tired of watching them steal your hard-earned birdseed? Then it's time to build your own squirrel box. Not only will it keep those pesky squirrels away, but it will also provide a safe and comfortable haven for them. And what could be better than a happy squirrel? A happy bird! And the best part? You can do it yourself, and it's actually pretty easy. Let's dive in!

Why Build a Squirrel Box?

While you may think you're building a squirrel box to keep them away from your bird feeders, there's more to it than just that. By providing a place for squirrels to live, you can help to reduce their impact on your yard. Squirrels often damage trees and gardens when they're looking for food. By providing them with a place to live, you can help to reduce the amount of damage they cause.

Not only that, but it also gives you a chance to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. You can observe their behavior and learn more about their lives. What do they eat? Where do they sleep? How do they raise their young? Building a squirrel box will be an amazing educational experience for you and your family.

Choosing a Location

Where you decide to place your squirrel box will make a huge difference. You want to choose a location that is safe, secure, and comfortable for the squirrel. Here are some things to think about:

Safety and Security

• Place the squirrel box at least 10 feet off the ground. This will help to keep the squirrels safe from predators and make it more difficult for them to be disturbed.
• Attach the squirrel box to a tree trunk or sturdy pole. Make sure that it is securely attached so that the squirrels won't be able to knock it down.
• You'll want to place it in a location where it gets adequate sunlight and shade. You don't want the squirrel box to get too hot or too cold. Squirrels will appreciate a location that's out of the direct elements.
• You can use a bird feeder as a guide. If you're trying to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder, place the squirrel box close by, but not right next to it. Squirrels will be drawn to the squirrel box before they get a chance to get to the bird feeder.

Comfort

You want to make sure your squirrel box is as comfortable as possible for the squirrel. Here are a few tips:

• Face the entrance of the squirrel box away from the prevailing winds to keep the squirrel cozy.
• Place the squirrel box in a location that is not too noisy. Squirrels are sensitive to noise and they may be disturbed by traffic, lawnmowers, or other loud noises. They'll appreciate a bit of peace and quiet!

Materials

You'll need a few basic materials to build your squirrel box. You can find them at most hardware stores. Here's a list:

• Wood: You can use any type of wood that you want to build your squirrel box, but cedar or redwood are good choices because they are naturally resistant to rot and insects.
• Screws: You'll need screws to attach the pieces of wood together. Make sure you use screws that are long enough to go all the way through the wood and into the tree or pole.
• Saw: You'll need a saw to cut the wood to size. A handsaw, circular saw, or jigsaw will work.
• Drill: You'll need a drill to pre-drill holes for the screws. This will help to prevent the wood from splitting when you screw it together. A drill also helps to make the entire process easier and less tiring.
• Measuring tape: You'll need a measuring tape to measure the wood and make sure that all of the pieces are the right size. A tape measure is always a handy tool to have in your DIY arsenal.
• Pencil: You'll need a pencil to mark the wood where you need to cut it and drill holes. A pencil will also help you make your project as precise as possible.

Instructions

Now that you have all of your materials, it's time to start building your squirrel box. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Cut the Wood

First, you'll need to cut the wood to size. If you are using a pre-made squirrel box kit, you can skip this step. You'll need to cut the wood to the following dimensions:

• Bottom: 12 inches wide by 12 inches long
• Sides: 12 inches high by 12 inches wide
• Front: 12 inches high by 12 inches wide
• Back: 12 inches high by 12 inches wide
• Roof: 12 inches wide by 12 inches long

Step 2: Assemble the Box

Now that you've cut the wood, it's time to put your squirrel box together. Use the screws to attach the bottom, sides, front, and back of the box together.

Step 3: Attach the Roof

Next, you'll need to attach the roof to the box. You can do this by using a hinge or by simply nailing it on. You'll want to make sure that the roof is secured to the box so that it won't fall off when the squirrel is inside. If you are using a hinge, be sure that it opens to allow the squirrel to get inside. If you are using a hinge, make sure to place it on the back of the box, as this will make it difficult for predators to access the inside. A squirrel box that is easy to get into is a safe squirrel box!

Step 4: Install the Entrance

You'll need to cut a 3-inch by 3-inch hole in the front of the squirrel box. This will be the squirrel's entrance. You can make the hole bigger or smaller, depending on the size of the squirrels in your area.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Once you've finished building the squirrel box, you can add some finishing touches. For example, you can paint the box to match your home's decor. You can also add some small branches or twigs to the inside of the box to give the squirrel something to climb on. To deter insects and make the box last longer, you can stain the box with a wood sealant. This will help to keep the wood from rotting and will also help to make the box more attractive to squirrels.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips for building a squirrel box that squirrels will love:

• Use high-quality wood: Using wood that is resistant to rot and insects will help to ensure that your squirrel box lasts for many years. Use cedar, redwood, or even treated lumber to keep your squirrel box in good shape.
• Make sure the entrance is the right size: The entrance should be big enough for the squirrels to get in and out easily but not so big that predators can get in. Squirrels typically can fit through an opening that is about 3-inches wide and 3-inches tall. You can experiment with different entrance hole sizes depending on the squirrels in your area. The squirrels will let you know if they like the size of the entrance. You can also make the entrance hole taller and narrower if you are concerned about larger predators.
• Don't forget to add bedding: Provide the squirrels with a soft place to nest. You can use shredded paper, straw, or even pine needles as bedding.

Conclusion

Building a squirrel box is a fun and rewarding project. It's a great way to help the squirrels in your area and to learn more about these fascinating creatures. So, grab your tools and get started on your squirrel box today. You'll be glad you did!