How to Build a Squirrel House
To build a squirrel house, follow these simple instructions. Make sure to use lumber with at least one inch of thickness and make the entrance hole three inches in diameter. Place your house between 20 and 30 feet above the ground and close to a branch. Remember that gray tree squirrels have dichromatic vision and cannot distinguish red from green. You can make your house out of red-colored wood and paint it green, but the squirrels will never see the house.
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Plans prepared by Bob Albert
If you want to attract a squirrel to your backyard, you need to construct a squirrel house. These structures should be made from 1 inch lumber, with an entrance hole no more than three inches across. It’s best to place the houses 20 to 30 feet above the ground and on a tree with at least 10 inches in diameter. If you want the squirrels to come inside, you need to build a squirrel house close to a tree’s branches. The gray and fox squirrels both prefer to live in homes that are half a hundred yards inside of the woods.
Materials
To build a squirrel house, you will need all the materials you need. You should start with a board measuring 12″ by 12″. Cut out a hole in the middle of it, and then measure another 3 inches from the other side. Once you’ve cut out the hole, you’ll need to create a doorway for the squirrels to get in and out. The entrance hole should be three inches in diameter, and it should face the south.
Squirrel houses are similar to bird houses, but have a deeper chamber and provide nesting and storage space. This kind of house is made from inexpensive pine #2 boards, with a 1/2 inch plywood floor. Squirrels usually prefer cedar or redwood for their homes, because it repels ectoparasites, including fleas. Make sure the structure is securely attached to the tree.
Construction
The measurements for the squirrel house should be measured carefully. You do not want to build the house too big or too small. You should make sure the front panel of the house is at least one inch narrower than the back panel. Mark one edge with a measuring tape at 18 inches and the other with 17 inches, then cut the boards with a saw. Be sure to cut a straight line instead of cutting them too quickly. Next, cut a hole in the floor, which should be at least three inches deep.
The construction of a squirrel house is simple and can be done by a DIYer. The design fits standard plywood sizes. A roof is placed over the house, but it is not necessary. There are three holes for escape. To finish off the house, coat it with natural stain or lacquer. Once complete, the squirrel will enjoy its new home. It will live in it for years to come. The construction of a squirrel house is fun and rewarding for both the homeowner and the animal.
Roof slope
A squirrel house is a simple structure with a slanted roof and a back board. In warm regions, a squirrel house can be as simple as a box of water that hangs from a tree. Ensure that the roof slope is gentle enough for the squirrel to comfortably sit and perch. A cedar-finished house will discourage fleas and other ectoparasites. You can purchase a squirrel house kit and instructions to build one for your own home.
This design allows the main body of the squirrel house to be approximately 20 inches high. There is a back plate that extends above the main body to provide mounting points. A roof slope of approximately 12 1/2″ depth and 15″ wide covers the entrance hole. The design minimizes animal entry by making sure there are no gaps or crevices where squirrels can enter the house. If necessary, a pest control company can repair any damage to the roof and complete the entire installation.
Nesting accommodations
Squirrels need a nesting space to make their babies. This type of structure should be similar to a den, with openings that allow for ventilation. The nesting accommodations do not need to be mounted in trees, but should be located in an area that is secluded. Old leaves are the best nesting materials, but you can use a variety of soft and firm man-made materials. Materials should be firm enough to avoid catching the claws of the baby squirrels.
For the most effective squirrel house, you should use plywood or hardwood with an entrance hole approximately three inches wide. The hole in the center of the structure should face the east or south. Place the structure near a branch that is ten inches in diameter. This is the best location for the house. Gray squirrels prefer dens that are at least 50 yards inside a wooded area. Fox squirrels like dens that are on the outside of the woods.
What is the best time of year to build a squirrel house?
Answer: The best time of year to build a squirrel house is typically in the early fall months.
Where is the best location to build a squirrel house?
Answer: The best location to build a squirrel house is in a wooded area.
What kind of materials do you need to build a squirrel house?
Answer: The materials you need to build a squirrel house include: a wooden box straw sawdust and a piece of plywood for the roof.
How do you build a squirrel house?
Answer: To build a squirrel house first you need to make a wooden box.
Then fill the box with straw and sawdust.
Lastly put a piece of plywood on top for the roof.
What are some of the benefits of building a squirrel house?
Answer: Some benefits of building a squirrel house include: providing a safe place for squirrels to nest helping to control the squirrel population and providing food and shelter for other wildlife.
Are there any dangers of building a squirrel house?
Answer: One of the dangers of building a squirrel house is that it may attract other animals such as snakes and rats.
What are some other things to consider when building a squirrel house?
Answer: Other things to consider when building a squirrel house include: making sure the house is well-ventilated making sure the house is not too close to the ground and making sure the house is not too close to other trees.
What are some other uses for a squirrel house?
Answer: A squirrel house can also be used as a bird house.
How do you clean a squirrel house?
Answer: To clean a squirrel house you should remove the straw and sawdust and then wash the inside of the house with a mild soap and water solution.
How often should you clean a squirrel house?
Answer: You should clean a squirrel house every year.
How do you attract squirrels to a squirrel house?
Answer: You can attract squirrels to a squirrel house by putting a piece of corn or a nut on the roof of the house.
What should you do if you find a baby squirrel in your yard?
Answer: If you find a baby squirrel in your yard you should contact a wildlife rehabilitation center.
What should you do if you find an injured squirrel?
Answer: If you find an injured squirrel you should contact a wildlife rehabilitation center.
What should you do if you find a dead squirrel?
Answer: If you find a dead squirrel you should contact your local animal control.
What are some other ways to help squirrels?
Answer: Some other ways to help squirrels include: planting trees providing water sources and giving them space.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
