How to Build a Squirrel Den

Squirrels will add extra bedding to its nest box.

Many gardeners see squirrels as a pest, stealing seeds intended for the birds and chewing on plants. Although this is true, others encourage squirrels to nest in the garden. Although there is a possibility that squirrels naturally tend to inhabit gardens, setting up a nesting box or den up a tree points them in the right direction and may deter from nesting in an attic.

Things You'll Need

• Wood
• Saw
• Tape measure
• Drill
• Drill bit
• Butterfly drill bit
• Hammer
• Nails
• Wood sealant
• Paint brush
• Sandpaper
• Dry sawdust
• Leaves
• Hinges

Instructions

1. Collect a sheet of scrap lumber a 1/2-inch thick. Any wood is suitable, but manmade fibreboard should be avoided as squirrels like to chew through the material.

2. Cut out the wood to the following dimensions. The bottom of the den is 6 by 6 inches, the two sides and back 6 inches by 22 inches, the front 6 inches by 20 inches and the roof 6 inches by 8 inches.

3. Take the two sides and cut an angle from front to back so the front edge is now 20 inches and the back 22 inches.

4. Drill a 3-inch wide hole in the front piece in the center 2 inches from the top using a butterfly drill bit and a few small holes in the base with a regular drill bit for drainage.

5. Sand the wood to remove all splinters.

6. Arrange all the pieces to form the box and nail them together using the hammer. Pin nails are the best for this. Do not add the roof at this time.

7. Waterproof the wood using a non-toxic sealant so the wood does not deteriorate.

8. Fill the bottom of the den with dry sawdust and leaves.

9. Attach the roof so it overhangs the entrance hole. Nail in place or attach with hinges to easily take apart and clean later.

10. Nail the squirrel den between 10 and 30 feet up a tree.

References

• Missouri Department of Conservation: How to Build a Squirrel Den