If you live in a rural area (or near the forest) there may be squirrels around you. Therefore, if you want to protect your garden (or simply observe them) a good idea is to build a house for squirrels. Built correctly you will prevent them from destroying your plants, at the same time that you can feed them and offer them a refuge. Take note of the steps!
Gather all the tools
First, you will have to gather all the tools. You will need a saw, an electric screwdriver, and three to four dozen screws. Also, you will need a tape measure, pencil, paper and sandpaper.
Next, you will have to find the wood. If you have plywood (or scraps of wood at home that you will not need) you could use it in this project. In addition, the planks should be large enough , since you will have to build the floor, the walls of the house and the roof.
Construction of the walls
The key to building a good squirrel house is that the roof protrudes slightly. To achieve this, the front plank must be one or several centimeters shorter than the rest. Use the meter to mark 17 inches on one board and 18 inches on another board. After marking it, you should use the saw and cut the line evenly. Although these are the measurements of a standard house, you can make your house smaller.
Next, you will have to build the side walls. The sides should be the same width as the front and back panels. That is, they must measure 44 centimeters on one side and 45 centimeters on the other. The top of each board will be cut at an angle, using the tape measure to mark the correct measurements.
Again, take your time to make the saw cut as clean as possible. After cutting the wood, you should be able to see the planks flush with the front and back.
Create an entrance and place the walls
Now you will have to create an entrance for the squirrels. Take one of the side panels and measure between three and four inches from the side of the 18-inch plank. Basically, you are making a hole that is four inches in diameter. Also, you shouldn’t make a hole that is too big, as larger species could get into the squirrel house. Great care!
Next, you will have to join all the walls. Start by joining the front wall to a side wall, inserting four to seven screws. Then fix the side wall (which is already attached) to the rear wall. Use again the nails or tortillos that are necessary to fix it.
Lastly, attach the missing side wall. You will have to make a uniform slope, so that the back wall measures 45 centimeters and the front wall 44 centimeters.
Join the floor with the house
Now, you will have to use a wooden plank as a floor for the squirrel house. You can use a 30-centimeter plank on each side. To do this, you will only have to turn the house around and place the nails in each corner. If possible, use three to four screws or nails in each corner.
Fill the shed and put the roof on
Finally, you will only have to fill the house with a little moss, straw or any material that can serve as a bed. When you have filled the shed, you will need to use the remaining plank as a roof. Line up the edges and hold the boards while screwing in the ceiling. The squirrel house is already built!
