Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Cut the following pieces from an 8 foot piece of 1x10 lumber (actual dimensions 3/4 inch by 9 1/4 inches) using a circular saw; three 16 inch-long pieces for the two sides and the front of the house, one 22 inch-long piece for the back, one 12 inch-long piece for the roof and one 7 3/4 inch-long piece for the floor.
2

Drill four 1/4-inch holes in the floor piece for drainage. Drill two 1/4-inch holes near the top corners of the back piece (the 9 1/4 inch edge). These provide the hanging holes for the house.
3

Cut a 3-inch diameter hole into one of the side pieces using a jigsaw. The hole should be centered and 3 inches down from the top edge (9 1/4 inch edge.) Squirrels prefer the entrance on a side near the tree, but the hole can also be placed in the front.
4

Nail the four sides together using 1 1/2 inch galvanized nails, creating a tall, narrow box. The bottoms should be flush so the back piece protrudes above the others. The sides should be sandwiched between the front and back piece.
5

Nail the floor inside the bottom. It should fit snugly between the walls. Nail through the sides into the edges of the floor piece.
6

Attach the roof piece to the back piece using two small galvanized hinges and screws on top of the back edge. The roof should rest directly on the sides and protrude past the front of the house. The hinged top allows access for cleaning.
7

The squirrel house should be located about 20 to 30 feet above the ground on a tree at least 10 inches in diameter, near a branch for easy access. Carefully climb an extension ladder and attach the box to the tree with two galvanized lag screws and washers through the mounting holes at the top of the back piece. Screw lag bolts in with a socket wrench.