Building a squirrel house is a great way to provide a safe and secure shelter for squirrels, whether you’re interested in helping local wildlife or simply providing a cozy home for the little creatures in your yard. However, squirrels face threats from predators, such as hawks, owls, and other animals. Adding a predator guard to your squirrel house is an important step in ensuring their safety. This guide will walk you through how to build a squirrel house with a predator guard.

Why Build a Squirrel House with a Predator Guard?

Squirrels are vulnerable to various predators that may try to reach them while they’re in their nests. A predator guard is a protective feature that helps keep predators at bay, ensuring that the squirrels are safe from harm. These guards are typically placed around the entrance of the house to make it harder for predators to get inside.

Building a squirrel house with a predator guard offers several benefits:

• Protection from Predators: A predator guard can prevent animals like raccoons, cats, and birds of prey from accessing the squirrel’s home.
• Safety for Baby Squirrels: If the squirrel house is used for nesting, especially by mothers with babies, the guard helps keep the young squirrels safe.
• Encourages Nesting: With a predator guard in place, squirrels are more likely to use the house for shelter or breeding.

Materials You’ll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let's gather the materials you’ll need to build a squirrel house with a predator guard:

For the Squirrel House:

• Wood (cedar or pine are ideal for outdoor use)
• Nails or screws
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper
• Hinges (if you plan to have a removable roof)
• Drill and saw
• Paint or sealant (optional for weatherproofing)

For the Predator Guard:

• Metal mesh or hardware cloth (with small holes to prevent predators from getting inside)
• Zip ties or screws
• A piece of sturdy metal or wood for the guard ring (optional)
• A pair of scissors or wire cutters (for cutting the metal mesh)

Step-by-Step Guide to Building the Squirrel House with a Predator Guard

Step 1: Design Your Squirrel House

Start by designing your squirrel house. It should have enough space for squirrels to comfortably fit and build a nest. The dimensions will vary based on your location and the size of squirrels in your area. Here are some typical dimensions:

• Height: 10-12 inches
• Width: 8-10 inches
• Depth: 8-10 inches
• Entrance Hole: 3-4 inches in diameter (enough for squirrels to enter and exit easily but small enough to keep larger predators out)

Make sure the house has an opening at the front for entry and ventilation holes at the back or sides to ensure proper airflow.

Step 2: Cut and Prepare the Wood

Using your design as a guide, cut the wood pieces for the squirrel house. You will need:

• Two pieces for the front and back panels
• Two pieces for the sides
• One piece for the roof (make sure it’s slanted to prevent water from collecting)
• One piece for the bottom panel

Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges to avoid injuries to the squirrels.

Step 3: Assemble the Squirrel House

Now that all the pieces are cut, start assembling the house:

1. Attach the sides to the back panel, then attach the front panel to the sides.
2. Secure the roof to the top of the house, ensuring that it is either hinged or removable for cleaning purposes.
3. Drill a 3-4 inch hole in the front panel for the entrance.
4. If you want to provide a clean-out door for easy access, attach a hinged flap on the roof or side of the house.

Step 4: Attach the Predator Guard

Once the house is built, it's time to add the predator guard around the entrance hole. This is crucial for protecting the squirrels from predators. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Metal Mesh: Take a piece of metal mesh or hardware cloth and cut it into a circle or ring shape. The size of the ring should be large enough to cover the entire entrance hole with a few extra inches to extend around the house’s exterior.
2. Position the Guard: Position the predator guard around the entrance hole, ensuring that it fully encircles the hole and leaves no gaps. The metal mesh should be placed flush against the wood of the house so that predators can't slip through any cracks.
3. Secure the Guard: Use zip ties, screws, or nails to attach the predator guard securely to the front of the house. Make sure the guard is tightly fastened, but ensure that there is still enough space for squirrels to enter comfortably.
4. Check the Opening: Ensure that the entrance hole remains clear and easily accessible for squirrels. The guard should be placed far enough out from the entrance to prevent predators from reaching the squirrels inside, but close enough to the hole to deter them from attempting to reach it.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

To make the squirrel house even more inviting:

• Weatherproof the House: You can paint or seal the outside of the house to protect it from the elements. Use a non-toxic, outdoor-friendly paint or sealant to ensure it’s safe for the squirrels.
• Add Bedding: Place soft bedding materials like straw or wood shavings inside the house to make it cozy for squirrels. If you’re building the house during the colder months, providing insulation inside the house can help keep the squirrels warm.

Step 6: Mount the Squirrel House

Choose a location that is away from other potential predators such as domestic pets. Here are some tips for mounting the squirrel house:

• Height: Mount the house at least 10-12 feet off the ground on a tree, pole, or sturdy structure to protect it from predators like raccoons and cats.
• Mounting Angle: Install the house in a way that the entrance hole faces outward, not toward the trunk of a tree, to make it more difficult for predators to reach.
• Predator Guard Maintenance: Check the predator guard regularly to ensure it hasn’t been damaged or dislodged by weather or wildlife.

Conclusion: How to Build a Squirrel House with a Predator Guard

Building a squirrel house with a predator guard is an excellent way to provide shelter and safety for local squirrels, while protecting them from the dangers posed by predators. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a cozy, secure home for squirrels to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to help local wildlife or simply add some charm to your yard, a well-designed squirrel house with a predator guard can provide lasting benefits. Remember to monitor the house regularly to ensure it stays in good condition and remains a safe haven for squirrels.