Tiny Homes for the Bushy-Tailed: The Rise of Squirrel Boxes

For many years, squirrels have been viewed as a nuisance. They scavenge gardens, steal seeds from bird feeders, and sometimes find their way into houses. Despite their mischievous nature, the fact is that squirrels are an essential part of our ecosystem. Videos like this one from squirrel boxes are showing the world just how important these animals truly are. And, as a bonus, how cute they can be when humans provide a little help during the rough winter months. Squirrel boxes are gaining attention, slowly changing the fate of local squirrels. Here’s what you need to know about them, and how you can get one for your own yard.

What Is a Squirrel Box?

Squirrels are tenacious and determined, which is why many people don’t realize how often they’re preyed upon. These animals have many predators in the wild, including feral cats, big cats, canines, and even humans. When they skitter through our yards, we don’t often question what they’re running from. Or, more so, where they could be running to. A squirrel’s shelters consist of hollowed-out logs, tree trunks, branches, and sometimes a deck or porch opening. However, this doesn’t always save them from persistent predators, being hit by cars, or clever predators.

Squirrel boxes are specially designed boxes that can be hung from any tree. You can buy these premade, as seen in this video, as a means of providing much-needed shelter for a weary animal. These wooden boxes are eco-friendly and offer a warm place for squirrels to rest and sleep. The squirrel in the video, Emma, is a beloved favorite among fans. Viewers watch her via a trail cam that’s affixed inside the box! While not every box is camera-compatible, those that are allow owners to observe their local squirrels 24/7. Premade squirrel boxes range in price from $85 to $250, depending on their size and design. Larger boxes can accommodate multiple squirrels and are helpful during mating and rearing season.

You Can Easily Craft a Squirrel Box

If you’re handy with a hammer and some nails, you can build your own squirrel box. All it needs is four walls, a floor, a roof, and a small, circular opening big enough for a squirrel. However, it’s important to remember these things:

• Use untreated wood like cedar or pine (plastic and treated wood can be toxic)
• Angle the roof so that precipitation runs off, rather than pooling
• Drill small holes in the bottom to allow water to drain
• Rough up the walls around the entrance with sandpaper or add steps to help squirrels climb in and out
• Mount the box high enough that predators can’t reach it from the ground

A bonus tip is to build a box with a removable roof, allowing for easy cleaning. When you’re finished, you can add a trail camera to observe the squirrels who take residence in this new home. Any trail camera will do, as long as it can be affixed to the inside of the box. As long as it’s WiFi-compatible, you can stream footage straight from your own backyard. Most trail cams are small, but it’s essential to get one that suits the size of your specific box. Be sure to give the squirrels plenty of space inside so they won’t be bothered by the camera!

Letting Squirrels Know Your Box is Available

Squirrels are curious animals and will likely explore your box if it’s in their territory. However, you can help them along by leaving a bit of squirrel food at the entrance of the box. It’s not a habit to get into because they’ll learn to expect it, but it will help them locate your box initially. Food is also a good way to show that their new squirrel hotel is safe from predators. If they begin to associate this space with nuts or birdseed, they’ll be more inclined to visit.

You can also provide them with starter bedding. Squirrels typically make nests from leaves, moss, and any other soft or cushiony items they find in nature. Providing an all-natural bed for them can indicate that the space is meant for resting. In @squirrel_boxes’s video, Emma has already created her own nest and visits frequently to get some shut eye. Since squirrels sleep 14 to 15 hours a day, snoozing accounts for a significant portion of their time. Your local squirrels will cozy up in no time!