A squirrel house is a purpose-built wooden nesting box that gives backyard squirrels a dry, insulated place to shelter from weather and predators and, in many cases, to raise their young. Think of it as a ready-made version of the natural tree cavity a squirrel would otherwise search for. If you have watched squirrels working your yard and wondered how to offer them a proper home, a squirrel house is the most direct way to turn a passing visitor into a long-term resident.
This guide covers what a squirrel house actually is, which species use them, how to choose the right one, and where and how high to mount it. We will also look at the honest trade-offs between a handcrafted ready-made habitat and building your own, so you can decide what fits your backyard and your weekend.
What is a squirrel house?
A squirrel house is an enclosed wooden box, usually built from cedar or another weather-resistant timber, with a side entry hole and an interior chamber sized for a squirrel to nest in. In the wild, tree squirrels shelter in two main ways: leafy outdoor nests called dreys, and cavities inside older or damaged trees. As mature trees with natural hollows become scarce in many gardens and newer neighborhoods, a well-made squirrel house steps in as a durable, weatherproof cavity that squirrels readily adopt.
A squirrel house is not the same thing as a squirrel feeder. A feeder offers food; a squirrel house offers shelter and a nesting site. Some designs, including combination hideout-and-feeder units, do both, but the two jobs are worth understanding separately. If you are weighing which one your yard needs first, our companion piece on the squirrel house vs. squirrel feeder question breaks down that decision in detail.
What makes a good squirrel house: a quick checklist
- Solid, untreated wood such as cedar, which resists rot and weather without chemical coatings.
- An interior chamber around 8 x 8 x 12 inches (20 x 20 x 30 cm) or larger, giving room for a squirrel and a litter.
- An entry hole roughly 3 inches (7.5 cm) across so adults fit comfortably while larger predators are discouraged.
- Drainage holes in the floor and ventilation near the top to keep the interior dry and healthy.
- A sloped, overhanging roof that sheds rain away from the entrance.
- Secure, tool-light assembly and mounting hardware so installation is achievable for any backyard host.
Who uses a squirrel house?
Different squirrels use backyard shelters in different ways, so it helps to know who you are likely hosting.
Grey squirrels
The eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the species most North American backyard hosts see. Greys are active by day, comfortable around people, and readily use nesting boxes as den sites, especially through colder months and when raising young. A standard squirrel house sized for greys suits most yards.
Red squirrels
Red squirrels are smaller, more territorial, and often favor coniferous cover. They will use nesting boxes too, and because they are more compact, a slightly smaller chamber and entry can suit them. In much of North America the American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is the one you may encounter; in Britain and parts of Europe the native red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a conservation priority, and thoughtful habitat can be part of supporting it.
Flying squirrels
Flying squirrels are nocturnal cavity specialists and enthusiastic box users. Because they are small and glide between trees, they prefer a higher mounting position and a modest entry hole. If you live near mature woodland and rarely see daytime squirrel activity, a flying squirrel may already be your most likely tenant.
How to choose a squirrel house
Choosing well comes down to a handful of practical factors. Get these right and the odds of the squirrel house being adopted rise considerably.
Size
Aim for an interior chamber of at least 8 x 8 x 12 inches (20 x 20 x 30 cm). Too small and a squirrel will not settle to raise young; too cavernous and it is harder for the animal to keep warm. A chamber in this range is a reliable middle ground for grey and red squirrels alike.
Material
Choose solid, untreated cedar or a comparable weather-resistant timber. Cedar naturally resists rot and holds up to seasons of rain and sun without chemical treatment, which keeps the interior safe for a nesting animal. Avoid thin plywood or anything coated with preservatives or paint on the inside.
Entry hole
An entry around 3 inches (7.5 cm) across lets adult squirrels in and out easily while making it harder for larger animals to reach the chamber. For a dedicated flying squirrel box, a slightly smaller hole is appropriate.
Drainage and ventilation
A dry interior is essential. Look for small drainage holes in the floor and ventilation gaps near the roofline. Together they let moisture escape and air move, which keeps bedding dry and the chamber comfortable through changing weather.
Where and how high to mount a squirrel house
Placement matters as much as the box itself. Mount a squirrel house securely to a tree trunk or a sturdy post, ideally 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 metres) above the ground. Higher placement offers squirrels a sense of safety from ground predators and matches the height at which they naturally seek cavities.
Face the entrance away from prevailing wind and driving rain, and choose a spot with some tree cover or shade nearby rather than full, exposed sun. Fix the box firmly so it does not sway; a stable home is far more attractive to a nesting squirrel. Once mounted, give it time. Adoption can take a season or more, and patience is part of backyard stewardship. If you want to make the whole yard more inviting in the meantime, our guide to how to attract squirrels to your backyard covers food, water, and cover.
Ready-made squirrel house vs. building your own
There are two honest routes to getting a squirrel house into your yard, and neither is wrong.
Building your own appeals if you enjoy a weekend project and already have tools and suitable timber. A DIY squirrel box is a rewarding build and a good way to involve children in backyard stewardship. The trade-off is time, sourcing rot-resistant wood, and getting the dimensions, drainage, and roof pitch right so the finished box actually performs.
A ready-made habitat takes the guesswork out. WildYard's Squirrel House – Hideout & Feeder is handcrafted from cedar with a sloped, overhanging roof, considered drainage, and an entry sized for squirrels, and it arrives ready for straightforward DIY assembly and mounting. It also combines a sheltered hideout with a feeding station, so a single install offers both shelter and food. If you would rather spend your weekend watching wildlife than measuring roof angles, a ready-made squirrel house is the accessible choice, with no expertise required.
Whichever route you take, the goal is the same: a dry, safe, well-placed home that turns your backyard into habitat. WildYard is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, and every squirrel house is one small, tangible way to nurture nature, one backyard at a time.
Frequently asked questions
What is a squirrel house?
A squirrel house is a purpose-built wooden nesting box, usually made from cedar, that gives squirrels a dry, insulated place to shelter and raise young. It replaces the natural tree cavity a squirrel would otherwise look for.
How high should a squirrel house be mounted?
Mount a squirrel house 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 metres) above the ground on a sturdy tree trunk or post, with the entrance turned away from prevailing wind and rain and some tree cover nearby.
What size should a squirrel house entry hole be?
An entry hole around 3 inches (7.5 cm) across suits adult grey and red squirrels while discouraging larger animals. A dedicated flying squirrel box can use a slightly smaller hole.
Is a squirrel house the same as a squirrel feeder?
No. A squirrel house provides shelter and a nesting site, while a feeder provides food. Some combination units, like a hideout-and-feeder, offer both. See our squirrel house vs. squirrel feeder guide for help deciding.
How long does it take for squirrels to use a new squirrel house?
Adoption can take anywhere from a few weeks to a full season or more. A well-placed, well-built box mounted in a quiet, sheltered spot gives squirrels the best reason to move in, so patience pays off.
