Squirrel Proof Birdhouse How To - DIY Project

Have big holes in a birdhouse? Here's how to make a squirrel proof birdhouse or repair an existing one. Early spring means its time for birdhouse repair in our yard. The yard is dotted with birdhouses made from our how to make a birdhouse video, and some of them have had squirrels chew open the entrances. Here's how to make a damaged birdhouse squirrel proof and build new ones that will thwart squirrels. Its pretty simple.

Squirrels like birdhouses for the same reasons birds do, they are nice dry places to raise young, and squirrels need a winter home as well. The problem with wood birdhouses is squirrels can easily chew open the entrances. Most of my birdhouses are built for small birds like chickadees, and one would think a squirrel would realize that birdhouse is too small, but they rip open the entrance anyway. See our easy birdhouse plans video here.

Once it has a big hole, birds don't like it, as the large hole makes it easy for predators to rob their nest.

I've seen a number of squirrel proof birdhouse solutions, this one I've adopted is the simplest, and works well in my yard.

Pick up a roll of thin metal flashing in the roofing department of your hardware store. Our store sells a roll that is painted brown on one side, white on the other. This is great, as the brown blends in with the wood tone of the birdhouse. You can also use scrap sheet metal you have in the shop - use what you got - but the thinner flashing is easier to deal with. This stuff is handy to have on hand for all sorts of repairs.

You can use it for a DIY exhaust or muffler repair.

 

You will drill a hole in the metal flashing that is the same diameter as the entrance of the birdhouse. I use a hole saw, which is an add name for a drill bit, but it is what it is. Pick up a hole saw kit here,  they are handy to have. Don't use a spade bit on metal, you will ruin the bit. If doing a repair, the hole diameter should also match the original hole, you can find a link to birdhouse plans and proper hole diameters here.

I used small brad nails to attach the metal to the birdhouse, the flashing is thin enough to nail through. If you are  using sheet metal, you'll need to drill some holes for the nails or screws.

Be careful when handling metal, it can cut you, and wear safety goggles when drilling the hole.