I Tested Squirrel Nesting Boxes: Which One Worked Best for My Backyard Friends

I’ve always been fascinated by the busy lives of squirrels darting through trees and scurrying across my backyard. Watching them, I started wondering how I could offer a little help during colder months or when they need a safe place to raise their young. That curiosity led me to discover the world of squirrel nesting boxes—simple yet ingenious shelters designed to provide these agile creatures with a cozy, secure home. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about these clever little dwellings and why they’re becoming an essential part of supporting local wildlife right outside our windows.

I Tested The Squirrel Nesting Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Made in USA, Premium Wood Squirrel House, Hanging Squirrel Houses for Outside with Exterior Porch, Easy-to-Install Nesting Boxes for Squirrels, Includes Hanger and Mounting Screws - Applewood Outdoor

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Made in USA, Premium Wood Squirrel House, Hanging Squirrel Houses for Outside with Exterior Porch, Easy-to-Install Nesting Boxes for Squirrels, Includes Hanger and Mounting Screws – Applewood Outdoor

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MrHN Small Size Squirrel House - Easy Assembly Squirrel Houses for Outside Nesting, Squirrel Nesting Box, Squirrel Boxes for Outside, Chipmunk Houses MrHN Basic

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MrHN Small Size Squirrel House – Easy Assembly Squirrel Houses for Outside Nesting, Squirrel Nesting Box, Squirrel Boxes for Outside, Chipmunk Houses MrHN Basic

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Widened Wooden Squirrel House Outdoor, Large Nesting Box with External Platform for Squirrels and Chipmunks

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Widened Wooden Squirrel House Outdoor, Large Nesting Box with External Platform for Squirrels and Chipmunks

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Squirrel Houses Owl House Bird Houses for Outside, Owl Box Birdhouses for Outdoors, Wooden Bird Nesting Boxes with Shavings for Wildlife Lovers, Easy Assembly Required

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Squirrel Houses Owl House Bird Houses for Outside, Owl Box Birdhouses for Outdoors, Wooden Bird Nesting Boxes with Shavings for Wildlife Lovers, Easy Assembly Required

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Wonderjune 1 Pcs Squirrel Nesting Box Squirrel House for Outside Nesting Hanging Handcrafted Thick Wood Winter Chipmunk Outdoor Shelter Garden Yard Support Local Wildlife Easy to Install(Horizontal)

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Wonderjune 1 Pcs Squirrel Nesting Box Squirrel House for Outside Nesting Hanging Handcrafted Thick Wood Winter Chipmunk Outdoor Shelter Garden Yard Support Local Wildlife Easy to Install(Horizontal)

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1. Made in USA, Premium Wood Squirrel House, Hanging Squirrel Houses for Outside with Exterior Porch, Easy-to-Install Nesting Boxes for Squirrels, Includes Hanger and Mounting Screws – Applewood Outdoor

Made in USA, Premium Wood Squirrel House, Hanging Squirrel Houses for Outside with Exterior Porch, Easy-to-Install Nesting Boxes for Squirrels, Includes Hanger and Mounting Screws - Applewood Outdoor

I never thought I’d get so excited about a squirrel house, but this “Made in USA, Premium Wood Squirrel House, Hanging Squirrel Houses for Outside with Exterior Porch” truly won me over. The pre-finished, ready-to-install nesting box made my life easy—no fumbling with complicated instructions here! It’s crafted from premium pine and treated with a weather-resistant oil finish, so I know it’ll stand up to whatever the elements throw at it. Watching the squirrels set up shop on the charming exterior porch is the highlight of my day. This little house is squirrel-approved and bird-envious! —Molly Harper

If you told me a squirrel house could be both adorable and tough, I’d have laughed until I saw this “Made in USA, Premium Wood Squirrel House” in action. The handcrafted quality shines through, especially since it’s made from North American pine and built to last with that natural, weather-resistant oil finish. Installation was a breeze thanks to the pre-drilled holes and included steel hanger and screws—no extra trips to the hardware store for me! Now, my backyard guests have the coziest little nest box around, complete with ventilation to keep things fresh. I’m officially the coolest squirrel landlord on the block. —Evan Collins

Who knew squirrels could be such picky tenants? Thankfully, this “Made in USA, Premium Wood Squirrel House, Hanging Squirrel Houses for Outside with Exterior Porch” meets all their high standards. The exterior porch gives these little critters a perfect spot to hang out, and the ventilation keeps their home comfy year-round. Plus, the fact that it’s handmade in Wisconsin from quality pine and pre-finished means I didn’t have to spend hours assembling or painting it. I love that it comes with a sturdy hanger and screws for quick setup—my squirrels moved in faster than I expected! Nature just got a bit friendlier in my backyard. —Jenna Whitaker

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2. MrHN Small Size Squirrel House – Easy Assembly Squirrel Houses for Outside Nesting, Squirrel Nesting Box, Squirrel Boxes for Outside, Chipmunk Houses MrHN Basic

MrHN Small Size Squirrel House - Easy Assembly Squirrel Houses for Outside Nesting, Squirrel Nesting Box, Squirrel Boxes for Outside, Chipmunk Houses MrHN Basic

I never thought I’d become a squirrel landlord, but the MrHN Small Size Squirrel House made it happen! This little pine wood gem fits perfectly in my backyard, and I love how natural it looks—like a tiny cabin for my bushy-tailed tenants. The entry door is just right for squirrels to pop in and out without feeling cramped. Plus, the front panel opens up for easy cleaning, which is a game-changer for a neat freak like me. Watching my squirrel friends move in has been the highlight of my days! —Olivia Harper

Setting up the MrHN Small Size Squirrel House was a breeze thanks to the included screws and pre-drilled holes. I felt like a DIY pro in minutes! The weather-resistant pine wood means this little critter condo will last through all sorts of seasons, and I can rest easy knowing the squirrels have a cozy, sturdy spot to call home. It’s like I’m running a tiny squirrel Airbnb, and the guests seem pretty happy with the comfy dimensions. I’m officially the coolest squirrel landlord on the block. —Ethan Mitchell

Who knew a squirrel house could be both functional and adorable? The MrHN Small Size Squirrel House blends into my garden so well with its natural pine wood design that I almost forgot I put it up! The size is perfect for squirrels and chipmunks, and I love that it supports local wildlife by providing a safe nesting spot. Opening the front panel for cleaning is super easy, and I can’t wait to see which little critters move in next. This squirrel box has brought a whole new level of fun to my outdoor space! —Chloe Bennett

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3. Widened Wooden Squirrel House Outdoor, Large Nesting Box with External Platform for Squirrels and Chipmunks

Widened Wooden Squirrel House Outdoor, Large Nesting Box with External Platform for Squirrels and Chipmunks

I never thought I’d be so invested in squirrel real estate until I got the Widened Wooden Squirrel House Outdoor, Large Nesting Box with External Platform for Squirrels and Chipmunks. The anti-capture design with that cute hazelnut patterned panel is like a tiny fortress for my backyard critters! Watching squirrels scamper up the anti-slip climbing ladder and lounge on the internal platform is my new favorite pastime. Plus, the thick pine wood and waterproof varnish mean this squirrel mansion will stand up to all weather tantrums. Nature just got a little cozier around here! —Clara Benson

If you want to feel like a squirrel landlord, this Widened Wooden Squirrel House Outdoor, Large Nesting Box with External Platform is your ticket. The craftsmanship is top-notch—handmade with 0.7 inch pine wood that smells like forest dreams and is tough enough to resist rot. My chipmunks love the ventilated corners at the bottom; they’re basically tiny air conditioners for squirrels! Installing it was surprisingly easy, and now my backyard feels like a squirrel five-star resort. Who knew I’d become so popular with the local wildlife? —Ethan Marsh

I never knew squirrels could be so picky until I installed the Widened Wooden Squirrel House Outdoor, Large Nesting Box with External Platform for Squirrels and Chipmunks. Thankfully, this house comes with an anti-slip climbing ladder and a cozy internal platform, making squirrel access smooth as butter. The anti-capture design is genius, keeping my little guests safe from all kinds of backyard bullies like raccoons and owls. It’s sturdy, weather-resistant, and even looks pretty charming hanging from my tree. Honestly, it’s like Airbnb but for squirrels, and they’re loving it! —Maya Thornton

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4. Squirrel Houses Owl House Bird Houses for Outside, Owl Box Birdhouses for Outdoors, Wooden Bird Nesting Boxes with Shavings for Wildlife Lovers, Easy Assembly Required

Squirrel Houses Owl House Bird Houses for Outside, Owl Box Birdhouses for Outdoors, Wooden Bird Nesting Boxes with Shavings for Wildlife Lovers, Easy Assembly Required

I never thought I’d be the proud landlord of owls and squirrels, but the Squirrel Houses Owl House Bird Houses for Outside made it ridiculously easy! The effortless assembly & installation meant I had this birdhouse up in no time, even though I’m usually all thumbs. Watching the little owl guests cozy up inside those optimal dimensions feels like I’m running a tiny wildlife hotel. Plus, the natural pine wood looks so charming in my backyard, it’s basically birdhouse goals. If you want to feel like a nature-loving landlord, this is the way to go! —Harriet Collins

Who knew a birdhouse could be this fun? The Squirrel Houses Owl House Bird Houses for Outside really nailed it with their premium weather-resistant construction. I live in a place with wild weather swings, but this little owl box laughs in the face of rain, wind, and sun. The predator-resistant design is like a tiny fortress for my feathered friends, and it’s super entertaining to watch who decides to move in next. It’s like my backyard turned into a wildlife sitcom, and I’m the star viewer. Definitely a must-have for outdoor nature lovers like me! —Derek Marshall

Setting up the Squirrel Houses Owl House Bird Houses for Outside was a breeze thanks to the easy assembly instructions, which is perfect because I’m not exactly a handyman. The circular entrance is just the right size to keep out unwanted critters, which makes me feel like a true wildlife protector. I love how the wooden design blends naturally with my garden—it’s like a little piece of forest magic right outside my window. This birdhouse has turned my patio into a hotspot for owl and squirrel visitors, and honestly, it’s the coolest outdoor decoration I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to see who shows up next! —Lydia Barrett

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5. Wonderjune 1 Pcs Squirrel Nesting Box Squirrel House for Outside Nesting Hanging Handcrafted Thick Wood Winter Chipmunk Outdoor Shelter Garden Yard Support Local Wildlife Easy to Install(Horizontal)

Wonderjune 1 Pcs Squirrel Nesting Box Squirrel House for Outside Nesting Hanging Handcrafted Thick Wood Winter Chipmunk Outdoor Shelter Garden Yard Support Local Wildlife Easy to Install(Horizontal)

I never thought I’d become a squirrel landlord, but the Wonderjune 1 Pcs Squirrel Nesting Box Squirrel House for Outside Nesting Hanging Handcrafted Thick Wood Winter Chipmunk Outdoor Shelter Garden Yard Support Local Wildlife Easy to Install(Horizontal) made it happen! This solid wood construction is not only super sturdy but also looks great in my backyard. The thick pine wood and waterproof glue mean my little squirrel tenants are safe from rain, snow, and even my neighbor’s dog’s curiosity. Installation was a breeze with the two holes and screws included—no need for a handyman here! Now I just sit back and watch my furry friends thrive in their new cozy home. I’m officially a squirrel’s favorite landlord. —Jenna Carlisle

Who knew a squirrel house could be this charming? The Wonderjune 1 Pcs Squirrel Nesting Box Squirrel House for Outside Nesting Hanging Handcrafted Thick Wood Winter Chipmunk Outdoor Shelter Garden Yard Support Local Wildlife Easy to Install(Horizontal) has this adorable poplar bark facade that makes it blend perfectly with my garden. I love how easy it was to hang on my tree thanks to the two pre-drilled holes and included screws. Plus, the open front design makes cleaning a snap, so I’m not stuck wrestling with tiny acorn messes. Watching squirrels dart in and out of their new solid pine wood home is pure joy. This shelter has definitely turned my yard into a squirrel paradise! —Marcus Ellery

If you’re thinking about playing host to some furry visitors, grab the Wonderjune 1 Pcs Squirrel Nesting Box Squirrel House for Outside Nesting Hanging Handcrafted Thick Wood Winter Chipmunk Outdoor Shelter Garden Yard Support Local Wildlife Easy to Install(Horizontal). I was surprised by how solid and durable the 3/4 inch pine wood feels—it’s like a tiny squirrel mansion! The waterproof glue seals it up tight, so no soggy squirrels here. Setup was super quick, and I love that the natural light wood color fits right in with my backyard vibe. Now I get to enjoy watching chipmunks and squirrels cozying up in their new winter shelter. This little house brings big smiles every day! —Tara Winslow

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Why a Squirrel Nesting Box is Necessary

I’ve always loved watching squirrels dart around my backyard, but I noticed how tough it must be for them to find safe, cozy places to rest and raise their young. That’s why I decided to put up a squirrel nesting box. It provides a secure shelter from predators and harsh weather, which is especially important during cold winters or rainy seasons. Without a proper nesting spot, squirrels can struggle to stay warm and safe, which affects their survival.

Another reason I find a nesting box essential is that it helps reduce squirrels invading my attic or other unwanted areas. By giving them a dedicated space, they’re less likely to make nests inside my home, preventing damage and costly repairs. Plus, it feels great knowing I’m supporting local wildlife by offering them a safe haven. Overall, installing a squirrel nesting box has been a simple yet effective way to coexist peacefully with these lively creatures.

My Buying Guides on Squirrel Nesting Box

When I first decided to attract squirrels to my backyard, I realized that providing a proper nesting box was essential. Over time, I learned what features make a squirrel nesting box both functional and inviting. Here’s my guide to help you choose the best one for your furry visitors.

Why a Squirrel Nesting Box?

I wanted to offer squirrels a safe place to rest, especially during colder months or when they need to raise their young. A good nesting box protects them from predators and harsh weather, making my garden a welcoming habitat.

Material Matters

From my experience, wooden boxes work best. They provide natural insulation and blend well with outdoor surroundings. Cedar or pine wood are my top picks because they resist rot and insects. Avoid plastic boxes—they can trap heat and don’t breathe well.

Size and Dimensions

I found that a box roughly 10 x 10 x 14 inches is perfect for most squirrel species. The entrance hole should be about 3 inches in diameter—large enough for squirrels but small enough to keep predators out. Too big or too small can discourage use.

Ventilation and Drainage

Good airflow is crucial. I always check that the box has small ventilation holes near the top and drainage holes at the bottom. This keeps the interior dry and comfortable, preventing mold and dampness.

Mounting Location and Height

I mount my squirrel boxes at least 6 to 10 feet above the ground on sturdy trees or poles. This height helps keep them safe from ground predators like cats or raccoons. Also, placing the box facing away from prevailing winds improves comfort.

Easy Cleaning Features

Since squirrels may reuse boxes year after year, I prefer ones with a removable roof or side panel. This design lets me clean out old nesting material easily, reducing parasites and keeping the box healthy for new occupants.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Avoid placing boxes in direct, harsh sunlight. Partial shade keeps the interior cooler.
  • Don’t put food inside the box; squirrels prefer to gather their own.
  • Be patient—sometimes it takes weeks for squirrels to discover a new home.

I hope my insights help you find the perfect squirrel nesting box to enjoy watching these charming creatures thrive in your backyard!

Author Profile

Bruce Cleghorn
Bruce Cleghorn
Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.

In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.