Help me make the HYLLIS a squirrel proof garden cage?

·July 3, 2019·11 Comments

Help! I want to do a nice metal mesh locker for a vertical garden cage (squirrel proof … and they are real voracious monsters in Montreal)!!!

As a starting point, I have an old a HYLLIS metal shelf. I’m sure it’s not that complicated to do but I really can’t find this hack anywhere online …. and these type of mesh lockers cost a FORTUNE.

Any tips or tricks?

~ by Val

***

Hi Val

Sorry to hear of your issues with squirrels. Like you, I imagine it won’t be too hard.

Good news, I found a HYLLIS with mesh

This hack keeps the rabbits in but I reckon it works the same. However, the tutorial is scanty.

Source: Livemodern

It appears the hacker made wooden frames lined with mesh (to fit the size of the openings) and cable tied the frames to the HYLLIS post. Hinges were added to the frames at the side of the HYLLIS to access the interior of the cage. This is definitely one possibility and there’s no need to drill into metal, which makes things easier.

Alternative method

For me, I’ll want to simplify the above hack further.

First, I get large rolls of chicken wire. (Hopefully, they are tough enough to withstand squirrels’ sharp little teeth?)

I will wrap the wire around the 2 sides and back of the HYLLIS, leaving the front for the door. Secure the chicken wire to the posts of the HYLLIS with cable ties or cut up strands of the chicken wire itself, if you want things to look more seamless.

Make sure to secure it in as many spots as necessary to keep the wire taut and firmly against the HYLLIS. We don’t want those pesky squirrels getting in through gaps and holes.

Ideas to maximise storage in an IKEA galley kitchen

And now, for the door, I’d make the door frame from wood (or the posts from another HYLLIS, if you have the budget. Bonus! If you do get a second HYLLIS, you can add the extra shelves in for more shelving).

Basically, I’ll make a rectangle frame and then staple the wires to the wood frame. I’ll get a couple of hinges, a metal drill bit to make new holes in the HYLLIS post and secure this new frame to the HYLLIS post.

Much easier to make just one frame than 12!

Tada! Squirrel proof garden cage.

Let us know what you end up with. We would love to see it.

Happy hacking,

Jules

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Jules Yap

Jules Yap started IKEAHackers.net in 2006 as a personal blog to showcase the most impressive IKEA hacks from all over the world. Since then, she has learned a lot more about power tools and DIY. Her site has helped thousands modify IKEA furniture with step-by-step tutorials, craft projects and home styling.

Jules is the author of IKEAHackers.net: 25 Biggest and Best Projects".