Posted by Protecting Your Patio Furniture: How to Prevent Squirrels from Chewing
There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering that squirrels have made a feast of your outdoor furniture. Those charming little creatures can wreak havoc on your patio, leaving you with chewed-up cushions and damaged wood. But fear not; there are ways to keep squirrels from making your furniture their next meal. In this post, we’ll explore creative and effective strategies to protect your patio furniture from squirrel-induced damage.
1. Understanding Squirrel Behavior
Squirrel Species:
Before you can deter squirrels, it’s essential to understand their behavior. Common tree squirrels are the usual culprits for chewing on outdoor furniture.
Chewing Habits: Squirrels chew to sharpen their teeth because they enjoy the texture of wood. Knowing why they do it can help in prevention.
2. Keep Squirrels at a Distance
Physical Barriers:
Create a squirrel-proof zone around your patio.
Squirrel-Proof Fencing:
Install fencing designed to keep squirrels out. Ensure it’s tall and has a metal barrier to deter climbing.
Squirrels are agile climbers and jumpers. To keep them away from your patio furniture, you can install squirrel-proof fencing around the perimeter of your outdoor space. This fencing should be specifically designed to deter squirrels. It is typically taller and more robust than standard garden fencing. A crucial feature is a metal barrier at the top to prevent squirrels from climbing over. By creating this physical barrier, you make it difficult for squirrels to access your patio, reducing the chances of them chewing on your furniture
Tree Pruning:
Trim branches that overhang your patio. Squirrels use trees to access your furniture. Squirrels often use trees as a highway to your patio furniture. By trimming branches that overhang your outdoor space, you eliminate one of their primary access points. It’s essential to identify and prune branches that squirrels could use as a bridge. This method creates a buffer zone and further discourages squirrels from reaching your furniture. It’s a non-intrusive way to prevent their access, ensuring your patio remains squirrel-free.
3. Squirrel-Resistant Furniture Covers
Invest in protective covers:
Patio furniture covers that are squirrel-resistant can deter them from attempting to chew.
Specially Designed Covers: Look for covers made of materials that squirrels don’t find appealing.
Regular Cleaning: Keep covers clean and free of food or drink stains that might attract squirrels.
4. Repellents and Scents
Natural Deterrents:
Squirrels are sensitive to certain scents and tastes.
Peppermint Oil: Squirrels dislike the smell of peppermint. Spray a peppermint oil solution on your furniture.
Spicy Sprays: Create a spicy spray by mixing water and cayenne pepper, then apply it to your furniture.
How To Clean Patio Furniture Mesh
5. Provide Distractions
Squirrel Feeders:
Offer an alternative food source to divert their attention.
Squirrel Feeders: Place squirrel feeders in your yard with nuts or seeds. This can keep them occupied and away from your furniture.
6. Squirrel-Proofing Your Garden
Garden Protection:
Ensure your garden isn’t attracting squirrels, which could then lead them to your patio.
Secure Bird Feeders: If you have bird feeders in your garden, make sure they’re squirrel-proof to prevent spillage.
Harvest Ripe Fruits: Squirrels are drawn to fruit trees. Harvest ripe fruit promptly to eliminate their food source.
7. Regular Maintenance
Check for damage:
Regularly inspect your patio furniture for any signs of chewing.
Prompt Repairs: If you notice any damage, address it promptly to prevent further destruction.
8. Educate Your Neighbors
Community Effort:
Talk to your neighbors about squirrel prevention.
Synchronized Efforts: When multiple neighbors take preventive measures, it becomes more challenging for squirrels to find a new target.
9. Professional Help
Wildlife Experts:
If the problem persists, consider consulting with wildlife experts or pest control services.
Humane Trapping: Professionals can humanely trap and relocate squirrels if necessary.
10. Enjoy a Squirrel-Free Patio
Savor Your Space:
With these prevention strategies, you can enjoy a squirrel-free patio.
Relax and unwind: Your outdoor space is for relaxation, not a squirrel buffet. By implementing these methods, you can enjoy your patio furniture without worrying about squirrel damage.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on how to keep squirrels from chewing on patio furniture:
Why do squirrels chew on patio furniture?
Squirrels may chew on patio furniture due to their natural instinct to wear down their teeth, mark territory, or search for food.
What are some effective ways to deter squirrels from chewing on outdoor furniture?
You can use deterrents like pepper spray, motion-activated devices, or covering furniture with protective materials to discourage squirrels.
Are there any natural remedies to keep squirrels away?
Yes, natural solutions like using strong-smelling substances, such as garlic or hot pepper, can help deter squirrels from your furniture.
Will a scarecrow or fake owl work to keep squirrels at bay?
While these decoy animals may work initially, squirrels can become accustomed to them. It’s best to use a variety of deterrent methods for better results.
Can I use fencing or netting to protect my patio furniture?
Yes, creating a physical barrier with fencing or netting can be an effective way to keep squirrels away from your furniture.
How often should I apply squirrel repellents to my patio furniture?
The frequency of applying repellents depends on the product you use. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for best results.
What should I do if squirrels have already damaged my patio furniture?
If your furniture is already damaged, repair it as needed, and then implement deterrents to prevent further damage.
Are there specific times of the year when squirrels are more active in chewing on furniture?
Squirrel activity can vary, but they may be more active in the spring and fall when searching for food and building nests.
Can I relocate squirrels to prevent them from damaging my furniture?
Relocating squirrels may not be a long-term solution, as they can find their way back. It’s often better to focus on prevention methods.
Are there professional services available to deal with squirrel issues?
Yes, you can hire pest control or wildlife removal services if you have persistent squirrel problems that you can’t manage on your own.
Remember that a combination of tactics is often the most effective way to keep squirrels from chewing on patio furniture.
Conclusion
Chewing squirrels can be a headache for patio furniture owners, but with a little creativity and persistence, you can protect your outdoor oasis. By understanding squirrel behavior, using physical barriers, investing in squirrel-resistant furniture covers, applying natural repellents, providing distractions, and maintaining your patio, you can prevent squirrels from chewing on your furniture and enjoy a serene and undisturbed outdoor space.
This blog post has provided you with detailed and creative strategies to protect your patio furniture from squirrel damage, ensuring you can savor your patio in peace.