Are you tired of coming home to find pesky squirrels have gnawed away at your outdoor furniture set or decorations? If so, it can be incredibly frustrating and costly to replace the items these creatures have damaged.
Squirrels may be cute and cuddly, but they sure can cause a lot of destruction!
With their sharp teeth and propensity to chew on virtually anything, squirrels can wreak havoc on your backyard decor.
Nothing is safe from this furry menace, from gnawing away at the wood beams of pergolas to chomping through garden furniture cushions or ornate covers used to adorn outdoor items. Keep reading if you’re looking for ways to stop squirrels from chewing on patio furniture.
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks that will help to know how to keep squirrels from chewing on patio furniture.
What Will You Need?
You’ll need a few items to keep squirrels from chewing on patio furniture.
- A hairdryer
- Cayenne pepper
- Hot sauce
- White vinegar
- Scrub brush or hose
Once you have these items, you can start to take action.
10 Easy Steps on How to Keep Squirrels From Chewing on Patio Furniture
1. Deterrence:
The best way to keep squirrels away from your patio is by deterring them in the first place. Start by setting up a variety of deterrents around the perimeter, such as motion-activated sprinklers, and bird feeders, and blocking off any access points. Be careful not to leave food out in the open, as this will only attract squirrels.
2. Cleaning:
Squirrels are attracted to the scents of food and other animals that linger on your furniture. So it’s important to keep them clean. Using a scrub brush or hose, give your patio furniture a good scrub down every few weeks to remove any residue that may be attracting wildlife.
3. Covers:
You can also cover your outdoor items with protective covers when they’re not in use. This will help protect against the elements while making it harder for squirrels to get their desired chew item. Be sure to choose a durable material like canvas or vinyl!
4. Scents:
Scare away squirrels with the scent of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Sprinkle a bit around the perimeter of your patio furniture, and they’ll be deterred from getting too close. White vinegar also works as a mild deterrent if you don’t want to use a spicy scent.
5. White Vinegar:
Squirrels don’t like the smell of vinegar either, so you can spray some white vinegar around the area to help keep them away. Just make sure to use it sparingly — you don’t want your patio furniture to smell bad! Moreover, vinegar will also help remove any odors that may be lingering.
6. Hairdryer:
If you see a squirrel trying to get at your outdoor items, try using a hairdryer on its highest setting (on cool) to scare them away. This will startle them and give you enough time to take action before they do any damage. You can also use a citronella candle or torch to keep them away.
7. Sticky Substance:
You can also try using a sticky substance, such as tanglefoot or a petroleum-based product, to coat the legs and arms of your patio furniture. This will create an unpleasant surface that squirrels won’t want to touch. Another option is to use hardware cloth or mesh wire on the underside of your furniture. This will make it impossible for squirrels to chew through and get at the wood.
8. Repellents:
There are also several types of commercial repellents available that can be used to keep squirrels away from your outdoor items. These come in various forms, such as sprays, granules, and even lotions. Be sure to follow the instructions on how to use them properly!
9. DIY Repellent:
You can also make your own homemade squirrel repellant using ingredients like cayenne pepper and hot sauce mixed with water in a spray bottle. Spray this around the perimeter of your patio furniture, and it should keep the squirrels away. There are also many different recipes online that you can use.
10. Professional Help:
Finally, if you need professional help to eliminate a pesky squirrel problem, don’t hesitate to call a wildlife removal company or pest control expert for assistance. They will be able to safely remove the animals from your property and provide advice on how to prevent them from coming back in the future.
Moreover, they will be able to advise you on how to protect your outdoor furniture from further damage.
By following these steps, you’ll know how to keep squirrels from chewing on patio furniture. With a little effort, you can have a beautiful outdoor space free from pests! Good luck and happy entertaining!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Install motion-activated water sprinklers or sound emitters in the area around your patio furniture. The sudden noise and wetness will startle squirrels and make them think twice about coming near.
- Create a physical barrier between the squirrels and your patio furniture by using wire mesh, chicken wire, or netting to cover it up.
- Hang strips of aluminum foil from branches around your patio furniture to scare away squirrels, as they don’t like how it looks and sounds when it moves in the breeze.
- Place trays with ammonia-soaked cotton balls around the perimeter of your patio furniture; this will help to repel squirrels as they don’t enjoy the smell.
- Employ natural predators like birds of prey, cats, dogs, or snakes to keep squirrels away from your patio furniture; make sure you adhere to local laws and regulations in doing so.
Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you keep your patio furniture safe from the chewing of pesky squirrels! Good luck!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t Leave Food Out. Squirrels love to eat, so ensure you never leave any food around your patio furniture. The squirrels will find it and come back for more, even if it’s just a few crumbs.
- Don’t Put Bird Feeders Near Your Patio Furniture. If you have a bird feeder in your yard, ensure it is far away from your patio furniture. The squirrels will go after the food in the bird feeder and then move onto the nearby patio furniture for their next snack.
- Don’t Use Wood as Your Material of Choice for Outdoor Furniture. Wood is an attractive material to chew on for squirrels, and they are likely to start gnawing away if it’s within reaching.
- Don’t Use Bright Colors or Soft Textures. When selecting patio furniture, opt for neutral tones and hard materials like metal or plastic. Bright colors will attract the squirrels, while softer fabrics are much easier to chew through.
- Don’t Forget to Clean Up After Yourself When You’re Outside. Make sure all food is put away and off the ground so that the squirrels can’t get their paws on it and find their way onto your patio furniture.
Following these simple tips can help keep squirrels from chewing on your patio furniture and save you some money in the long run! If you have any further questions, you can always contact a professional to get more advice.
What is a Natural Squirrel Repellent?
Natural squirrel repellents are substances that can be applied to furniture or other areas of the home to discourage squirrels from entering. The most common type of natural squirrel repellent is a mixture of essential oils such as peppermint, clove, and cinnamon.
This concoction has a strong scent that repels squirrels and keeps them away from your patio furniture. You can also use cayenne pepper flakes as a natural deterrent. Sprinkle them around your outdoor furniture, mix them with water, and spray them on surfaces near where you suspect the squirrels are entering.
Additionally, you can sprinkle the sulfur powder in areas where the squirrels frequent to keep them away for good! Regardless of which natural repellent you choose, always be sure to follow the instructions on how to use them properly.
Natural repellents can effectively keep squirrels away from your patio furniture without harming them or using harsh chemicals. Give it a try and see how it works for you!
Conclusion
By following the tips above, your patio furniture should remain in one piece. If all else fails, it never hurts to contact an expert animal control specialist to help you with your squirrel problem. In the meantime, it might be smart to use some type of protective cover or furniture protector to further protect your outdoor furniture from being chewed up by hungry critters.
Ultimately, when it comes to preventing squirrels from taking a bite out of your outdoor furniture, there is no one-size fits all solution – each situation is unique and requires its own set of tailored solutions. With enough patience and persistence, you’re sure to find a solution that works for you in keeping those pesky squirrels away!
Hopefully, the article on how to keep squirrels from chewing on patio furniture gave you the insight and tips you need to protect your outdoor furniture from being damaged.
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