How To Keep Squirrels From Chewing On Patio Furniture

Squirrels are a common sight in many outdoor spaces, particularly in suburban areas, and they can be a nuisance when it comes to your patio furniture. From chewing on wooden chairs to gnawing on metal table legs, squirrels can cause significant damage to your outdoor furniture.

However, there are several strategies you can employ to prevent these furry critters from wreaking havoc on your patio. In this article, we will discuss effective methods for keeping squirrels from chewing on your patio furniture. We will explore the reasons why squirrels chew on outdoor furniture and provide natural repellents and physical barriers that can be used to deter them.

Additionally, we will offer suggestions for providing alternative chewing options for squirrels and provide tips for maintaining your patio furniture to prevent future damage. By following these tips, you can enjoy your outdoor living space without the constant worry of squirrel damage.

Understand Why Squirrels Chew on Patio Furniture

Understanding the motivations behind the destructive behavior of certain rodents towards outdoor seating arrangements and other garden décor items is essential for devising effective strategies to deter them.

Behavioral psychology can offer insight into why squirrels, in particular, chew on patio furniture.

Squirrels have a natural instinct to gnaw on objects to sharpen their teeth, which continuously grow throughout their life.

Additionally, squirrels may chew on patio furniture to mark their territory or as a way to relieve stress and anxiety.

To prevent squirrels from chewing on patio furniture, it is important to use rodent deterrents such as repellent sprays, physical barriers, or placing squirrel feeders away from the furniture.

Use Natural Repellents

Use Natural Repellents to keep squirrels from chewing on patio furniture.

Hot Pepper Spray is a common and effective natural repellent that can be made by mixing hot peppers with water and dish soap.

Predator Urine, such as that of a coyote or fox, can also be effective in keeping squirrels away from patio furniture, as it signals to them the presence of a predator.

Essential Oils, such as peppermint or eucalyptus, can also be used as natural squirrel repellents by spraying them on the furniture or planting them in nearby pots.

Hot Pepper Spray

The application of hot pepper spray has been suggested as a potential deterrent for unwanted animal interactions with outdoor seating areas.

DIY hot pepper spray can be made by mixing hot chili peppers with water and a small amount of dish soap to create a potent solution that can be sprayed directly onto the furniture.

The capsaicin in the peppers is responsible for the spicy heat and can irritate the animals’ senses, causing them to avoid the treated area.

Commercial hot pepper spray alternatives can also be purchased at many garden centers and pet stores.

These products typically contain a higher concentration of capsaicin and may be more effective in deterring squirrels and other animals.

It is important to note that hot pepper spray should be used with caution and kept away from children and pets.

It is also recommended to test a small area of the furniture before applying the spray to ensure it does not cause damage or discoloration.

Predator Urine

Predator urine is another potential deterrent for unwanted animal interactions with outdoor seating areas, as it is believed to trigger an instinctual fear response in prey species. However, the effectiveness of using predator urine as a deterrent for squirrels is debated, as some studies have shown mixed results.

Additionally, there is also the ethical question of whether using predator urine is inhumane or not. Proper application of predator urine is crucial for its effectiveness, as it needs to be reapplied regularly and strategically placed in areas where squirrels are most likely to chew on patio furniture.

It is important to note that predator urine should not be used near areas where food is being prepared or consumed, as it may contaminate the area and pose a health risk. Overall, while predator urine may be a potential option for deterring squirrels, it is important to consider its effectiveness and ethical implications before use.

Essential Oils

One potential method for deterring unwanted animal interactions with outdoor seating areas is the use of essential oils, which have been suggested to have repellent properties for certain species.

While essential oils are commonly used for their benefits of aromatherapy and as a natural remedy for relaxation, they can also be effective in deterring squirrels from chewing on patio furniture.

Peppermint oil, for example, has a strong scent that squirrels find unpleasant and may keep them away.

Other essential oils that have been suggested for repelling squirrels include lavender, eucalyptus, and citronella.

It is important to note that essential oils should be used with caution and diluted properly before use to avoid any potential harm to humans or pets.

While essential oils may not be a foolproof solution, they offer a natural and potentially effective option for those looking to deter squirrels from damaging outdoor furniture.

Create Physical Barriers

Implementing physical barriers around outdoor seating areas may help prevent damage caused by rodents.

DIY barriers can be created using materials such as hardware cloth, chicken wire, or mesh netting. These barriers can be placed around the furniture or the entire seating area to keep squirrels and other rodents from accessing the furniture.

It is important to make sure that the barriers are securely installed and have no gaps or holes where squirrels can sneak in.

For those who prefer to hire professionals, there are companies that specialize in wildlife exclusion and can install barriers or fencing around outdoor areas to prevent rodents from accessing the space.

When considering physical barriers, it is important to choose a method that is not only effective but also aesthetically pleasing and fits in with the overall design of the outdoor space.

Provide Alternatives

Squirrel feeders can be an effective solution for keeping squirrels away from patio furniture. These feeders are designed to provide squirrels with a source of food that is more attractive than patio furniture.

Chew toys are another option that can keep squirrels occupied and away from furniture. By providing squirrels with something to chew on, they may be less likely to target patio furniture. Chew toys can be purchased or made from materials such as wood or hard plastic.

It is important to note that these alternatives may not completely eliminate the problem, but they can help reduce damage to patio furniture.

Squirrel Feeders

The provision of dedicated feeding stations is an effective method for diverting the attention of arboreal rodents from the objects on the patio.

DIY squirrel feeders can be easily made using materials such as wood, PVC pipes, and recycled materials.

These feeders can also be purchased from various retailers, with options ranging from simple hanging feeders to more elaborate squirrel-proof designs.

When selecting the best squirrel feeders for different types of yards, factors such as the size of the yard, the number of squirrels present, and the types of food being offered must be considered.

By providing squirrels with a designated feeding area, they are less likely to attempt to chew on patio furniture or other objects in the yard.

Chew Toys

Providing suitable chew toys for squirrels can be an effective strategy to redirect their natural instinct to gnaw on objects in the yard. DIY chew toys can be made using materials like untreated wood blocks, PVC pipes, and natural twigs. These chew toys not only provide a harmless outlet for the squirrels’ chewing behavior but also keep them away from patio furniture.

However, it is essential to monitor the toys regularly and replace them when they become worn out. Additionally, homemade deterrents like spicy oils or vinegar sprays can be used to make the furniture less appealing to squirrels.

It is crucial to remember that while chew toys and deterrents can be useful, they do not guarantee complete squirrel-proofing. Therefore, it is necessary to combine various strategies and remain vigilant to ensure the safety of patio furniture.

Maintain Your Patio Furniture

Proper maintenance of outdoor seating and tables can extend their lifespan and reduce the likelihood of damage caused by natural wear and tear.

Cleaning tips are essential to keep patio furniture looking new and to prevent any damage from pests or weather conditions. Regular cleaning with soap and water or a specialized cleaner can remove dirt, grime, and stains.

It is also important to dry the furniture thoroughly to prevent mold or mildew growth.

Weatherproofing methods such as applying a sealant or using covers can protect the furniture from rain, snow, and sun exposure. These methods can also prevent squirrels from chewing on the furniture by removing the attraction of the wood’s natural scent.

Proper maintenance can save money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs or replacements and keep outdoor furniture looking great for years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, squirrels can be a nuisance when they start chewing on your patio furniture. However, there are various ways to prevent this behavior. Understanding why squirrels chew on patio furniture is the first step in finding the right solution. Whether it is to sharpen their teeth or to get to the seeds inside the wood, knowing their motivation can help you choose the best approach.

Using natural repellents, creating physical barriers, providing alternatives, and maintaining your patio furniture are all effective ways to keep squirrels from chewing on your outdoor furniture.

It is important to note that no method is foolproof and it may take some trial and error to find the best solution for your situation. By taking the necessary steps to prevent squirrels from damaging your patio furniture, you can enjoy your outdoor space without the frustration and expense of replacing chewed-up pieces.