If you live in an area with lots of squirrels, you may experience squirrel problems; they likely invade your yard to feed on your plants and gnaw at your furniture and even cushions. So how do you prevent or stop squirrels from destroying your patio furniture or getting into your home?
Squirrels are a common nuisance in many areas of the country. They can be pesky and destructive. It is common for squirrels to chew on wood. Still, it’s not uncommon for them to chew their way through the seat cushions of patio chairs, sofas, or plastic furniture, tearing up your patio cushions and peeing on patio furniture.
Once this happens, you may need to replace those cushions to avoid further damage from the squirrels. You’ve likely seen the damage that squirrels can do to your patio furniture.
They love to nest in and around the chairs, tables, and other pieces of outdoor furniture. And they’ll be tempted to get into the trash cans, too—a disaster waiting to happen.
Luckily there are ways to prevent this type of damage from occurring.
First things first: if you want to keep squirrels away from your patio furniture or other outdoor areas, you must understand why they’re coming in the first place. The best way to do this is by learning what attracts them first.
Why Squirrels Chewing on Your Patio Furniture
Squirrels are just a nuisance to have on your property. They eat your food, chew on your plants, and gnaw at your furniture. If you’re wondering why these critters are chewing on your patio furniture, it’s because they’re looking for food!
They are known for chewing on just about everything, and there are many reasons squirrels may be chewing on your patio furniture.
- First, You need to know squirrels often chew on things to help them keep their teeth in good condition. When a squirrel is chewing on something, it’s not necessarily because it wants to eat it; sometimes, it’s simply because it can’t help itself!
- Second, squirrels are omnivores and love to eat just about anything—including wood and other materials like cement or brick. If you have plenty of food and water in your yard, you’ll probably see squirrels come to your home regularly and chew on your patio furniture. You may also notice that the damage isn’t limited to your patio furniture; squirrels will chew on electrical wires and other structures like bridges, chimneys, etc., and dig through trash bins looking for food scraps.
- Finally, if you live near forests or wooded areas with plenty of trees around your house, then this could be why your squirrels are chewing on your patio furniture!
Squirrels need food and water because they are omnivores who need protein-rich diets and will eat almost anything (including bird seed). They also need shelter because nocturnal animals spend their days hunting and gathering food.
They eat nuts, acorns, and insects like beetles and earthworms and love to eat bird seeds. If you have birdfeeders on your patio, you probably have squirrels in your yard.
If you want them out of the area permanently, there are plenty of ways to do it—including making sure that there aren’t any nesting areas for them in trees near or around your home. You can also install wire mesh over openings where they might be able to enter from underneath (like openings under decks).
Not only are squirrels pesky, but they can also be terrifying when chewing on your furniture. If you’ve found that they’ve started gnawing at your cushions and chairs, here’s what to do.
How to keep squirrels from chewing on patio furniture
Squirrels are undoubtedly one of the most common pests that homeowners have to deal with, and they can cause significant damage to your home in a very short period.
If you are looking for ways to stop squirrels from destroying your patio furniture and tearing up your patio cushions, here are some tips for you:
Remove Attractants
If you’re having difficulty keeping squirrels away from your patio, it may be because they are attracted to something.
Before you can stop squirrels from destroying your patio furniture, you need to remove any attractants. This means eliminating anything that would make the squirrels want to keep coming back.
Squirrels are drawn to food and water sources, so all potential food sources must be removed from the yard. The easiest way to do this is by getting rid of bird feeders and other possible sources of food, which include:
- nuts and seeds you have left over from planting a garden
- food scraps from the kitchen
- garden plants or flowers that are attracting squirrels
- raisins or other dried fruit (these are often used as bait for squirrels)
- Do not leave any food scraps on your grill
- even pet food.
Always clean leftover food and trash.
When you’re done eating, don’t just toss the leftover food and trash out; clean it up. The first step is to remove any unwanted items. Once that’s done, sweep up the crumbs and debris.
Squirrels will often eat leftover food, including bread crumbs, cereal grains, and other treats left out. If you leave food on your patio table or chairs for squirrels to eat, then they will come back for more.
Keeping your patio clean will deter squirrels from finding their way onto your furniture and keep them from chewing holes through the fabric. Also, maintain your trash correctly by keeping it tied and covered in a trash can to keep squirrels from being attracted to it.
Store your Cushions
Squirrels are known for chewing up anything that is not secured and out of their reach, and they can cause major damage if they get too interested in a particular object—or if they find a favorite place to sit.
You can stop squirrels from destroying your patio furniture by storing them away. Store the cushions in a squirrel-proof box or container at least six inches deep, and the depth of your cushions should determine the size of the container.
There are outdoor benches with a storage box underneath them; these types of furniture are designed to keep away unwanted access from your cushions and other accessories stored in them.
Use a cover
Covering your patio furniture is another good way to protect them from squirrels. The most effective covers are those made of materials such as polythene that squirrels can’t chew through.
These covers should also be designed to fit tightly around the furniture base so that the squirrel can’t climb up, allowing them access to more places on the furniture.
You can find many types of covers at hardware stores or online retailers. It’s also important that your cover is at least 1/4 inch thick so that it won’t fall off easily if you don’t secure it properly.
Use Predator Urine
Predator urine is a scent squirrels are scared about and will scare squirrels off. If you have a squirrel infestation, you can train your dog or cat to spray a little bit of their pee around where they’re going to deter squirrels from those areas, especially your patio area.
Squirrels hate cat urine, so if you have a cat, this might be an effective way to protect your patio furniture from destruction by squirrels (and other animals).
Urines from coyotes (the most common) and fox and wolf urine will work amazingly for this purpose. Both types are sold at most hardware stores or online retailers like Amazon.
Prevent your pets from peeing directly on your furniture or spraying these urines on your cushions. This will help prevent any damage if the substance gets on your furniture and leaves an oily residue behind.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
You can also try using apple cider vinegar, which has been said to be an effective deterrent. Simply pour a cup of apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle, then spray the liquid directly onto the squirrels’ favorite perch. The smell is quite strong and will likely keep them away.
You can also place this repellent neat on your couch or around your patio to deter squirrels from accessing the area. It is a good and natural way of keeping pesky pests and insects away from your space.
Apply Predator Decoys
There are a lot of different methods you can do to stop squirrels from destroying your patio furniture, and one of them is using predator decoys.
These are ornaments made to enhance your space, so by having this in your yard, you deter squirrels and beautify your space.
Predator decoys are fake animals that look real. They are designed to look realistic enough to deter squirrels from your outdoor space. They’re mostly made of metal and painted to look like any animal.
You can buy predator decoys at most hardware stores or online. You’ll need to find a place that sells them in bulk, so ensure you get the right kind for your area.
Remove your bird feeder.
Another good way to stop squirrels from destroying patio furniture is by removing bird feeders if you have one in your yard. Squirrels are attracted to these feeders like moths to a flame and will do their best to get at your bird seed.
Remove the feeder altogether or replace it with one with squirrel proof. Also, strategically place the feeder away from your patio and furniture to keep them away from such areas.
Plant herbs to keep away squirrels.
Another good way to deter squirrels from your patio and furniture is by growing plants they hate around the area. Plants like Thyme and Sage of which are commonly used in Italian cooking.
You can also use herbs such as Oregano, Rosemary, and Mint. While these may seem odd for a patio, they work well.
The smell of mint or thyme will keep the squirrels away and make it easier for you to enjoy your patio furniture without worrying about squirrels ruining it.
Release your Dog
If you want to stop your squirrel problem before it starts, consider letting your dog roam the yard. While this may seem like a no-brainer solution, many people don’t give their dogs access to their outdoor space.
Squirrels are afraid of dogs and will avoid them when they’re around. This can be especially helpful if you have children or other pets prone to getting into trouble with squirrels. You can also try using a citronella candle in strategic locations (such as near your patio furniture) to keep the squirrels away.
Repellent Spray
A repellent spray is one of your best bets for keeping squirrels off your patio and furniture. When you use this repellent, squirrels will think the area is unsafe and not worth investigating.
The best repellents are made from natural ingredients, such as peppermint oil or cayenne pepper.
Pepper sprays are effective because they create a burning sensation in the mouth that is too spicy for most squirrels to handle without getting sick. Cayenne pepper also works well because it causes an immediate reaction in their bodies by making them thirsty enough to drink water.
There are also repellent sprays made from a blend of essential oils known to repel squirrels, and it’s safe for humans, pets, and wildlife alike.
These ingredients will make the squirrels’ eyes water and give them a burning sensation on their paws, which makes them want to flee from the area.
Prune Trees Branches Away from the Lounging Area
If you have a tree in your yard that’s growing branches near or over your patio chairs and table, it is time to cut them back.
Prune any branches extending over the area where you plan to lounge. The branches should be at least 20 to 30 inches from where you plan to sit.
You can also use barriers to prevent squirrels from climbing trees or jumping up on your furniture, but these methods require more effort and commitment than simply pruning away branches.
Ultrasound Repellent Devices
Ultrasound is the sound of high-frequency vibrations that are inaudible to humans but can be detected by animals. The device emits pulses of ultrasonic frequencies that squirrels and other pests can hear.
The ultrasonic waves travel through the air but are blocked by water, meaning the device needs to be kept above the water line for it to work. Ultrasonic devices can be placed directly on the furniture or through a window or door frame.
They come in two forms: a standalone device and one that fits into a wall socket. The latter type of ultrasonic deterrent is recommended for use inside rooms with no window or door frame available for placement outside.
You can buy these devices online or in outdoor stores. They come in various sizes and shapes, so finding the right one for your needs will require some trial and error until you find one that works best for you. Once you have your device, follow the instructions closely, so it is as effective as possible.
Use a motion-activated sprinkler.
A motion-activated sprinkler can easily keep squirrels away from your patio furniture. The sprinkler will set off when it detects any movement within its range.
The sprinkler will then spray a high-pressure jet of water over the area where it detects activity, which will deter squirrels from moving in that direction. It’s a simple solution that requires no maintenance and can be set up in minutes.
The hardest part about installing a sprinkler is finding the right spot in your yard. You don’t want to have it too close to a tree or anything else that could be damaged by water, so try to find an open spot on your property where you can set up your sprinkler and let nature do its thing!
Choose squirrel-proof furniture
You can replace or purchase furniture with fabrics that are tightly woven or stiff in texture and avoid any cushions that are loosely stuffed with shredded paper or feathers (these are usually soft enough for squirrels).
There are plenty of options out there, but here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your next piece:
- Choose furniture with a high-density felt layer on the bottom, preventing the squirrels from digging through it and getting into your patio’s foundation.
- Choose furniture with metal straps or legs instead of wood, which will deter squirrels from climbing onto it.
If you can’t find this feature on your current set, consider using something specifically designed for pets.
Spray to keep squirrels from chewing patio cushions
If you’re looking to keep squirrels from chewing on your garden, a simple solution is to spray them with the appropriate product.
You can purchase deterrent sprays at most home improvement stores or on Amazon. These sprays effectively keep squirrels away from areas where they might be tempted to nibble on plants.
If you want to prevent squirrels from chewing through your fence, then a good solution is to spray it with a repellent. Are some of the best sprays to keep squirrels from chewing on your patio furniture
Nature’s Mace Squirrel Repellent
Nature’s Mace is a squirrel repellent that works to keep pesky rodents away. This multi-purpose product will repel raccoons, rabbits, and other animals. The unique formula coats the mace granules with natural oil that repels rodents.
Sprinkle on trees, shrubs, or vegetation around your home or garden. Nature’s Mace is also an effective barrier against ants, mosquitoes, and other insects.
Natural Amor rodent repellent
Natural Amor is the first all-natural rodent repellent, delivering immediate results that help your home stay free of unwelcome pests. It repels rats, mice, squirrels, and other pests from your home and is safe for people and pets.
It works by creating a vapor barrier that keeps critters out and off of your property. The vapor barrier makes it difficult for rats, mice, squirrels, and other rodents to find their way into your walls or attic.
IMust Garden Squirrel Repellent
This squirrel repellent is ideal for gardens, furniture, farm, and terraces. Made from natural ingredients, it will help keep squirrels away from your patio and garden and deter them from returning. It is safe for you and your pets to use around food and plants, so no harmful chemicals are used.
What scent do squirrels hate?
Squirrels, like most animals, have a keen sense of smell and often avoid certain smells. Squirrels hate the smell of peppermint oil because it causes them to have breathing difficulties.
You can use this product to repel squirrels from your garden or yard by spraying them around the perimeter of your property. The scent will keep the rodents away from areas you spray.
If you want to use something else instead of peppermint oil, try using
- citrus oils such as orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit. These scents are known for being very effective at repelling squirrels from gardens and homes because they don’t like the smell at all
- Garlic
- Mint
- Predator urine
- Skunk smell
- vinegar
Do dryer sheets repel squirrels?
Yes, dryer sheets do repel squirrels. The scent of the dryer sheet is so strong that it will keep them away from your yard for a long time.
There are several reasons why this is the case. First, the scent of a dryer sheet contains an oil called p-terpinene which is believed to have repellent properties.
Second, the fibers in dryer sheets are made of cellulose and are very similar to those found in the outer husk of grains like corn or wheat. This makes them difficult for squirrels to digest, so they don’t want to eat them!
Finally, there’s also the fact that dryer sheets contain chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which can cause irritation and allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. So those with eczema or dermatitis should avoid using dryer sheets altogether if possible (and let their clothes air dry instead).
Why are squirrels so harmful?
Squirrels benefit the environment but can be a problem if allowed to take over your yard.
They are intelligent, social animals that live in large groups. They have an excellent sense of smell and can detect food long distances, making them great hunters. In turn, this makes them dangerous predators of birds and small mammals such as mice and rabbits.
But squirrels are also pests because they damage crops and wood by gnawing or digging holes. They also will eat seeds from plants, which can reduce their growth potential and cause damage to plant health.
Also, they carry diseases and parasites that can be dangerous to humans, such as rabies, a severe infection that can be fatal if not treated quickly. They also have ticks and mites that can cause Lyme disease; Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Squirrels have been known to attack pets and children. The Humane Society of the United States has stated that more than 20 deaths yearly are caused by squirrels attacking people and pets like dogs, cats, and even small children.
