Have you ever sat on your deck enjoying a glass of lemonade in the summertime, only to see the neighborhood squirrels nibbling away at your once beautiful patio furniture? I know I have – it’s incredibly frustrating! Those fluffy-tailed rodents view any plastic chair, table, or storage container as their own personal buffet. But no more – I’m going to share with you some very effective ways how to stop squirrels from eating plastic furniture. As much as I love animals, sometimes they can be quite a nuisance!
Through trial and error in my own backyard, I’ve discovered techniques that even the sneakiest tree-climbing squirrels can’t outwit. Get ready to rid yourself of this pest problem and reclaim the outdoor space you paid for once and for all.
What Will You Need?
Before we dive into the specific methods, it’s essential to have a few supplies on hand. These are items you likely already have in your home or can quickly obtain from a local hardware store.
- Aluminum foil
- Spices (cayenne pepper, black pepper, chili powder)
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Chicken wire or screening material
- Scissors
Once you have these items, you’re ready to get started!
10 Easy Steps on How to Stop Squirrels From Eating Plastic Furniture
Step 1: Foil Them
Squirrels are naturally curious creatures and can’t resist investigating shiny objects. Take advantage of this by using aluminum foil to deter them from approaching your plastic furniture. Simply wrap a few foil strips around the legs or arms of your furniture, ensuring it’s crinkled and catching the light. The reflective and rustling nature of foil will spook them away.
Step 2: Spice It Up
Squirrels have an excellent sense of smell, so solid spices can also keep them at bay. Mix equal parts cayenne pepper, black pepper, and chili powder and sprinkle it around your furniture. Reapply after rain or heavy wind.
Step 3: Go Natural
If you prefer a more natural approach, try using white vinegar as a deterrent. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) and spritz it on your plastic furniture. This method will need frequent reapplication, especially after rain or prolonged humidity. The strong scent of vinegar is unpleasant to squirrels, discouraging them from gnawing on your furniture.
Step 4: Create a Barrier
Chicken wire or screening material can be a reliable physical deterrent to keep squirrels away from your plastic furniture. Measure your furniture and cut the wire to size, ensuring to cover all the areas that the squirrel usually targets. Attach the wire securely to the furniture’s legs, arms, or seating area. This creates an uncomfortable surface for the squirrels, preventing them from getting to the plastic parts they love to chew on. Always check the wire occasionally for any signs of wear or gaps where a crafty squirrel might squeeze through.
Step 5: Change the Environment
Often, squirrels chew on furniture due to boredom or lack of other engaging activities. If your yard lacks trees, consider planting some to provide a natural habitat for squirrels. Adding bird feeders filled with seeds and nuts can redirect their attention away from your furniture. However, place these feeders away from your patio area to avoid luring the squirrels closer to your plastic table. You can divert their attention by creating an alternative environment and potentially save your furniture from further damage.
Step 6: Repellents
Commercial squirrel repellents are available in most gardening or hardware stores, and these can be an effective way to deter squirrels from your plastic furniture. These repellents often contain natural ingredients that squirrels find unappetizing. To apply, simply spray the repellent on and around your furniture, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. It’s crucial to remember that most repellents will need to be reapplied after rainfall or heavy dew to remain effective.
Step 7: Motion Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers can be an effective deterrent against squirrels. These sprinklers sense movement in your yard and release a short burst of water, scaring away any nearby critters. They’re easy to install and can cover a wide area, making them a great option to protect your plastic furniture from the nibbles of squirrels. It’s important to position these sprinklers strategically to ensure they cover the area where your table is located. Remember to adjust the sensitivity settings as required to avoid unnecessary activation.
Step 8: Professional Help
If none of the above methods work, consider hiring a professional pest control service. They have the knowledge, tools, and expertise to handle this problem efficiently. They can assess your situation and offer customized solutions to ensure the squirrels don’t return to your plastic furniture. Remember to choose a service that employs humane methods to deal with wildlife.
Step 9: Regular Monitoring and Maintenance
Frequent outdoor space and furniture monitoring is crucial in keeping the squirrels at bay. Regularly inspect your plastic furniture for any signs of new chew marks or damage. Clean up any food or trash lying around, as these may attract squirrels. Additionally, maintain the effectiveness of the deterrents you’ve set up by reapplying repellents, checking the functionality of motion-activated sprinklers, and ensuring the integrity of physical barriers. You can prevent squirrels from returning to your plastic furniture by staying diligent.
Step 10: Educate Your Neighbors
Finally, it’s important to remember that squirrels don’t recognize property lines. If your neighbors aren’t also taking steps to deter squirrels, your efforts may be in vain. Consider educating your neighbors on the importance of squirrel control and share your successful methods. This combined approach can lead to a more squirrel-free neighborhood, protecting not only your outdoor space but those of your neighbors as well. After all, keeping squirrels at bay is a community effort!
By following these steps, you can effectively protect your plastic furniture from the pesky nibbles of squirrels.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use Squirrel Repellent Sprays: Several non-toxic squirrel repellent sprays are available on the market. These sprays emit a smell or taste that squirrels find unpleasant, deterring them from gnawing on your plastic furniture.
- Cover Your Furniture: Cover your furniture with a heavy-duty plastic or canvas sheet when not in use. This physical barrier can prevent squirrels from reaching the plastic in the first place.
- Introduce Natural Squirrel Deterrents: Planting mint, garlic, and capsaicin (found in chili peppers) can work as natural squirrel deterrents. These plants give off a strong smell that squirrels dislike.
- Keep Your Yard Clean: Squirrels are attracted to food sources in your yard, so keeping it clean can help discourage them from sticking around. Regularly clean up any food scraps or debris and secure your trash cans.
- Install Squirrel Guards: If you have bird feeders in your yard, consider installing squirrel guards. These physical barriers prevent squirrels from accessing the feeder and may also work for other plastic furniture items.
Using these tips and tricks, you can protect your plastic furniture from pesky squirrels.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Feeding Squirrels: While they may be cute, feeding squirrels can encourage them to stick around your yard, potentially leading to more damage to your furniture.
- Avoid Leaving Food Outside: Food scraps or easily accessible garbage can attract squirrels. Always dispose of food waste in sealed bins.
- Avoid Ignoring the Signs: Act immediately if you notice small bites or scratches on your plastic furniture. Waiting or ignoring the signs can lead to more significant damage.
- Avoid Using Harmful Chemicals: While it may be tempting to use solid repellents or pesticides, these can be harmful to squirrels and other wildlife. Always opt for non-toxic, humane methods of deterrence.
- Avoid Leaving Furniture Uncovered: Even if squirrels are not currently targeting your furniture, it’s still a good idea to keep it covered when not in use. This proactive step can prevent future damage.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can further safeguard your plastic furniture against the destructive habits of squirrels.
What is the Best Squirrel Repellent?
The best squirrel repellent will vary depending on personal preference and the severity of your squirrel problem. Some popular options include natural deterrents such as mint, garlic, capsaicin plants, and commercially available non-toxic sprays. Experiment with different methods and find what works best for you and your specific situation. Remember to constantly research and use safe products for the environment and wildlife.
Overall, the key to effective squirrel repellent is deterring them from accessing your plastic furniture through strong smells or physical barriers. By being proactive and using a combination of methods, you can protect your furniture from these persistent critters.
So remember, don’t let squirrels ruin your outdoor furniture – try these tips and tricks to keep them away!
Conclusion
In conclusion, squirrels may be cute and fluffy, but when they start gnawing on your plastic furniture, they can quickly become a nuisance. However, with these tips and tricks on how to stop squirrels from eating plastic furniture, you now have the tools to protect your outdoor decor from these pesky critters. Using natural deterrents such as cayenne pepper or predator urine, you can create a barrier that will discourage squirrels from getting too close to your beloved furniture pieces.
Investing in squirrel-proof feeders and securing garbage cans can also help reduce the chances of them finding a tasty snack in your backyard. It’s important to remember that patience is key, and it may take some trial and error before finding the right solution for your specific situation.
So go forth confidently and enjoy your beautiful outdoor space without having to constantly repair or replace damaged furniture. Let’s show those pesky squirrels who’s boss!
