How To Keep Squirrels From Eating Patio Cushions

One sunny afternoon, as I was enjoying my time on my patio, I noticed something unusual. My patio cushions had been chewed on, and there were squirrel droppings all over the place. I knew I had to do something about it, so I decided to research on how to keep squirrels from eating patio cushions.

Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Clean your patio

Before you start implementing any solution, it’s essential to clean your patio and remove all the food sources that might be attracting squirrels. Sweep away any nuts, berries, or seeds that might have fallen from nearby trees. Also, clean your grill and any other cooking equipment thoroughly.

Step 2: Use repellents

Squirrels are usually deterred by certain smells, so using repellents is an effective way of keeping them away from your patio cushions. You can use natural repellents like peppermint oil, cinnamon, or hot pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can buy commercial squirrel repellents.

Step 3: Cover your patio furniture

Squirrels are attracted to soft materials, so covering your patio furniture with tough and durable materials like canvas or plastic can help prevent them from chewing on your cushions.

Step 4: Use squirrel-proof feeders

If you have bird feeders in your patio, it’s essential to use squirrel-proof feeders. These feeders are designed to keep squirrels away from bird food, thus reducing their presence in your patio.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Use natural repellents like peppermint oil, cinnamon, or hot pepper flakes.
2. Use commercial squirrel repellents.
3. Cover your patio furniture with tough and durable materials like canvas or plastic.
4. Use squirrel-proof bird feeders.
5. Install motion-activated sprinklers to scare squirrels away.
6. Plant mint, lavender, or other plants that squirrels dislike.
7. Place a fake owl or snake in your patio to scare squirrels away.
8. Remove trees or branches near your patio that squirrels can use to jump onto your furniture.
9. Use ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels.
10. Apply a taste repellent to your patio cushions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Using natural repellents is an eco-friendly solution.
• Installing squirrel-proof bird feeders can be beneficial for bird watching.
• Using tough and durable materials to cover your patio furniture can prevent damage from other animals as well.

Cons

• Commercial squirrel repellents can be expensive.
• Some natural repellents may have to be applied frequently.
• Ultrasonic devices may not be effective in all situations.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

After trying out different solutions, I found that using a combination of natural repellents and tough covers for my patio furniture was the most effective way of keeping squirrels away from my cushions. I also installed a squirrel-proof bird feeder, which not only helped reduce the squirrel population in my patio but also attracted a variety of beautiful birds.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can squirrels chew through tough covers?

A: While squirrels are known to chew through many materials, tough covers like canvas or plastic are usually too difficult for them to penetrate. However, it’s essential to inspect your covers regularly and replace them if they show any signs of damage.

Q: How often should I apply natural repellents?

A: The frequency of application depends on the type of repellent and the weather conditions in your area. Some repellents may need to be applied every week, while others can last for several months. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and reapply as needed.

Q: Are ultrasonic devices harmful to pets?

A: Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are generally harmless to pets. However, some pets may be sensitive to these sounds, so it’s essential to monitor their behavior when using these devices.