Living with wildlife can be charming until squirrels, raccoons, or other animals start treating your expensive outdoor furniture as their personal playground or teething ring. Protecting your investment doesn't have to be a constant battle. Here are several effective, humane strategies to keep your outdoor furnishings safe.
Use Physical Barriers and Deterrents
The most direct approach is to create a physical barrier between the animals and your furniture.
* Furniture Covers: Invest in high-quality, durable, and tightly-secured furniture covers. For added protection, choose covers made from materials that animals find difficult to chew through, such as heavy-duty polyester or vinyl-coated fabrics. Ensure they are securely fastened so the wind—or a curious animal—can't easily pull them off.
* Animal Netting or Chicken Wire: For areas underneath furniture, like the space beneath a sofa, you can temporarily place plastic netting or chicken wire. Animals dislike walking on these unstable surfaces.
* Motion-Activated Sprinklers and Lights: These devices startle animals with a sudden burst of water or light, conditioning them to avoid your patio or deck. They are highly effective for a range of creatures, from squirrels to deer.
Apply Repellents
Repellents can make your furniture less appealing without causing harm.
* Commercial Repellent Sprays: Look for animal repellent sprays that contain ingredients like capsaicin (from hot peppers) or predator urine scents (like fox or coyote). Reapply these regularly, especially after rain.
* DIY Natural Solutions: Create a homemade spray by mixing water with cayenne pepper, vinegar, or essential oils like peppermint, which squirrels find offensive. Always test a small, hidden area of your furniture first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration.
Remove Attractants and Modify the Habitat
Make your yard less inviting to prevent animals from coming in the first place.
* Secure Food Sources: Never leave pet food outside. Ensure trash cans and compost bins have locking, animal-proof lids.
* Use Squirrel Feeders: Distract squirrels by placing a dedicated squirrel feeder filled with corn or nuts far away from your patio. This can draw them away from your furniture.
* Trim Branches: Cut back tree limbs that overhang your deck or patio. This removes the "highway" squirrels use to access your furniture.
Consider Alternative Materials
When purchasing new furniture, think about materials that are less attractive to animals.
* Metal and Wrought Iron: These are much more difficult for squirrels to chew on compared to wood or wicker.
* Recycled Plastic or Poly Lumber: These synthetic materials are durable and typically do not appeal to animals seeking wood to gnaw on for dental health.
By combining these methods—using physical barriers, applying safe repellents, and making your yard less attractive to pests—you can enjoy your outdoor living space in peace, knowing your furniture is well-protected from furry intruders. Consistency is key to long-term success.