How to Keep Pesky Squirrels Away from Your Patio for Good

As charming as they may seem, squirrels can quickly become a nuisance when they invade your patio and start chewing on your furniture cushions, gnawing at wood railings, or digging up potted plants Getting rid of these persistent critters and keeping them from returning requires some strategic squirrel-proofing tactics But with the right deterrents, you can reclaim your patio and enjoy your outdoor space again, squirrel-free.

Understand What Attracts Squirrels to Your Patio

Squirrels are naturally drawn to patios because they provide three things that squirrels need to survive and thrive

• Food: Squirrels feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Any edibles you have growing in pots or falling from overhanging branches can bring hungry squirrels scurrying onto your patio. They’re also attracted to leftover pet food, accessible compost piles, or unsecured trash cans.

• Shelter: Squirrels seek out protected nooks and crannies where they can build nests and take cover. The underside of your patio, thick ivy, wood piles, and covered areas are prime real estate for squirrel homes.

• Materials: Squirrels constantly hunt for soft materials like cotton, fur, and shredded fabric to incorporate into their nests. Your patio cushions stuffed with batting or foam provide an irresistible jackpot of nesting stuffing.

Understanding what motivates squirrels will help you identify the specific factors drawing them to your patio. Once you know what the attractions are, you can start removing them.

Remove All Food Sources

Eliminating anything edible from your patio and the surrounding yard is step one. Here are some tips:

• Take down bird feeders, or invest in squirrel-proof feeders.

• Secure trash in bins with tight-fitting lids.

• Pick up fallen fruits and nuts daily.

• Store pet food indoors and avoid feeding pets outside.

• Keep BBQ grills clean and free of food debris.

• Remove vegetables and garden beds from the patio perimeter.

• Clean up under trees and plants to remove scraps.

Squirrels have an excellent sense of smell and will return to spots where they’ve found food before. Be diligent about removing anything that could attract them back day after day.

Eliminate Shelter Opportunities

After removing food sources, your next step is to get rid of anything squirrels could use for shelter. Here’s what to do:

• Trim back overgrown trees and bushes so branches don’t overhang the patio.

• Pull out thick ground cover plants and ivy growing around the patio’s perimeter.

• Clear away wood piles, stacks of materials, debris piles, and excess planters.

• Make sure the gap between the ground and bottom of your patio enclosure is sealed so squirrels can’t access the space underneath.

• Look for gaps or holes in your eaves, roof, or siding that could allow entry to attics or interior walls. Seal up any access points.

• Check chimneys, vents, and openings for signs of squirrels and install exclusion devices like chimney caps and vent covers to keep them out.

• Keep garage doors, shed doors, and gates closed when not in use to block shelter entry points.

The less shelter available, the less likely squirrels will view your patio as prime nesting grounds.

Protect Vulnerable Materials from Damage

Once food and shelter temptations are removed, you need to safeguard all the tempting materials squirrels love to rip and shred.

• Invest in weather-resistant patio furniture covers and keep cushions and pillows covered when not in use.

• Store cushions, pillows, and removable chair pads indoors when the furniture is not being used for extended periods.

• Consider constructing a storage bench or chest to keep cushions contained and protected when not on furniture.

• Use metal, cedar wood, or plastic furniture and decorative items instead of wood rails, planter boxes, and accents which are easier for squirrels to gnaw through.

• Apply squirrel repellent sprays to wood surfaces and furniture to deter chewing. Reapply frequently.

• Place smooth rocks, lava rocks, or chicken wire over the surface of potted plants to prevent squirrels from digging in the soil.

Deploy Tactical Squirrel Repellents

In addition to removing attractants and blocking access, you can take proactive measures to scare, deter, and distract squirrels away from your patio space.

Smell-based repellents

Squirrels dislike strong odors so introducing nauseating smells can effectively drive them away. Try these repellents:

• Spray white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or ammonia diluted with water around the patio perimeter and on plants. Reapply after rain.

• Sprinkle dried hot peppers, chili powder, or cayenne pepper powder along fence lines or around potted plants. Replenish after wind/rain.

• Place small dishes filled with mint, garlic, or onion oils around the patio. Recharge the oil every few days.

• Use predator urines like coyote or fox urine to mimic the scent of natural enemies. Apply around furniture legs and patio edges.

Sound-based repellents

Loud noises and alarms will startle squirrels and condition them to avoid the area. Options include:

• Motion-activated sprinklers that spray water when triggered by movement.

• Sonic spikes or ultrasonic repellers that emit high-frequency sounds uncomfortable to squirrels.

• Banging pot lids or blowing whistles whenever squirrels are spotted to scare them off by associating the patio with alarming sounds.

Visual repellents

The sight of predators or danger can scare squirrels away. Try these visuals:

• Shiny pinwheels, aluminum pans, reflective tape, and fluttering ribbons create chaotic movement and flashes of light.

• Fake owls, hawks, snakes or spiders placed around the patio mimic natural predators that squirrels avoid. Move them frequently so they don’t become ignored.

• Stringing up old CDs or linking cans with fishing line create dangling distractions that deter squirrels whenever wind moves them.

Pet patrols

Allowing pets supervised time on the patio reinforces it as off-limits territory to squirrels who will steer clear of dogs and cats. Just be sure pets can’t access repellents.

Sacrificial distraction

Sometimes it helps to give squirrels an acceptable place to focus their energy. Put out a “sacrificial” rope, piece of untreated wood, or upturned pot stuffed with batting away from the areas you are actively protecting.

Maintain Vigilance

Getting rid of every single squirrel infesting your patio will take commitment and diligence. Maintaining your squirrel defenses requires ongoing vigilance as well. But the effort is well worth it to be able relax and enjoy your patio again free of squirrel chaos.

Stay alert for signs of new squirrel activity and quickly address problems before they escalate. Don’t let your guard down by leaving out tempting food scraps or forgetting to reapply repellents. Check for new entry points or damage frequently and seal them up.

With consistent monitoring and maintenance of your squirrel-proofing tactics, your patio can remain a peaceful, squirrel-free sanctuary for you to enjoy.