how to keep squirrels from chewing on my deck
Kristina Davis

In this article, how to keep squirrels from chewing on my deck is the bone of contention. There are different methods I can use to keep them out of my home.

If you want to find out, continue reading this blog post.

Everyone loves seeing squirrels in their environment due to the friendly behavior they display but they can also cause problems.

This could be when they sneak into your house to destroy your flowers and chew on the wood of your decks in search of food and a nest. 

READ NEXT:  How To Restore Composite Decking? - Complete Guide

Also, different methods can be used to keep squirrels from chewing on your deck.

Make sure you eliminate the squirrel’s food source by applying squirrel repellant to areas where squirrels are chewing. Spray repellent and trim all trees that have long shrubs.

Methods On How To Keep Squirrels From Chewing On My Deck

keep squirrel from chewing deck

Squirrels can run over a long distance, climb trees, dig and enter potholes, and end up in your house, destroying decks and other valuable properties. 

They are fast when destroying things. And they enter our houses through cracks and holes or by climbing trees near your fence.

However, let’s discuss how to stop squirrels from chewing the wood off the deck.

Method #1: Remove Any Food Source

Have you ever noticed squirrels entering your home? It may be that they have found food in your deck area.

READ NEXT:  Will An Outdoor Rug Damage A Wood Deck? - Things You Should Know!

To keep squirrels from chewing on your deck, remove any food sources that may be attracting them to the opposite side. 

remove bird feeder

This includes bird feeders, pet food, and tree fruit.

Food sources near your deck can be relocated to other areas or even kept in airtight containers on the fridge. 

You should also clean up any crumbs or spills at the side of your deck right away because squirrels will smell them and gravitate toward them.

Note: You need to take food or any spills away from your deck so that they will not be damaged by squirrels.

Method #2: Trim Any Trees Or Shrubs That Are Close To The Deck

trim any trees or shrub

Squirrels enjoy climbing trees, and if any tree is near your deck, they will easily destroy it.

So it is important to regularly prune any trees or shrubs near your home deck. 

It will help in the maintenance of your deck and the prevention of damage caused by branches or roots.

READ NEXT:  Will Outdoor Carpet Rot My Deck? - Here Is All You Need To Know

Also, their starting point will be removed, making access to the area more difficult.

Note: If you are unsure about how to trim your trees or shrubs, you can always hire a professional tree service to do it for you. 

Method #3: Install A Squirrel Proof Barrier Around The Deck Perimeter

install barrier around deck perimeter

If squirrels are raiding your deck, it is time to act. A squirrel-proof barrier around your property’s perimeter can help keep these pesky critters at bay. 

There are a few techniques you can choose from here.

Installing a physical barrier, such as a fence, is one option. Construction of a fence is one of the most efficient ways to prevent squirrels from chewing on your deck. 

Putting up a fence takes a lot of time. But for it to be effective, the fence must be at least 8 feet tall. 

Another option is to install an electronic barrier that emits a loud noise whenever a squirrel approaches.

Note: Whatever method you use, keep an eye out for any gaps or holes that squirrels could use to get around your deck.

Method #4: Apply A Taste Deterrent Spray

apply deterrent spray

A non-toxic repellent that makes the surface offensive to squirrels is usually included in a taste deterrent spray.

READ NEXT:  Will An Outdoor Rug Damage A Wood Deck? - Things You Should Know!

It also contains bitter-tasting chemicals that will keep the squirrel from coming to your deck area. 

Capsaicin can be found in some of the most potent taste deterrents. Simply spray the areas where the squirrels used to chew. 

It is possible that you will need to reapply the spray every few days or after it rains. This will make the area unappealing to them and discourage them from returning to your deck.

Note: Keep children and pets away from the area while spraying and follow the directions on the label.

Method #5: Maintain A Clean And Debris Free Environment

clean deck

Make time each week to clean up your deck space. This will help to prevent debris buildup and keep squirrels from chewing on your deck. 

READ NEXT:  How To Restore Composite Decking? - Complete Guide

When you have more time, take a few minutes to put dirty things away around the deck instead of letting them pile up. 

This will make it easier to keep your house clean and squirrel-free.

Also, organize your belongings so that they have a place to be kept that squirrels cannot access. This makes it less appealing to squirrels and other pests.

Method #6: Use Of Sound And Ultrasound To Chase Squirrel

use sound and ultrasound

Many people are amazed at how these two sound waves function and what they can do for your home. Sound and ultrasonic repellents are effective against squirrels. 

This is because squirrels communicate primarily through sound signals and are extremely sensitive to ultrasound. 

Squirrels use various methods to communicate with each other. Here is a quick guide to using sound and ultrasound around your home deck area. 

When something vibrates, sound waves are produced. The higher the sound, the faster the vibration. 

READ NEXT:  How To Restore Composite Decking? - Complete Guide

When something vibrates at a high rate, ultrasound waves are produced. These waves have a very high frequency and can be heard by both animals and humans.

Tip: You can use sound waves to keep animals away from your deck area if you have one. 

Method #7: Replace The Wooden Deck With Composite Material

replace deck material

If you are thinking about replacing your old wooden deck to keep squirrels out, you might be wondering if composite material is a good option.

Squirrels scratch and chew on the wood of the deck, so it can be replaced with a composite deck. 

Composite decking is made of wood and plastic and has many advantages over traditional wood decking. 

For one thing, it is more weather resistant and durable, so it won’t warp, rot, or split over time. 

Composite decking is also low maintenance, as you won’t have to sand, stain, or paint it like wood, and squirrels won’t be able to easily damage it. 

READ NEXT:  Will An Outdoor Rug Damage A Wood Deck? - Things You Should Know!

Composite decking is also simple to put together. You can use the same tools and fasteners that you would for wood, and the boards can be cut and drilled the same way. 

Because it is made from recycled materials, composite decking is also a good choice for preventing squirrel damage to your deck.

Note: If you are thinking about replacing your wooden deck, composite decking is a good choice.

Method #8: Place Snacks On The Opposite Side Of The Deck

snacks on the opposite side

All you need is a snack to keep squirrels away from your deck with this simple hack.

Place a few snacks on the ground opposite your deck, and the squirrels will be distracted long enough for the deck not to be damaged. 

This works because squirrels are opportunistic eaters who will take the simplest meal available.

So, if you want to keep squirrels off your deck, try this simple trick and see how it works for you.

Note: Keep in mind that if you follow these guidelines, you should be able to keep squirrels out of your home.

Conclusion

Now I can boast of knowing how to keep squirrels from chewing on my deck.

READ NEXT:  Will An Outdoor Rug Damage A Wood Deck? - Things You Should Know!

As much as we enjoy seeing squirrels in our yards, we should not allow them to chew on our deck.

Once again, you should use any of these methods to keep them from chewing on your deck.

Eliminate the presence of food and clean up any dirt or trash around the deck area. Use a repellent in areas where squirrels chew. Also, cut or trim all of the trees near the deck. 

And after following these methods, I don’t think you will have any more problems with squirrels chewing on your deck.

If in doubt about which method to use, seek advice from an expert.

Read Next: How to Keep Porcupines from Eating Wood? Ultimate Guide