How to Keep a Squirrel From Chewing on My Wooden Deck 
If you’re worried about squirrels, your wooden deck is not the only place they’ll try to destroy. The squirrel’s favorite chewing object is dog or soup bones. You can also use deer antlers but put them far away from the deck. If all else fails, you can use mothballs. Place some mothballs in a mesh container and hang it from the railing of your deck or sprinkle them around the perimeter. Make sure to replace the mothballs every three to four days.
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Cayenne pepper
One way to deter squirrels from chewing on wooden decks is to sprinkle cayenne pepper on the area. This method is not permanent and must be repeated periodically. However, you should never apply hot sauce directly on plants or wooden fixtures. Instead, you can mix cayenne pepper with petroleum jelly and spread it around the base of the plants and wooden poles. If you do not want to make your deck smell like a hot sauce factory, you can buy pepper spray.
Another method is to make your own cayenne pepper spray. Simply mix one cup of cayenne pepper with one gallon of water and spray it on the wood. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of hot sauce and ghost pepper to make a repellent. The key to squirrel repellent spray is to apply it regularly – about every two weeks is recommended. In addition to using hot pepper, you can also use garlic oil. The mixture will repel squirrels from climbing trees and destroying gardens.
Peppermint essential oils
For effective prevention against squirrels chewing on your wooden deck, you can use a peppermint plant. Peppermint is a natural repellent of insects, and squirrels don’t like it. A potent lotion made from peppermint essential oils can also be applied to the affected area. Peppermint essential oil sprays have the same effect as peppermint plants, but are stronger. You can apply the peppermint sprays on the deck or fence to discourage squirrels from chewing on it.
If you can’t get rid of the squirrels completely, you can try peppermint essential oil spray. Peppermint oil is an excellent repellent for mice, rats, and squirrels. It works by clinging to any surface and deterring the squirrels from nesting there. Peppermint oil is safe to use and can be applied to plants and shrubs. The peppermint scent is also effective against squirrels.
Lethal decoys
If you are tired of squirrels chewing on your wooden deck, you can install a lethal decoy. These decoys mimic animals and can fool the squirrels into thinking they are not intruding. It is essential to place them in different areas of the yard. If you are unable to place them in strategic locations, you can also install motion-activated devices in strategic areas to keep the squirrels away. The motion detectors are positioned near patio furniture and will emit noises when they sense a movement.
In addition to a decoy, you can also place dog or soup bones near the wooden deck. Deer antlers are not recommended because they can cause pain and even blindness for the squirrels. Another option is mothballs. These decoys are placed in mesh bags and hung from the railing or perimeter of the deck. These products need to be replaced every two to three days.
Removal of food sources
Squirrels have a direct effect on human activities by altering their feeding habits and movement patterns. However, the consequences of urbanization may not always be detrimental to native species. The long-term impacts of human activity on urban wildlife may only be known when we develop better understanding of energy resources. Here, we discuss how humans can reduce human-induced environmental impacts on squirrels. Hopefully, the findings will help to conserve the habitats of native species and encourage their conservation.
Squirrels have evolved a close co-evolutionary relationship with seeds. They share traits with many seed predators, but their acorn-eating behavior is unique to the North American, Mexican, and Asian species. This behavior does not mean that other seed predators do not do it, but it suggests that squirrels need additional experience to optimize their outcomes. In addition, squirrels are notoriously difficult to control or even prevent.
Why do squirrels chew on wood?
One reason squirrels may chew on wood is to sharpen their teeth.
Sharpening their teeth helps them to better eat their food and also to defend themselves.
Do all squirrels chew on wood?
No not all squirrels chew on wood.
Some squirrels may instead chew on other materials such as rocks or metal to help sharpen their teeth.
Why do sharp teeth help squirrels?
Sharp teeth help squirrels to better eat their food and also to defend themselves.
What do squirrels eat?
Squirrels generally eat things like nuts seeds fruits and vegetables.
What happens if a squirrel doesn’t sharpen its teeth?
If a squirrel doesn’t sharpen its teeth it may have a harder time eating its food.
Additionally its teeth may become more susceptible to cavities or other problems.
Is it harmful to squirrels if they chew on wood?
No it is not harmful to squirrels if they chew on wood.
Do squirrels only chew on wood to sharpen their teeth?
No squirrels may chew on wood for other reasons as well such as to build their nests or to mark their territory.
How do squirrels use their nests?
Squirrels use their nests for both resting and for storing food.
What does marking their territory do for squirrels?
Marking their territory helps squirrels to defend the area where they live and also to attract mates.
Do all animals mark their territory?
No not all animals mark their territory.
This behavior is more commonly seen in animals that are territorial by nature.
How do animals usually mark their territory?
Animals usually mark their territory by urinating or defecating in the area.
Is it only males that mark their territory?
No both males and females usually mark their territory.
How can you tell if a squirrel is marking its territory?
If a squirrel is marking its territory it may leave droppings or urine in the area.
Additionally the squirrel may also scratch the area with its claws or teeth.
Do all animals use urine to mark their territory?
No not all animals use urine to mark their territory.
Some animals may instead use things like secretions from their glands or feces.
What other things do squirrels chew on besides wood?
Some squirrels may also chew on other materials such as rocks or metal to help sharpen their teeth.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
