Squirrels can be a persistent nuisance, especially when they invade your deck. Whether they’re raiding your bird feeders, chewing on furniture, or making a mess with droppings, it's important to take action to keep them off your deck. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to keep squirrels off your deck, using a combination of deterrents and preventive measures:

1. Remove Food Sources

Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, and your deck may be an attractive spot for them if they find food. The first step in keeping squirrels off your deck is to eliminate any food sources that might be attracting them.

• Secure Bird Feeders: If you have bird feeders on or near your deck, squirrels are likely to target them. Consider using squirrel-proof bird feeders that are designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the food.
• Remove Pet Food: Don’t leave pet food outside on the deck, as this can attract squirrels. Store food indoors or in sealed containers.
• Clean Up Spills: Clean up any crumbs, seeds, or food spills from your deck. Squirrels will be more likely to return if they know there’s a food source.

2. Block Access to Your Deck

If squirrels can easily access your deck, they will continue to visit. By blocking their access, you can deter them from making your deck their hangout spot.

• Trim Nearby Trees: Squirrels are excellent climbers and can jump from nearby trees to your deck. Trim branches that are within 8-10 feet of your deck to prevent squirrels from using them as a launch point.
• Install Physical Barriers: You can install wire mesh or squirrel-proof barriers around the edges of your deck. This can make it difficult for squirrels to climb up or get onto the deck in the first place.
• Use PVC Pipes on Deck Posts: If your deck has posts, wrapping them with smooth PVC pipes can make it much harder for squirrels to climb. Squirrels struggle to climb smooth surfaces, and this can be an effective deterrent.

3. Squirrel Repellents

Natural or chemical repellents can help discourage squirrels from hanging out on your deck. Here are some common options:

• Spicy Repellents: Squirrels dislike spicy substances. You can make a simple DIY repellent by mixing water with cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili powder. Spray this mixture on your deck, especially around the areas where squirrels are active. Be sure to reapply after rain.
• Commercial Repellents: There are many commercial squirrel repellents available that contain ingredients like peppermint oil, garlic, or castor oil. These can be sprayed around your deck to create an unpleasant environment for squirrels.
• Predator Urine: Squirrels are scared of predators like foxes, coyotes, or hawks. Some stores sell predator urine, which you can sprinkle around your deck to make squirrels feel unsafe. This natural repellent works because squirrels will avoid areas where they sense danger.

4. Use Motion-Activated Deterrents

Squirrels are wary creatures, and sudden movements or noises can startle them. Motion-activated deterrents can help to scare them away.

• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices detect motion and emit a burst of water when squirrels (or other animals) approach. The unexpected spray of water can be a strong deterrent, as squirrels dislike getting wet. Position them near the edges of your deck or in areas where squirrels tend to enter.
• Ultrasonic Repellents: Ultrasonic devices emit high-pitched sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels but are generally inaudible to humans. These devices can be placed around your deck to disrupt the squirrels' ability to feel comfortable.

5. Install Physical Barriers on Furniture

If squirrels are chewing on your deck furniture or other wooden items, it's important to protect your possessions. Here’s how:

• Cover Furniture: Use furniture covers to protect chairs, tables, and cushions from squirrel damage. This will also make your deck less inviting to them.
• Use Aluminum Foil or Tape: Squirrels dislike the texture and sound of aluminum foil. Try wrapping your deck furniture legs or areas they tend to chew with aluminum foil or sticky tape. This can deter them from gnawing on your furniture.

6. Keep Your Deck Clean and Unattractive

Squirrels are often attracted to cluttered spaces that provide potential hiding spots or food sources. By keeping your deck clean and organized, you can make it less appealing.

• Remove Nesting Materials: Squirrels may try to build nests in your deck area. Remove any leaves, twigs, or other materials they might use to build a home.
• Clean Regularly: Sweep your deck regularly to remove any crumbs, nuts, or other debris that could attract squirrels. Keeping the area clean is an effective way to make your deck less inviting.

7. Set Traps

If squirrels are already causing problems on your deck, setting traps can be an effective solution to remove them.

• Live Traps: You can purchase live traps from hardware stores. Bait the trap with foods like peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or fruit. Once the squirrel is trapped, release it far from your property to prevent it from returning.
• Check Local Regulations: Before setting a trap, check local regulations regarding trapping and releasing wildlife. In some areas, it may be illegal to trap and relocate squirrels without a permit.

8. Consult a Professional

If DIY methods aren’t working or you have a larger squirrel problem, it might be time to call in a professional wildlife control expert.

• Wildlife Control Services: Professionals can help identify the source of the squirrel problem and provide long-term solutions. They can also safely remove any squirrels that are currently nesting on your deck or property.
• Exterminators: If the infestation is severe, hiring an exterminator may be necessary, though it’s important to ensure that humane methods are used.

Conclusion

Keeping squirrels off your deck can be a challenging task, but with the right strategies, you can effectively prevent them from causing damage or making your deck their home. By removing food sources, blocking access points, using repellents, and maintaining a clean environment, you can significantly reduce the chances of a squirrel invasion. If all else fails, professional help can ensure that your deck remains squirrel-free and secure.