I live under oak trees, and a Japanese Maple. I have gray squirrels in the trees and they use to be cute. I had a new Evergrain deck built and bought resin wicker furniture late last summer. I was gone over a week-end and the squirrels checked the entire upper back side of the wicker chair (leaving only the iron frame) and then chewed several deck railings and post caps. I moved the furniture inside and had the County help me trap the squirrels because of this damage. Summer 2010 coming and I want to enjoy my wicker furniture. How can I keep the furniture safe from the squirrels chewing it again? I have thought of putting bath towels over the backs of the chairs, first spraying a repellent? HELP. What would you recommend I do?

Thank you so very much.

Mary Garvine

Getting squirrels to stop chewing the wicker furniture will be difficult. There are a couple of taste repellents that can be used to discourage squirrels. Capsaicin is a readily available repellent made from red peppers. It is usually used to treat birdseed to discourage squirrels from raiding bird feeders. (Capsaicin does not affect birds and is safe to mix with birdseed). Ro-pel is another taste repellent that can be effective at discouraging squirrels. It may be applied to seeds, bulbs, trees, shrubs, fences, siding and outdoor furniture. However, most people find that keeping the furniture inside is the only sure-fire way to protect the furniture. Trapping the squirrels is the other option. Good luck.

I have a serious problem with destructive grey squirrels. Am I within my rights as a homeowner to trap and destroy them on my own property?

Thanks, Carl

As long as you have a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources issued by the district wildlife biologist. The permit is free. The biologist can provide advice on trapping and euthansia techniques. In Cook County, you'll need to call Bob Massey at (815) 476-0256.