It's frustrating to find your beautiful wooden park bench damaged by woodpeckers or chewed by squirrels. Don't worry, you can protect it with these humane and effective strategies.
First, understand why they're attracted. Woodpeckers drill for insects (like carpenter bees) or to mark territory. Squirrels chew to wear down their ever-growing teeth and sometimes for nesting material.
For Woodpeckers:
1. Insect Inspection & Treatment: This is crucial. Have the bench inspected for wood-boring insects. Treat any infestation with appropriate, bench-safe products. Removing their food source is the best long-term fix.
2. Physical Barriers: Wrap vulnerable areas (like posts and rail ends) with metal flashing or hardware cloth (wire mesh). This creates an unappealing surface for drilling.
3. Visual Deterrents: Hang reflective objects like old CDs, wind chimes, or predator decoys (owl silhouettes) nearby. Movement and shine can scare them off.
4. Apply a Protective Finish: Use a thick, hard polyurethane or epoxy sealant. It makes the wood harder and less attractive to drill into.
For Squirrels:
1. Taste Deterrents: Apply commercial squirrel repellent sprays with capsaicin (hot pepper) or bitter agents to the legs and arms. Reapply after rain. A homemade mix of water and cayenne pepper can also work.
2. Physical Blockades: Wrap bench legs with a slippery metal collar (at least 2 feet high). Squirrels cannot climb past it. Plastic tree guards also work well.
3. Remove Food Sources: Keep the area clean of fallen nuts, seeds, and bird feeder spillage that attracts them.
4. Provide an Alternative: Place a squirrel feeder with corn cobs away from the bench to divert their attention.
General Best Practices:
* Regular Maintenance: Keep the bench well-painted, stained, or sealed. Damaged, rotting wood is more inviting to both pests.
* Use Hardware Cloth/Netting: As a last resort, temporarily drape the bench with wire netting when not in use.
* Be Persistent: Deterrence requires consistency. Combine methods for the best results.
Always choose humane methods that discourage without harming these wild animals. With a bit of effort, you can enjoy your bench in peace for years to come.