If you own or maintain a wooden urban bench, you’ve probably noticed those frustrating gnaw marks. Squirrels chew on wood to file down their ever-growing incisors, and unfortunately, your bench is a perfect target. But you don’t need to harm these clever critters to protect your furniture. Here are five practical, humane ways to stop squirrels from chewing on a wooden urban bench.
First, apply natural taste deterrents. Commercial bitter sprays (like Grannick’s Bitter Apple or Ro-Pel) are safe for animals but taste terrible to squirrels. Spray directly on areas where you see chewing. Reapply after rain or every two weeks. Alternatively, mix two tablespoons of cayenne pepper or garlic powder with one quart of water and a dash of dish soap. Shake well and spray the bench. Squirrels will learn to avoid it.
Second, cover the bench with wire mesh for short-term protection. If you’re dealing with an aggressive chewer, wrap problem areas with 1/4-inch galvanized hardware cloth. Secure it with staples or zip ties. Remove the mesh after a few weeks when the squirrels’ habit breaks. This barrier works especially well on armrests and seat edges.
Third, offer an alternative gnawing station. Place a few untreated pine or maple blocks near the bench. You can even smear a little peanut butter on them to attract squirrels. Once they start chewing the blocks, they leave your bench alone. This redirects their natural behavior without harm.
Fourth, create a physical obstruction using texture. Squirrels dislike unstable or uncomfortable surfaces. Apply a thick, food-grade mineral oil or beeswax mixture to the wood. This makes the surface slippery. You can also install metal or plastic edge protectors on the most-chewed corners. These prevent squirrels from getting a good grip.
Finally, remove attractants in the surrounding area. If you leave bird feeders, fallen nuts, or food crumbs near the bench, squirrels will treat it as a dining table. Move feeders at least 10 feet away. Sweep under the bench weekly. Clean up any spilled sunflower seeds or acorns. Without food rewards, squirrels have less reason to hang around and chew.
Remember, consistency is key. Rotate between two or three methods. If a squirrel gets through one deterrent, the next layer will stop it. And never use glue traps or poisons—these can harm pets and children in urban areas. With patience, you can enjoy a squirrel-free bench that stays beautiful for years.