I recently noticed some wood chips on my porch and found some areas on the underside of the roof where it looks like something has been gnawing away at the wood. My initial thought is that it might be squirrels. The porch is pretty new, not even 2 years old, and there are no signs of insect damage, so I'm looking for ideas on what other critters could cause this damage. I'm also wondering how to prevent further chewing. I found some repellent options at Lowe's, but I'm unsure which would be best. What experiences do you all have with this kind of damage or products that actually work?
3 Answers
It definitely looks like critter damage! While squirrels are a likely suspect, I'd suggest trying cayenne pepper on the wood—it can irritate them without making a huge mess. Peppermint oil is another option that might work too. I highly doubt it's birds since the wear marks don't match, and usually, you'd see bird droppings if they were around. Testing out both repellents to see which prevents further damage seems like a good plan!
All rodents can cause that kind of damage, not just squirrels. You might want to try castor oil or peppermint oil as a deterrent, applying it several times a year. Just keep in mind it might discolor your wood. Another thing you could consider is setting traps nearby, especially if you’re okay with going there! Chicken wire can also be a great physical barrier if you really want to keep them away for good.
When I had a squirrel problem, the only thing that worked effectively was chicken wire. Those little guys can get into just about anywhere, so blocking access is key. If they can't get to what's enticing them, they’ll probably stop trying! Just be ready for some DIY patience; it pays off in the long run.
Oh, I hadn't thought about the droppings as a sign. Good observation!