What Can I Do to Stop Squirrels Chewing Plastic Shutters?

Squirrels can cause damage to the home and lawn. Not only do squirrels dig up lawns when burying and retrieving nuts and seeds, they also feed on garden plants and vegetables, and sometimes even chew on siding and window shutters. There are a few natural repellents that will keep squirrels from chewing on plastic shutters.

Pepper is a natural repellent that will keep squirrels away, and a homemade solution can be made for a few dollars. In a spray bottle, combine 2 cups of water and one squirt of liquid dish detergent, which will work as an adhesive, sticking to plastic shutters without causing damage. Add 3 teaspoons of any powdered pepper (cayenne, chili or red pepper flakes) to the spray bottle, then spray directly onto the plastic shutters. This will instantly repel squirrels from the shutters, and prevent any further damage. This is also a safe repellent for lawns and gardens that have been attacked by squirrels.

Mothballs are another inexpensive, natural repellent for squirrels. Mothballs can be purchased by the box from your local hardware, home improvement or grocery store for just a few dollars. Place a handful of the mothballs in old socks and set them on a window ledge or near the plastic shutters that are being damaged. The mothballs will continue to work for a few weeks, at which time you can refill the socks, if necessary.

Ammonia is another inexpensive repellent that will prevent squirrels from causing damage to your plastic shutters. Create a diluted spray-on solution that will be safe for application. In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups of water and 1 cup of ammonia (available at any grocery or hardware store). Add a few drops of liquid dish detergent for adhesion, and spray directly onto the shutters. Repeat every few days until the squirrels are no longer a problem.