If you’ve ever walked outside to find your patio cushions shredded after a little creature made a home of them, you’re not alone. Squirrels love to chew on outdoor furniture cushions, often leaving unsightly holes and ripped fabric behind. It’s frustrating—and expensive—to keep replacing cushions that have been damaged by wildlife.
At Pacific Patio Furniture, we know how much you invest in high-quality outdoor cushions, and we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn why squirrels chew patio cushions, how to prevent the damage, and what to do if your cushions need repair or replacement.
Why Do Squirrels Chew Patio Furniture Cushions?
Squirrels aren’t attacking your cushions out of spite—they have a few reasons for their destructive behavior:
- Nesting Material – Squirrels use soft cushion stuffing to build cozy nests for their babies, especially in the spring and fall.
- Teething & Chewing Instinct – Like other rodents, squirrels have teeth that never stop growing. Chewing helps keep them filed down.
- Food Residue – If you've eaten on your patio furniture, crumbs or food scents can attract squirrels to your cushions.
- Boredom or Curiosity – Sometimes, squirrels just like to explore new textures, and unfortunately, your outdoor cushions make a great experiment.
How to Prevent Squirrels from Eating Patio Cushions
Here are some effective ways to keep squirrels away from your outdoor furniture:
1. Store Your Cushions When Not in Use
If squirrels don’t have access to your cushions, they can’t chew them. When you're not using your patio furniture:
- Store cushions in a sealed deck box or storage bench.
- Bring them indoors overnight or during the off-season.
2. Use Squirrel Repellents
Certain smells and textures deter squirrels. Try:
- Cayenne Pepper Spray – Mix water with cayenne pepper and spray it lightly on cushions. This is harmless to humans but unpleasant for squirrels.
- Vinegar or Peppermint Oil – Dab a few drops on cushions or nearby furniture.
- Commercial Squirrel Repellent – Available at garden stores, these sprays make surfaces unpleasant to chew.
- Place a strong smelling dryer sheet inside the zipper of your cushion – although humans love the fresh linen scent, the smell is a deterrent to rodents.
3. Cover Cushions with Protective Fabric
A tough, durable cover can discourage squirrels from biting through. Look for:
- Sunbrella® fabric or other heavy-duty, tightly woven materials.
- Furniture covers when cushions are not in use.
Be careful not to keep covered for extended periods of time, otherwise the squirrel friends will create a home in the dark warm area underneath the cover & on top of your cushion.
4. Remove Nearby Food Sources
Make sure your yard isn’t inviting squirrels by:
- Keeping bird feeders away from your patio.
- Cleaning up fallen fruit, nuts, or seeds.
- Wiping down outdoor tables after eating.
5. Try Motion-Activated Devices
Squirrels spook easily, so using motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic repellents, or fake predator decoys (like owls) can scare them off.
Cushion Damage? We Can Help!
If squirrels have already chewed through your patio cushions, Pacific Patio Furniture has solutions.
Can Your Cushions Be Repaired?
- Bring your damaged cushions to our showroom, and we’ll assess whether they can be repaired or restuffed.
- If the fabric is only lightly damaged, we may be able to patch or reinforce it.
Need Replacement Cushions?
If your cushions are beyond repair, we offer custom replacement cushions made from high-quality, durable outdoor fabrics.
- Choose from hundreds of fabric and color options.
- Get cushions made with Sunbrella® and other weather-resistant materials.
- Custom sizes available for any outdoor furniture brand.
Don’t let squirrels ruin your outdoor space. Visit Pacific Patio Furniture to see if your cushions can be repaired or to browse our custom replacement cushion options. Our team can help you find the best high-quality, durable fabrics to keep your patio looking great for years to come.
