Something is gnawing slowly at patio furniture

DEAR JOAN » We have had white resin patio furniture for many years, but in the last year or two bite marks have appeared and a lounge had to be disposed of because bites went all the way through the legs.

We hope to save a large table from further damage. Is there a pepper sauce or other product that might protect the plastic? Also, do you have an idea of what animal might be responsible?

We see squirrels around, and we assume there could be rats around. — Mette Leuthold, Saratoga

DEAR METTE » Oh, it’s always safe to assume there are rats around, even if you don’t see them. But unless the damage is occurring at night, my money is on squirrels.

Squirrels and rats both need to gnaw frequently to keep their teeth from growing too long, but squirrels make an art of it and often return to the same place time and again. Their favorites are wood, concrete, aluminum fixtures, PVC pipe and, unfortunately, garden furniture.

Some people tell me this works like a charm while others tell me it didn’t do anything, but supposedly squirrels hate the smell and taste of hot peppers. You can make your own spray or buy a commercial mix.

Here’s the recipe: You’ll need some powdered red pepper (the hotter the better), water and some liquid soap. In a large jug, stir 2 tablespoons of the pepper into a gallon of warm water, then add six drops of liquid soap. Stir well, put the lid on and let it sit overnight.

Early the next morning, pour some of the solution into a spray bottle, shake well and spray whatever the squirrels are after. At dusk, you can apply a second coat. Continue this for a few days, or until the squirrels get the idea.

After that, you may need to spray only once a week. The mixture will keep for two to three weeks in the refrigerator.

You also could provide an alternate source of chewing material by placing a pile of small logs or boards, or some antlers nearby. Pet supply stores usually sell them as chew bones for dogs.

Be sure to put a sign on the pile saying “Chew this, not that.”

DEAR JOAN » Perhaps you can help with this. Last year, after our mock hibiscus stopped producing we discovered mounds of chewed up buds away from the plant and near our house.

One night I discovered the culprits were probably mice or rats, as I caught one jumping from the plant to the fence. The bushes are not done producing, but today I discovered a mound that I promptly scooped up and put in the green keeper.

What are they getting from it? How can I discourage this problem? Shall I prune now? I’ve attached a picture in case this is not a mock hibiscus. — Laura, Bay Area

DEAR LAURA » There is nothing mock about your hibiscus. It’s the genuine thing. I’ve never heard of rats or mice eating hibiscus, although they certainly could be. Deer find them irresistible, and dogs have been known to indulge. If it is rodents, they could be after the seed.

Pruning hibiscus is usually best done in the spring; however, as long as you prune in the early fall, you should be fine.