I store mine in the coat closet, just got tired of being mad at the squirrels. I'm trying to get my hubby to build a storage bench to keep them outside because it's a pain to drag them in and out. They chewed my hammock too and a really old macrame plant hanger (anyone remember when those were popular?).

They are building nests with your cushions.

I haven't put up my 'vintage' macrame hanger yet since they chewed on it last year. Pam, I was wondering if there was a bitter or hot pepper spray that could be used, but seems it didn't work. Is there anytime when they stop tearing up things for nesting material?

Roselee, I'm not sure if it's ever really safe. Maybe when we consistently get temps above 80 in the summer. I hibernate in the AC all summer so really haven't tried leaving anything out.

PK, I have taken them off and have them in the garage. I am still so mad for one of my brand new cushions being torn up. I had sprayed it liberally twice (one and let dry and then again) and had been told that the sour apple would stop them. And those darned cushions aren't cheap.

I just don't understand why some cushions they don't bother with.

Now that makes sense, love_the_yard. I'll have to think about that, because I personally do not like screens (blur the view to much) - in fact I took all the screens off my windows. But, I might be willing to have screens on the deck just so I could leave my cushions on the seating out there.

Well, I am constantly rooting cuttings. And starting seed trays. And I also have some tender plants that I wanted so badly that I mail ordered. With all of those things, I just want to have a place where I KNOW the squirrels (and armadillos) can't get their hot little claws. I will never take the screens off the porch just because of my gardening obsession. :)