Tree Rats

[Mugsie]

Browsing these forums, a number of you live in a warm climate. Unfortunately, myself and a lot of others live in a northern climate. During the warmer months, I'd love to place my orchids outside, handing on a fence under some trees where they get dappled sun all day.

When I start to bring them out, I can hear a call go up throughout the neighborhood yelling "he's bringing out food!". Squirrels. Inquisitive little bas$@#s!. They destroy everything. What they don't eat, they dig up, bury acorns in or just uproot.

Short of placing a cage around every plant, have any of you been successful in deterring them from attacking the plants. I will not shoot, poison or otherwise harm them. Thoughts?