How do I prevent critters from chewing my sprinkler system?

Question

I have a lot of trees in my yard...and squirrels. I'm not 100% sure the squirrels are the critters doing the damage, but it seems the most likely. My neighbor says he's seen a possum in his yard before...and I'm not ruling out rats or mice.

Anyway, this is the third time this has happened. I hate to start killing squirrels to prevent it; it's kind of fun looking at them scamper up and down my trees. Plus, they might not be the offender anyway.

Here's what the damage looks like:

Answer 1

Weaponize some chili pepper oil by putting it in an atomizer or other spray bottle; proceed to spray the equipment.