Tinfoil is another option. Lay some tin foil across the area. They don't like the feel of it and it makes a noise when they touch it.
Can also be used to stop cats scratching your furniture.
Our cat took to scratching the back of the sofa (loose covered one) so I placed a sheet of tinfoil under the loose cover. After the shock of the first two attempts, it took her another two hours to walk past it again.
Interesting comments need to persuade some local moggies to stay away.
However I am also curious - Tim pointed out that this posted by A_n_g_e_l_a a year ago. Last post this year by A_n_g_e_l_a seems to be Aug 18, 2007.
So how did it get revived :?