Can Raccoons Chew Through Drywall? The Ultimate Guide to Prevention
Yes, raccoons can chew through drywall, especially if they are determined to gain access to a food source or create a nesting space within your home. Understanding the reasons why and how they do this is crucial for preventing costly damage.
Why Raccoons Target Drywall
Raccoons are opportunistic creatures, known for their intelligence and adaptability. They are driven primarily by two things: food and shelter. Understanding these motivations helps explain why they might turn their attention to your drywall.
- Seeking Shelter: Raccoons often seek safe, warm places to nest, particularly during colder months. Attics, basements, and wall cavities offer ideal protection from the elements and predators.
- Searching for Food: Even seemingly insignificant food odors can attract raccoons. If there are crumbs, pet food, or other potential food sources inside your walls, they will do almost anything to get to them.
- Creating Entry Points: If an existing entry point is too small or obstructed, a raccoon may chew at drywall to widen it, making it easier to gain access to a desired space.
- Dental Health: While not the primary reason, chewing can also help raccoons maintain their dental health by wearing down their constantly growing teeth.
How Raccoons Chew Through Drywall
Drywall itself is not particularly strong, especially compared to wood or metal. Raccoons use their sharp teeth and powerful jaws to gnaw at the material. They typically start at weak points or areas where they sense a void.
- Scratching and Gnawing: Raccoons begin by scratching and testing the drywall’s surface. This helps them identify softer areas or existing damage.
- Enlarging Holes: Once a weak spot is found, they use their teeth to chip away at the drywall, gradually enlarging the hole.
- Pawing and Pushing: As the hole grows, raccoons will use their paws to further tear and dislodge pieces of drywall.
- Repeated Efforts: They are persistent animals and will continue their efforts until they create a large enough opening to crawl through.
Preventing Raccoons from Chewing Through Drywall
Prevention is the best defense against raccoon damage. Implementing proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of an infestation.
- Secure Potential Entry Points:
- Seal cracks and holes in your foundation, siding, and roof.
- Install sturdy screens over vents and chimneys.
- Repair damaged soffits and fascia boards.
- Eliminate Food Sources:
- Keep garbage cans tightly sealed and stored securely.
- Clean up spilled food and crumbs promptly.
- Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.
- Trim trees and shrubs that provide access to your roof.
- Use Raccoon Deterrents:
- Motion-activated lights can startle raccoons and deter them from approaching your property.
- Sprinklers can also be effective in scaring them away.
- Consider using commercially available raccoon repellents, but be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
- Professional Inspection:
- Schedule regular inspections by a wildlife control professional to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Repairing Drywall Damage Caused by Raccoons
If a raccoon has already damaged your drywall, prompt repair is essential to prevent further problems.
- Remove Damaged Drywall: Carefully cut away the damaged section of drywall, extending the cut to the nearest studs.
- Inspect for Further Damage: Check the surrounding area for additional damage or contamination.
- Install New Drywall: Cut a new piece of drywall to fit the opening and secure it to the studs.
- Tape and Mud: Apply drywall tape and mud to the seams, allowing it to dry completely before sanding smooth.
- Prime and Paint: Prime the repaired area and paint it to match the existing wall color.
- Sanitize: Clean and disinfect the area thoroughly to remove any raccoon droppings or urine, which can pose health risks.
Table: Raccoon Prevention Strategies
| Strategy | Description | Effectiveness | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| ——————— | ————————————————————————————————————————————— | ————- | ———– |
| Sealing Entry Points | Repairing holes, cracks, and gaps in your home’s exterior. | High | Low to Med |
| Eliminating Food | Securing garbage, cleaning up food spills, and avoiding leaving pet food outside. | High | Low |
| Raccoon Deterrents | Using motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or commercially available repellents. | Medium | Low to Med |
| Professional Services | Hiring a wildlife control professional for inspection, removal, and prevention services. | High | Medium to High |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are raccoons attracted to certain types of drywall more than others?
Generally, raccoons are not particularly selective about the type of drywall they chew through. Their primary concern is access. However, if there are variations in drywall thickness or texture due to prior repairs or variations in building materials, they may find certain areas easier to penetrate.
What are the health risks associated with raccoon droppings in my walls?
Raccoon droppings can carry several harmful pathogens, including raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis). Inhalation or ingestion of roundworm eggs can cause serious health problems, particularly in children. Therefore, it’s crucial to handle raccoon droppings with extreme care, wearing gloves and a mask, and thoroughly disinfecting the affected area.
Can raccoons transmit rabies through chewing on drywall?
While the rabies virus is transmitted through saliva, the risk of transmission through a raccoon simply chewing on drywall is extremely low. However, if you find a dead raccoon or observe a raccoon exhibiting unusual behavior, contact your local animal control agency immediately.
What are some signs that raccoons are inside my walls?
Common signs of raccoons inside your walls include scratching noises, thumping or shuffling sounds, unexplained odors (particularly ammonia-like smells from urine), and the presence of raccoon droppings near entry points.
Is it possible to trap raccoons that are chewing through drywall?
Trapping raccoons can be effective, but it is often best left to professional wildlife control experts, as regulations vary by location, and humane trapping requires specific knowledge and equipment.
Are there any DIY raccoon repellents that are effective?
Some people have reported success using ammonia-soaked rags or pepper sprays as raccoon repellents. However, their effectiveness can vary, and they may need to be reapplied frequently. Be cautious when using any repellent, especially around children and pets.
What is the best way to clean up after a raccoon infestation in my walls?
The best way to clean up after a raccoon infestation is to wear protective gear (gloves, mask, eye protection), carefully remove any droppings or debris, and thoroughly disinfect the affected area with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
How much does it typically cost to repair drywall damage caused by raccoons?
The cost of repairing drywall damage caused by raccoons can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the location. Minor repairs may cost a few hundred dollars, while more extensive damage could cost several thousand dollars, especially if it requires removing and replacing insulation or addressing structural issues.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover drywall damage caused by raccoons?
Whether your homeowner’s insurance will cover drywall damage caused by raccoons depends on your specific policy and the circumstances. Some policies may cover damage caused by wild animals, while others may exclude it. It’s important to review your policy and contact your insurance provider for clarification.
Can raccoons climb walls?
Raccoons are excellent climbers and can easily scale rough surfaces like brick, siding, and trees to reach your roof. However, they cannot climb smooth, vertical surfaces like glass or metal.
How do I prevent raccoons from returning after I’ve repaired the drywall damage?
To prevent raccoons from returning, it’s crucial to address the underlying cause of the infestation. Seal all potential entry points, eliminate food sources, and consider using raccoon deterrents. Regular inspections by a wildlife control professional can also help identify and address any new vulnerabilities.
Is it humane to relocate raccoons if I trap them?
While relocation may seem like a humane option, it is often not the best solution. Raccoons relocated to unfamiliar territories often struggle to survive, and relocation can also spread diseases. In many jurisdictions, relocating raccoons is illegal. Consider contacting a wildlife rehabilitator for advice. Can raccoons chew through drywall? Yes, but with preventative steps, they hopefully won’t need to!