Pests That Can Chew Through Window Screens

Mesh screens for your windows, porch, and pool area make it possible to enjoy the benefits of fresh air without having to deal with bugs. These screens are highly effective at keeping unwanted pests at bay. These screens are not cheap, so you must do all you can to preserve them. Therefore, when you notice holes in your screen from a pest chewing its way through, you will want to find the source of the problem and get rid of it quickly. 

Grasshoppers are known for their ability to easily chew through window screens. Other insects, including wasps and crickets, can chew their way through window screen mesh. Rodents, including rats, mice, and chipmunks, are all capable of chewing through your window screens. Raccoons can also chew through strong screens but might prefer to use their claws to get through the screen.

Several common pests can chew, claw, and scratch their way through your precious window screens. While you might not be able to catch these creatures before they do any damage, there are many ways you can prevent them from ruining your screens. Below is a list of common pests that can chew through or otherwise damage window screens, and ways you can prevent this from continuing.

Eight Pests That Can Chew Through Or Destroy Window Screens

1. Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers might look majestic and harmless, but they can cause massive damage with their strong chompers. These vibrant green insects should never be left to their own devices when you see them on a window screen.

Grasshoppers have to chew through all sorts of tough leaves and stems, which is why they have such strong tools to chew through nylon and plastic screens.

 It can take a bit of time, but grasshoppers can get through most window screen mesh without problems. Your screens are particularly at risk in the fall when grasshoppers are looking for a warmer place to live.

2. Crickets

Crickets and grasshoppers are similar in many ways. In addition to their similar looks, crickets are also capable of chewing their way through your window screens.

They can chew through plastic and other mesh that uses blended materials. This means if you have non-metal screens, they are at risk of damage, especially if your area has a large cricket population. They can’t, however, chew through metal mesh, including popular aluminum.

3. Mice

Mice are determined and crafty rodents. They will do everything they can to find food and warmth, and this includes chewing through your window screens. Mice are particularly diligent in the fall when they are searching for a warm and safe place to burrow in for the winter.

Mice can chew through mesh, especially those made from nylon and plastic. Even if you have metal mesh, they can claw, chew, and wiggle through a small opening. This is why you must make sure all small holes are patched up, especially before the weather gets cold.

4. Wasps

It might surprise you to learn that wasps are not only capable of a painful sting, but they can also destroy your window screens. These insects bite hard and chew even harder. Wasps have jaws of steel, which helps them chew through fibrous materials, including your window screens.

If you notice wasps where they shouldn't be, there is a chance they got inside your home or enclosed area by chewing their way in. 

5. Squirrels

Squirrels are common throughout North America. For the most part, these animals don’t cause too much harm, but on occasion, these furry creatures try to go where they shouldn’t. Not only do squirrels eat bird food, but they also chew and claw through window screens to get warm, or find food.

6. Rats

Rats act similarly to mice in their steadfast and sneaky nature. They have determination and will chew and claw as hard as they can to get through a window screen, or any other obstacle. Rats also tend to be larger than mice. This also means larger and stronger teeth and bigger claws.

Some larger rats can chew through metal, which means even some stronger screens can be subject to damage by an extra-eager rat.

7. Chipmunks

Chipmunks are arguably the cutest of all the rodents. When people see rats they jump in disgust, but when people see chipmunks they often wonder if they would make good pets. While these animals are adorable, they also can be quite irritating, especially if you have a lot of window screens.

Chipmunks have strong teeth designed to crack open seeds and nuts of all kinds. These teeth (and sharp claws) can also be used to claw through window screen mesh. This type of behavior isn’t normal but can occur if there is food on the other side of the mesh, or when the animals are looking for a safe place to burrow for the winter.

8. Raccoons

Raccoons might look cute on social media, but they can cause many problems around your home. If you have a screened-in porch or any screened-in area where there is food, trash or shelter, a raccoon may claw its way through. 

Their teeth are strong, but it's the sharp long claws that can get through window screens easily. That is why you mustn’t leave any food out on a screened-in porch, so you don’t invite this kind of trouble.

Five Ways To Prevent Pests From Chewing Your Window Screens

1. Use Pest Repellent To Keep Them Away

One way to help prevent pests from eating at your screens is to spray them with a deterrent. If you have wasps, spray wasp killer, or insecticide that will keep them away. The same goes for grasshoppers and crickets. Some sprays will keep rats and mice away as well.

2. Get Rid Of The Pests

The best way to keep pests from chewing through your window screens is to get rid of the pests. This sounds obvious but can be difficult to achieve. The key is to get rid of these animals at the source. This can be challenging for creatures like grasshoppers and crickets. Wasps, however, have nests you can bomb. Mice and rats can be eradicated using traps, rat poisons, and exterminators.

3. Angle Lights Away From Screens

Insects are attracted to light. Therefore if you are shining a light on your window screens, you are inviting trouble. If you face lights away from the screens, then you are not as likely to have bugs crawling (and chewing) on them throughout the night.

4. Buy More Durable Window Screens

Another option is to replace your existing window screens with more durable metal ones. This is the most expensive fix, but it is also a quality and permanent solution to the problem. If it is time for you to replace your window screen mesh, then consider upgrading to stronger pest-proof material.

5. Patch Up Small Holes Right Away

To keep pests out of your home, it is imperative you patch up and seal any small holes or cracks in the window screen. Animals like mice can take a small hole and make it large enough to squeeze through. Getting rid of these small holes makes it that much harder for these pests to chew through.

Summing Up Pests That Can Chew Through Window Screens

Window screens are fantastic at keeping most insects and pests outside where you want them. Unfortunately, there are a few insects, rodents, and other pests that can chew through your window screens. 

Grasshoppers, wasps, crickets, as well as rodents like squirrels, rats, and mice, can all get through your window screens using their jaws. To prevent these rodents and insects from chewing your window screen mesh, opt for strong metal mesh, fix small holes and vulnerabilities immediately, or spray insecticide or other deterrent sprays to keep these animals away. 

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