Interesting Facts About Porcupines

Critter-Repellent.com Staff • September 6, 2018

Interesting animals, yes. Welcome around your home, no.

Porcupine on Branch


They're nocturnal and not seen as often as other types of urban wildlife. Even so, porcupines are found all around the world and you might not know as much about them as you think.

Porcupines are Rodents

When we think of rodents, the idea of mice or squirrels usually comes to mind, not a great big animal like a porcupine. In fact, they are actually the third largest rodent in the world, coming after the huge capybara and the beaver. There are two groups of porcupines, generally just known as New World porcupines (North and South America) and Old World porcupines (Asia, Africa and parts of Europe).

They Don't Shoot Quills

The classic image of a porcupine flipping up its tail and letting a barrage of quills loose is not right at all. They do puff up to spread the quills out, as well as shake to make them rattle and to make themselves look bigger to predators. There is no way for them to shoot quills or anything like that. Sometimes loose ones can sort of fall away when they are shaking, giving the impression that they are being fired.

Some Porcupines are Decent Swimmers

Yes, the awkward and ungainly porcupine can be quite at home in the water. Those bulky quills are hollow and are actually very buoyant, helping to keep a porcupine afloat. You'll see swimming behavior more often in the New World species but technically, any porcupine can swim.

Porcupines are Destructive

We tend to look at a porcupine as a safety threat due to its sharp quills that can cause a fair bit of injury if you (or your pets) get too close. But they are rodents after all, and that means they do a lot of chewing. Normally, they chew on the branches and trunks of trees for food which isn't that big of a deal, though any trees in your landscaping could be at risk.

The bigger problem is when they start to gnaw on fence posts, decks, and even wooden structures like sheds or your garage. They have a particular taste for outhouses because the accumulation of salts in the wood make it extra tasty. They have been known to completely destroy an entire building, often over the winter when food is a bit more scarce than usual.

NEED TO GET RID OF PORCUPINES? CLICK HERE

Decorative Quills

As already mentioned, porcupine quills are hollow, which makes them a natural bead that can be used when the ends are snipped off. They are usually striped in black and white, and have been used in First Nations beadwork for generations.

Quills are not Toxic

Some people fear infection from quill punctures, but there is nothing to worry about. In fact, it's been discovered that they are actually clean and have an antibiotic coating to them that would prevent infection if you get injured. It's believed they evolved this to protect the porcupine itself.


Critter Repellent All Natural Animal Repellent Blog

Rabbit
April 25, 2025
As spring rolls in, so does the uptick in rabbit activity. Breeding season, increased feeding, and yard destruction are all part of the spring rabbit surge. Learn how to safeguard your lawn and garden with natural solutions.
Pest activity
March 19, 2025
Learn how to prepare your home for the seasonal surge in pests and keep them from invading your space.
Mouse
February 20, 2025
Mouse infestations can lead to significant health risks and property damage. Learn about common mistakes in mouse control and discover updated strategies for effectively preventing and eliminating these pests from your home.
By Teri Silver February 6, 2025
The last thing you want to see running around your house is a mouse. And where there is one, there are more. Whether it’s mice, ants, spiders, squirrels, or any other type of rodent, bird, or insect infestation, ignoring those critters can get very expensive in the long run. When it comes to remediating or protecting your home from infestations, the cost of doing nothing can lead to a big dent in your wallet. Keeping house pests at bay is important, especially if you’re planning to put the home on the sales market. How much does it cost to keep the house and property pest-free? That depends on where you live, what types of services needed, and how often the home is treated. But one thing is for sure, it’s easier (and more cost-effective) to prevent house damage than to fix everything after critters have chewed up wires, plumbing, foundation, and the yard. Potential Structural Damage Squirrels, moles, voles, rats, and mice are part of nature, but the damage that even one of these critters can do to a home can run into thousands of dollars. With sharp teeth that never stop growing, squirrels and rodents must “file down” their chompers so they don’t interfere with eating and drinking. Thus, a squirrel’s chewing habits can damage house support beams, siding, and anything else that holds the structure up. The costs to repair the building depend on the severity of the damage. Birds’ nests and clogged gutters are signs that unwanted critters are in the building’s drainage system. Replacing damaged gutters can cost several thousand dollars—to start. On average, it’ll cost between $1,600 and $5,200 (depending on size, materials, and labor costs). Wiring and Insulation Chewed-up electrical wiring is not only a hassle but it can be very dangerous. Mice, rats, squirrels, and other critters will gnaw through wires, not knowing that they can electrocute themselves but worse — start a house fire. Homeowners won’t necessarily see exposed wires around the house. Examining the house structure and wiring allows owners to know what to budget for. Pests and vermin living in the attic may tear up insulation to use for nesting materials. Depending on the size of the house, insulation costs can be anywhere from $1,600 to $8,000 on average. Termites When it comes to destructive insects, termites are at the top of the list. These icky little bugs chew through wood almost as quickly as a cartoon buzzsaw. And the worst thing? In general, homeowners’ insurance does NOT cover termite damage. Signs of termite infestation and damage include: Chewed up or hollow wood Blisters or buckling in the flooring Discarded termite wings Bubbling paint Strips of mud tubes along crevices Damaged support beams Tapping sounds in the walls The cost of repairing termite damage can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars—or more, depending on what part of the house is torn up and what needs to be done. Preventing termites in the yard and hiring a professional exterminator are two ways of keeping these hungry critters away from your home. Pest Entry Points Cracks and crevices are easy access points for mice, insects, wasps, and other pests. Unscreened vents and windows, loose shingles and siding, and chimney gaps are entry points for bugs and mice. Not having trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the house won’t prevent squirrels and mice from coming onto your property, but keeping greenery away from the structure would deter critters from having direct access to it. Perceived Value Whether your house is currently for sale or it’s a plan for the future, having pests and vermin roaming around the property can keep the buyers away. Among the financial considerations, house-hunting taps the emotions of the would-be buyer. No matter what the item is, perceived value is a customer’s view of whether it is worth the money. An infested home has lost its marketing value, especially if a mouse runs across the floor during the negotiating stage. The cost of doing nothing when you should be doing something can lead to a huge repair bill and maybe even a home improvement loan or second mortgage on your house. Ignoring the problems won’t make them go away. If wildlife and insects are damaging your home, do something about it sooner than later.
Pest-Proof Insulation
January 18, 2025
Pest-proof insulation is a game-changing solution for homeowners looking to prevent unwanted intrusions and lower energy costs. Learn how this innovative product protects your property from pests while boosting energy efficiency.
Home Maintenance
January 9, 2025
Proper home and business maintenance is the first step in preventing pest infestations. Learn how regular upkeep, repairs, and preventive measures can keep pests out and ensure your property remains safe, clean, and pest-free.
Green Pest Control
December 10, 2024
Discover the latest eco-friendly technologies and treatments revolutionizing pest control. From organic solutions to advanced traps, learn how innovative methods reduce pest problems while prioritizing environmental health.
Pest Control Issues
November 27, 2024
Apartment buildings are especially vulnerable to pest infestations due to shared spaces and frequent tenant turnover. Learn about the top pest issues in apartment complexes and how management can implement preventative measures to keep them under control.
Pest Invasion
November 25, 2024
Unseasonably warm weather drives pests like rodents, insects, and other invaders into homes earlier than expected. Learn how the changing climate affects pest behavior and discover effective ways to protect your home from infestations.
Woodchuck
October 21, 2024
Woodchucks, known as groundhogs, can destroy gardens and yards. Learn about their habits, diet, and the most effective methods for keeping them off your property to protect your landscape.
More Posts