Rabbits are notorious for chewing everything they can get their teeth on, including baseboards.
If you want to avoid your baseboards from being destroyed, there are several ways you can protect them.
The most effective way is to mount planks or cardboard along the baseboards. But it’s not always possible.
Use Repellents or Deterrents
Rabbits are notorious for chewing things, so if you’re finding that baseboards have been damaged by a rabbit it’s important to use repellents or deterrents. These can be made from a variety of materials and are usually very effective.
You can spray strong smelling deterrents along the edges of your baseboards to discourage rabbits from chewing them. This can include lemon juice, vinegar and other substances that have a strong smell. It can also be a good idea to place plastic guards around the corners of the baseboards.
These can be purchased at any home improvement or hardware store. They come in a range of sizes so you can choose the right one for your home and rabbit.
Another option is to cover wires that are in reach with hard plastic sleeves or flex tubing. This will prevent bunnies from chewing through the wires and electrocuting themselves.
Wires are a common target for rabbits, so it’s important to make sure that you protect them. Keep wires behind furniture and out of sight as much as possible. This is especially important if you have a vacuum cleaner or other items that contain cords.
Some pet owners even put protective strips of plastic around baseboards to discourage bunnies from chewing on them. However, this is not a foolproof solution and it can be difficult to remove them.
Besides protecting baseboards, it’s important to protect furniture legs from bunnies as well. This is particularly true if your furniture has a slat design. Many pet rabbits will chew on the slats of furniture and can cause damage to floors and rugs.
For furniture legs that have a slat design, you can use flexible tubing to cover them and help stop bunnies from chewing on them. You can find flex tubing in various diameters at most hardware stores, and it’s a great way to protect furniture legs.
Other repellents that you can use to deter or discourage rabbits from chewing on your baseboards include cinnamon oil and cayenne pepper powder. You can also use plant-based deterrents such as eucalyptus oil and thyme. Eucalyptus oil has a very strong scent that will deter most pests. Herbs like cloves, thyme, rosemary and lavender are also effective.
Cover the Trim or Edging
When you install baseboards, it’s important to cover the trim or edging that encircles the molding. It not only protects your walls from damage, but it also adds a decorative accent that complements your wall color.
A wide variety of trim materials and styles are available, including wood, MDF, or plastic polymer. Choose the type that best matches your budget and decor.
If you’re using paint, consider a soft gray or cream-colored trim that accents the baseboard cover and accentuates the wall color. This color is refreshing and modern, and it can go with any style of décor.
Alternatively, you can use cap molding to give your baseboards a more traditional look. Typically, cap molding is installed on top of the baseboard trim and flush with the wall.
It can also be used to replace shoe molding, which is a narrow piece that fits into the baseboard at the corner of a room. This type of trim can be painted or stained to match your baseboards and is a good way to create a cohesive look in your room.
After cutting the molding to length, check the fit for gaps between the baseboard and wall studs. If they’re too large, you can use chunks of scrap baseboard and apply construction adhesive to fill them.
If they’re too small, however, it may be better to use a caulk that’s specifically designed to fill these gaps. This caulk is typically premium acrylic latex and has a label that says it’s “paintable.”
Next, you can use a hammer and finish nails to nail the trim to the wall studs. To avoid dents, use a nail set to drive the nails below the surface of the trim.
When the trim is nailed in place, it will bow slightly and press tightly into place. If it isn’t nailed in tight, however, it will sag under the weight of the baseboard, which can cause the bottom of the board to stick out from the wall, potentially creating a gap that rabbits could enter.
To make sure the baseboard trim doesn’t sag, you can install several short braces of scrap baseboard that have 45-degree angles on their ends. Then, place the braces along the bottom and top of the baseboard, and use 1-inch finish nails to tack them into position.
Place Ceramic Tiles or Willow Bridges
Ceramic tile is an excellent choice for floors and walls, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where the tiles are frequently mopped. Unlike some materials, they’re impervious to moisture and stains, making them perfect for high-traffic areas. They also come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes to suit any design scheme and budget.
Choosing the right tile for your space requires an informed decision. Look for a good quality tile that won’t crack or chip and be aware of the potential for grout to stain. You’ll want to lay out your tile on the floor in advance to get a feel for its fit and finish. To make sure you get the best possible result, double check your layout using a grease pencil on the surface of your tile before you set to work.
If you plan on installing your ceramic tiles with thinset mortar, you’ll need to make sure you have the right tool for the job. Most home improvement stores carry a selection of tile tools and accessories, but you may need to shop around to find the right fit for your needs.
Putting the most impressive tile on the wall has to be a big undertaking, but it can be done with a little planning and elbow grease. One of the most exciting parts is seeing your new tiled space come to life. With the proper attention to detail and a bit of luck, your new tiled space will last a lifetime. The most important element of all is ensuring that you have the right tools for the job and that you take your time to complete the task to the best of your abilities.
Cover Furniture Legs
Rabbits are known for chewing on everything they can get their teeth on, which is why you should be prepared to protect baseboards if your bunny shows any interest in them. The wood on the baseboards around your home can be toxic for rabbits to ingest, so it is essential to do your best to protect them.
To stop a rabbit from chewing baseboards, you can use a repellent or deterrent. These are usually made of cayenne pepper or hot sauce, and can be sprayed onto the baseboards to discourage the bunny from chewing them.
You can also cover furniture legs to stop rabbits from gnawing on them. You may want to consider a fence or wooden planks for long-term protection, but if you need something less expensive, you can try covering furniture legs with flattened cardboard boxes.
Another way to prevent your rabbit from gnawing on furniture is to teach them not to do it. This is often done by clapping your hands or saying their name sternly when they are seen chewing on furniture, and by offering them an alternative chew toy.
One option is to use plastic desk mats, or natural fiber area rugs, to cover the legs of furniture in these areas. This will make it harder for your bunny to dig their teeth into the legs of furniture, and will prevent them from destroying carpets or other rugs in the area.
Other options for protecting furniture legs include cat scratcher pads or flexible rags. These can be easily affixed to the legs of furniture and are often available at pet stores.
Alternatively, you can place ceramic tiles against the corners of the baseboards where your bunny is showing signs of interest. This is a quick and easy way to provide some temporary protection until you can find a more suitable solution.
Finally, don’t forget to cover the cable connections of anything your bunny could be chewing on. This is a great way to avoid them being electrocuted and potentially dying!