As cool weather hits for the season, rodents begin seeking shelter in places like sheds, garages, and other outbuildings. And the problem is only continuing to get worse. This time of year, many property owners struggle with mouse infestations, destructive chipmunks, and other rodent control, and it's happening all around the country, from California and Wyoming to Washington D.C., according to Yelp.
How can you tell if there are rodents living in your garden shed?
Whether it's a pair of mice, chipmunks, or an army of rats, look for several signs:
- Check for mouse droppings, which are usually small, dark, and pellet-shaped, indicating recent rodent or mice activity.
- You may also notice gnaw marks on wooden or plastic surfaces, as unwanted visitors have a tendency to chew through materials to create nests or find a food source.
- Look for chewed electrical wiring. If you noticed that your ceiling light no longer works, or your lawn mower won't start, nesting animals might be to blame. These animals have sharp teeth and while they might not intend to chew electronics, they're willing to do a lot of damage in order to survive.
- It smells like ammonia. "A strong ammonia smell in crawl spaces or behind walls could indicate a decomposing rodent or small animal," shared Courtney Klosterman, Home Insights Expert at Hippo home insurance.
- Additionally, look for rodent nests. Ideal nesting materials include shredded paper, fabric, or insulation, which rodents often use to build their homes. You might find them nestled into storage boxes.
- Unusual noises, especially at night, can also be a strong indicator of rodent infestation; listen for scratching or scurrying sounds.
- Finally, check for burrows or nesting tunnels around the shed's foundation or entry points where rodents may have gained access, as these are clear signs of their habitation.
To keep rodents out of a shed, especially one that's not as weather-tight as a home, we tapped Laura Allen Dillard, Ph.D., Research Director at Scotts Miracle-Gro. Here are her tips and recommendations:
1. Seal Entry Points
Rats and mice are capable of squeezing through openings as small as a dime, Dillard shares. "Check for cracks, holes, or gaps around doors, windows, and the roof."
For an easy solution, we recommend filling gaps or cracks with steel wool, which rodents can't chew through, and reinforce it with caulk or sealant, like Tomcat Rodent Block Expanding Foam Barrier. "Wire mesh can also cover larger openings like vents," she notes.
2. Keep Potential Food Sources Away
"Rats and mice love a snack so do not store pet food, bird seed, or anything edible in the shed," reminds Dillard. "If you must, use sealed, rodent-proof containers made of metal or heavy-duty plastic, which seals tightly!" No cardboard boxes in outdoor storage spaces.
3. Trim Vegetation
Weeds or vegetation popping up around your shed? Right there's your problem. "Rodents like to hide in overgrown plants or piles of wood and debris," cautions Dillard. "To avoid this, trim back vegetation around the shed and eliminate any clutter that could serve as shelter."
4. Install Barriers
Install door sweeps on outdoor buildings to prevent rodents from sneaking under the door. Make sure garage doors seal to the ground. "Metal thresholds can also deter them from gnawing through," recommends Dillard. "Additionally, a gravel or concrete base under the shed can make it harder for rodents to dig under the structure."
5. Set Bait Traps or Install Deterrants
"Placing snap traps or bait stations near entry points or where rodent activity is suspected is a surefire way to keep them out," notes Dillard. Traps like Tomcat Press 'N Set Mouse Trap or even a trap of poisonous baits like Tomcat® Rat & Mouse Killer are a form of pest control designed to stop them at the source. If using traps, ensure you also monitor them frequently to dispose of captured rodents or reset traps to restart the cycle.
Rodents are also deterred by products containing essential oils such as peppermint oil, garlic, and cinnamon oil such as Tomcat Rodent Repellent Ready to use. "It’s great to use around the shed's perimeter or near potential entry points," notes Dillard.
She adds, "While not typical for pest control, some homeowners use products that contain predator urine (like fox or coyote)." The strong smell can also act as a natural repellent to help deter these pests.
