How to Keep Animals Out From Under Your Shed: A Complete Guide

Are you tired of unwelcome guests setting up camp under your shed? Skunks, raccoons, rodents, and other critters can turn your storage space into a haven, causing damage, leaving unpleasant odors, and potentially spreading diseases. The good news is, you’re not alone, and there are effective ways to reclaim your shed area.

We’ll explore various methods to deter these unwanted visitors and prevent them from making themselves at home. This guide will cover everything from simple preventative measures to more involved exclusion techniques. Whether you’re dealing with a persistent problem or simply want to proactively protect your property, we have the solutions you need. Let’s dive in and learn how to keep animals out from under your shed!

So, what exactly attracts animals to the area beneath your shed? Understanding the ‘why’ is crucial for effective prevention.

Why Animals Love Sheds

Your shed offers a combination of factors that make it an attractive spot for animals:

• Shelter: Sheds provide protection from the elements, including rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.
• Safety: The enclosed space offers a sense of security from predators.
• Potential Food Sources: If you store food items, birdseed, or even trash cans near your shed, animals will be drawn to them.
• Nesting Sites: Sheds offer ideal locations for nesting, especially for rodents and smaller animals.
• Easy Access: Often, there are gaps, cracks, or openings around the shed’s foundation, allowing easy entry.

Common Animals That Seek Shelter Under Sheds

Several types of animals commonly take up residence under sheds. Here are some of the most frequent offenders:

• Rodents: Mice, rats, and voles are attracted to sheds for shelter and potential food sources.
• Raccoons: These intelligent creatures often seek shelter and can be persistent in their efforts to gain access.
• Skunks: Skunks are notorious for digging under structures and creating nests.
• Opossums: Opossums are opportunistic feeders and will use sheds as shelter.
• Snakes: Snakes may be attracted to the area under sheds because of the presence of rodents or other prey.
• Squirrels: Squirrels may build nests under sheds.

Preventative Measures: The First Line of Defense

Before implementing more complex solutions, start with these simple yet effective preventative measures.

1. Clean Up the Area Around Your Shed

Reduce Attractants: Regularly clean up any food scraps, spilled birdseed, or other potential food sources near your shed. Keep trash cans tightly sealed and store pet food indoors. Remove any clutter that could provide shelter for animals, such as piles of wood or overgrown vegetation.

2. Trim Vegetation

Eliminate Cover: Keep the grass and any surrounding vegetation trimmed. Overgrown plants provide cover and can make it easier for animals to approach your shed undetected. Aim to keep a clear area of at least a few feet around the shed’s perimeter.

3. Secure Food and Water Sources

Eliminate Temptation: As mentioned earlier, secure your trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Avoid leaving pet food or water bowls outside overnight. If you have a compost pile, ensure it’s properly managed and doesn’t attract animals. (See Also: how much does a labrador shed)

4. Inspect Your Shed Regularly

Early Detection: Conduct regular inspections of your shed’s foundation, walls, and roof for any signs of damage or potential entry points. Look for holes, cracks, or gaps that animals could exploit. The sooner you identify a problem, the easier it will be to address.

Exclusion Techniques: Blocking Entry Points

Once you’ve addressed preventative measures, the next step is to physically block any potential entry points. This involves sealing gaps and openings to prevent animals from accessing the space under your shed.

1. Install Hardware Cloth or Wire Mesh

Barrier Method: Hardware cloth or wire mesh is an excellent material for creating barriers. It’s durable, relatively inexpensive, and can be easily cut and shaped to fit various openings. Here’s how to use it:

1. Identify Entry Points: Carefully examine the perimeter of your shed, looking for any gaps or openings. These are often found where the shed’s walls meet the ground or at the corners.
2. Cut the Hardware Cloth: Measure the openings and cut the hardware cloth to fit. Ensure the mesh is large enough to cover the entire opening, with some overlap for secure attachment.
3. Secure the Mesh: Use staples, screws, or nails to attach the hardware cloth to the shed’s foundation and walls. Make sure the mesh is flush against the ground. The mesh should extend a few inches below the ground surface to prevent animals from digging underneath.
4. Bury the Mesh (Optional): For added protection, you can bury the bottom edge of the hardware cloth a few inches below the ground. This will deter digging animals.

Important Note: When working with hardware cloth, wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.

2. Seal Cracks and Gaps with Caulk or Weatherstripping

Small Openings: For smaller cracks and gaps, caulk or weatherstripping can be effective. This is particularly useful for sealing around doors, windows, and other openings.

1. Clean the Area: Before applying caulk or weatherstripping, clean the area thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or old sealant.
2. Apply Caulk: Use a caulk gun to apply a bead of caulk around the perimeter of the opening. Smooth the caulk with your finger or a caulk tool.
3. Install Weatherstripping: For doors and windows, install weatherstripping around the frame. This will help create a tight seal when the door or window is closed.

3. Consider a Trench and Wire Mesh Barrier

Digging Deterrent: For animals that dig, such as skunks and raccoons, a trench and wire mesh barrier can be highly effective. This involves digging a trench around the perimeter of your shed and burying wire mesh.

1. Dig a Trench: Dig a trench that is at least 12 inches deep and 6-12 inches wide around the perimeter of your shed.
2. Line the Trench: Line the trench with hardware cloth or wire mesh, ensuring it extends outward from the shed’s foundation.
3. Bury the Mesh: Backfill the trench with soil, compacting it to secure the mesh. The mesh should extend a few inches above the ground surface.

Deterrent Methods: Making Your Shed Unappealing

In addition to exclusion techniques, you can use deterrent methods to make the area under your shed less appealing to animals.

1. Use Repellents

Aversion Tactics: Several types of repellents can deter animals. However, it’s important to note that repellent effectiveness varies, and some may require frequent reapplication. Consider these options: (See Also: how to run electricity to a shed)

• Commercial Repellents: Many commercial repellents are available, often containing ingredients like capsaicin (derived from chili peppers) or predator urine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Homemade Repellents: Some people have success with homemade repellents, such as those made with vinegar, ammonia, or garlic. Spray these solutions around the perimeter of your shed.
• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These sprinklers are triggered by movement and can startle animals, discouraging them from approaching your shed.

Important Note: Always test repellents in a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t damage your shed or landscaping. Be mindful of pets and children when using repellents.

2. Light and Noise Deterrents

Environmental Changes: Animals are often deterred by changes in their environment. Consider these options:

• Motion-Activated Lights: Install motion-activated lights around your shed. The sudden illumination can scare away nocturnal animals.
• Noise Makers: Placing a radio tuned to a talk station near the shed can deter animals.
• Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but can be irritating to animals. Effectiveness varies.

Addressing Existing Infestations

If you already have animals living under your shed, it’s crucial to address the situation humanely and effectively.

1. Identify the Animal

Species Matters: Before taking any action, try to identify the type of animal you’re dealing with. This will help you determine the best course of action. Look for tracks, droppings, or other signs to help identify the culprit.

2. Humane Trapping and Removal

Ethical Approach: If you need to remove an animal, consider humane trapping. Use a live trap baited with an appropriate food source (e.g., peanut butter for rodents, cat food for raccoons).

1. Placement: Place the trap near the entrance to the shed or in an area where you’ve seen the animal.
2. Check Regularly: Check the trap at least once a day.
3. Relocation: If you catch an animal, relocate it to a suitable habitat that is far enough away from your property. Check local regulations regarding animal relocation.

Important Note: Avoid trapping and relocating animals during breeding season, as this could separate young from their parents. Also, wear gloves when handling traps and animals to prevent disease transmission.

3. Professional Help

When to Call Experts: If you’re uncomfortable dealing with animals yourself, or if the infestation is severe, consider contacting a professional wildlife removal service. They have the expertise, equipment, and knowledge to handle the situation safely and effectively. Plus, professionals can advise you on how to keep animals out from under your shed.

Frequently Asked Questions (faqs)

How Can I Tell If Animals Are Living Under My Shed?

Look for signs such as droppings, tracks, gnaw marks, or a bad odor. You might also hear noises like scratching or scurrying, particularly at night. Check for holes or gaps in the shed’s foundation or walls. (See Also: how to move a small shed)

Is It Safe to Use Poison to Get Rid of Animals Under My Shed?

Using poison is generally not recommended as a first resort. It can be inhumane and can pose risks to pets, children, and other wildlife. It can also lead to secondary poisoning if predators eat the poisoned animal. Focus on humane exclusion and deterrent methods first.

What Should I Do If I Find Baby Animals Under My Shed?

If you find baby animals, it’s best to leave them alone and contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. They can provide expert advice and care for the animals. Avoid attempting to handle or relocate the babies yourself.

How Often Should I Inspect My Shed for Animal Activity?

Inspect your shed regularly, ideally every month or two, and especially after storms or periods of heavy rain. This will allow you to catch any problems early and prevent infestations.

What Are the Best Plants to Deter Animals From My Yard?

Some plants are known to deter animals. These include plants like marigolds, daffodils, mint, and lavender. These plants have strong scents that animals often find unpleasant.

Important Considerations

When implementing these methods, it’s essential to consider the following:

• Local Regulations: Always check local regulations regarding animal control and relocation.
• Safety First: Wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling traps, repellents, or hardware cloth.
• Patience: Preventing and removing animals may take time and effort. Be persistent and consistent in your efforts.
• Humane Approach: Always prioritize humane methods that minimize harm to animals.

By following these steps, you can effectively keep animals out from under your shed and protect your property.

Final Verdict

Preventing animals from taking up residence under your shed requires a multifaceted approach. Combining preventative measures, exclusion techniques, and deterrent methods is the most effective strategy. Remember to be patient and persistent, and always prioritize humane solutions to protect your property and the animals.

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