How to Mouse-Proof Your Storage Shed

Storage sheds are a great solution for homeowners looking to safely store gardening tools, outdoor equipment, and other items. However, these structures can also attract unwanted guests in the form of mice and other rodents. 

Mice can wreak havoc in your shed, chewing through valuable items and causing damage to the structure itself—so be sure to protect your stored items and the integrity of your building with these tips on how to mouse-proof your storage shed.

 

Seal All Entry Points

 

 

Mice are masters at squeezing through tiny openings. They can even make it through a dime-sized hole if you let them! 

To keep them outside, be sure to carefully inspect your shed's exterior for gaps around doors, windows, vents, and utility openings. Seal these gaps using caulk, weatherstripping, wire mesh, or steel wool. This will make it much harder for them to find a way in.

 

Remove Potential Nesting Spots

 

 

As with most rodents, mice are resourceful nest builders. A great way to mouse-proof your storage shed is to ensure that they don’t have any access to nesting materials—such as cardboard, paper, cloth, and padding. If you are storing any of these materials in your shed, place them in rodent-safe plastic containers.

It would also be helpful to remove nesting materials from around the outside of your storage shed. Mice like to nest in vegetation like shrubbery, low-hanging trees, and even firewood. Try to clear the space around your shed so that there is nothing to tempt mice to settle in.

 

Secure Perishable Items

 

Unsurprisingly, mice are drawn to food. If you are using your storage shed to store any type of food or perishable items—seeds, pet food, meat, nuts, etc.—be sure to store them in rodent-proof containers made of metal or durable plastic. 

 

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Use Natural Repellents

 

Natural repellents can be effective in deterring mice. Consider using substances that emit a strong smell like peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls or mothballs strategically placed in your shed. 

Mice are also affected by certain kitchen ingredients that have a strong smell—such as onions and cayenne pepper. Placing these around the outside of your shed can help, as long as you replace them when they start to spoil. These natural deterrents can make your storage space less appealing to rodents.

 

Set Up Traps

 

 

In case a mouse manages to make its way into your shed despite your precautions, be prepared with traps. Place these traps in strategic locations where mice are likely to travel, like along walls or near entry points. This proactive approach ensures that any intruders are quickly dealt with.

 

 

A mouse-infested storage shed can lead to damaged belongings and a frustrating cleanup process. By following these tips on how to mouse-proof your storage shed, you can create a shed that is less attractive to rodents and better protected against infestations. 

 

 

Little Fawn is a local full-service lumber yard and distributor of building materials, roofing materials, storage sheds, hardware, ammo, and more.

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