Rodents such as mice and rats often seek shelter in sheds because they are quiet areas, away from the main home, where they can rest, breed, and feed. While there, they can cause a lot of costly damage not just to the shed but items in it. From there, they can easily make their way into your home as they get bolder and more desperate.

There are many things that attract rodents to sheds, so heed these tips for prevention. Remember: prevention is always better than trying to remove them once they have set up shop. Check out these helpful tips to keep mice out of your storage shed. If they don’t work, call your Boise rodent control company right away.

Seal the Shed

Seal off any access points the rodents may have into the shed. Mice can squeeze into dime-sized holes, so carefully inspect the walls and roof. Not sure? Try the pencil test: if you can fit a pencil into a gap, then mice can get through it.

Keep in mind that mice can chew through almost anything with their sharp teeth, so choose a material that is durable and strong enough to seal up the shed effectively. Here are some materials you may want to try:

• Caulk and steel wool compound: When mixed, these create a compound that can seal any crack or gap while leaving a smooth appearance. Mice find it difficult to chew through.
• Wire mesh: This is great for larger spaces such as doors and windows; plus, air is still allowed to circulate inside the shed.
• Silicone: There are many silicone sealants available today that are weather and water-resistant, making them great for sheds.
• Other materials: Anything from concrete and metals to glass and thick plastic can prevent rodent infestations from occurring.

Organize Tools

Rodents love clutter, and unorganized tools can become the perfect place for them to hide. That’s why you should properly store and organize your tools, placing them in heavy-duty plastic boxes so they can’t be chewed through.

Remove Nesting Sources

Rodents are drawn to spaces that are ideal for nesting and burrowing, such as stacks of cardboard boxes, wood, and paper. Keep clutter to a minimum with these tips:

• Deep clean your shed periodically: It’s very easy to let objects pile up inside your storage shed, so every now and then, do a deep clean of the space.
• Dispose of unnecessary items: Before you store items in the shed, toss anything you don’t need, such as excess packaging.
• Use alternatives: Rather than placing things inside cardboard boxes, use plastic boxes with tight lids.

Remove Food and Water Sources

Food and water help mice and rats survive and breed. Rodents aren’t too picky about what they will eat, but they prefer these things over others if they can help it:

• Nuts
• Grains and seeds
• Pet food
• Chocolates and candies
• Salty snacks
• Meat

If you do have to store food in your shed, place it in airtight containers or glass jars with a tight lid.

Eco Pest Control: Rodent Experts in Boise, ID

If mice have already made their way into your shed and you can’t get them out, it’s time to call the pros: our Boise pest control company is well versed in removing rodent infestations in homes and businesses. Get a free pest and rodent control quote and schedule an inspection when you contact us at 208-600-8734.