Unless your garden shed is a fortress, insects and rodents will probably find a way to get inside. There’s also a good chance they’ll cause various problems, including structural damage, chewed-up items, the introduction of pests and unpleasant odours, not to mention potential health and safety risks.
In this article, you’ll find several useful tips to keep unwanted pests at bay and protect your property.
How to prevent intrusions
First, take the time to carefully inspect your garden shed. Look for gaps, cracks and holes that could serve as entry points. Remember that a mouse can squeeze through an opening as small as a dime! Also, make sure to keep the area well ventilated, as moisture attracts all kinds of insects.
Next, avoid leaving garbage bins, recycling bins and compost bins too close to your shed, especially if they are not airtight. Rodents are attracted to the odours they give off, even if you can’t smell them. You should also avoid keeping firewood nearby, as insects and rodents may be tempted to use it as a hiding place. The same goes for piles of rocks or bricks, branches, old garden pots and any other accumulation of debris.
When it comes to vegetation, plants should also be kept a reasonable distance away. Not only do they provide shelter for all kinds of insects, some of which are pests, but they can also retain moisture that could eventually damage the siding. Remove tall grass as well, as it provides shelter for rodents and ticks. Finally, prune any tree and shrub branches that are in direct contact with the shed and provide easy access to the roof and to higher entry points that may have been overlooked.
Finally, there should be no standing water nearby, either. Standing water is a favourite breeding ground for many insects, as well as an easy source of water for rodents.
How to keep pests from settling in
A few simple measures can help prevent rodents from moving into your shed and limit the spread of insects. Here are some recommendations that have been proven effective, along with a list of tried-and-tested products that can be found at most hardware and big-box stores.
Inspect your shed regularly
Many pests may be tempted to take up residence in your shed, especially during periods when it is used less frequently. Cooler in summer, warmer in winter, sheltered from the elements, filled with materials suitable for building nests or damp wood, and providing access to food (some insects eat other insects!), the space is ideal in every respect. Staying alert and spotting signs of pests early can help you avoid a lot of trouble.
Eliminate attractants
The first thing to do is to keep pet food and birdseed in rodent-proof containers. Metal garbage cans with tightly fitting lids are the best option, as rodents can chew through plastic. Make sure to keep the area clean by sweeping or vacuuming regularly. The tidier and cleaner your shed is, the fewer hiding places it will have, and the lower the risk of unpleasant surprises.
Deter pests with repellent scents
Studies have shown that using specific scents to deter unwanted visitors can be effective. For example, the smell of ammonia or mothballs can repel mice, while the scent of citronella or peppermint is thought to deter a wide variety of insects.
Lemon balm, in particular, is said to be an effective wasp repellent, while peppermint may deter ants, spiders, various beetles and even some small rodents!
Set up rodent traps and baits
Traps and granular rodenticides can effectively eliminate rodents that may try to take up residence in your shed. This helps prevent damage to the items stored inside, as well as the health risks associated with rodent droppings and the presence of ticks.
Some traps are safe for children and pets, such as our smart traps and child-resistant bait stations. They also allow you to dispose of dead rodents without having to touch them.
Keep rodents away with ultrasonic devices
Wilson offers ultrasonic devices such as MOUSE OUT™ Rodent Sonic-Repel Max, which produces sound waves that mice and rats can't tolerate. It is designed for indoor use and is battery-operated. Safe for pets, ultrasonic devices are one tool used in an integrated pest management program. They should be used in combination with other pest control methods such as traps or baits.
Discover how ultrasonic devices work in our other article.
Limit the presence of ants
Common in gardens, ants can easily find their way into your shed, especially if they find something to eat. In addition to eliminating attractants, maintain your shed to prevent water from getting in and replace damaged materials promptly.
If you find ants, apply insecticidal dust to cracks and crevices, as well as along the walls, and set up traps.
Note: Over-the-counter products are not effective against carpenter ants. These ants are generally not a threat in the garden, but they can weaken a shed structure that has already been damaged by water. Replacing rotten wood will help keep carpenter ants from taking an interest in your shed!
Keep insects out with insecticide applications
ANT OUT, CRAWL OUT and SPIDER OUT spray products can be applied near entry points or inside the shed. They provide immediate control of more than a dozen nuisance insects, while also offering residual protection to help prevent pests from taking up residence. CRAWL OUT is also effective against ticks.
Eliminate wasp and hornet nests
It is easier—and less risky—to eliminate a small wasp nest containing fewer individuals. Visit your shed frequently at the beginning of the season and carefully inspect the tops of eaves, ceilings and structural elements.
WASP OUT kills insects on contact and makes the nest unusable within just a few hours. To choose the right product for your needs and learn how to proceed safely, consult our WASP OUT guide.
Prevention is better than cure
Even if your shed is relatively new and in perfect condition, the simple fact that it is used less frequently and is easier to access than your home is enough to make it highly attractive to pests. To protect your shed and the items stored inside, a few preventive measures are in order, such as avoiding leaving the door open for extended periods.
Regular inspections, insecticide applications and traps may be enough to give you peace of mind. However, if your shed has been overrun by pests, particularly rodents, you need to act quickly and then clean the area thoroughly to prevent potential health problems.
