How to Prevent Animals from Living Under Your Storage Shed
Industrial-sized sheds are essential assets for many farms, commercial businesses, and industrial operations – however, these structures can inadvertently become an inviting home for unwanted guests, including rabbits, rats, and mice.
Animals living under your shed can damage its structural integrity, create health hazards, and disrupt your operations. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can prevent animals from burrowing under your shed and safeguard your property.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to keep animals from under sheds, what to put around the bottom of a shed to keep animals out, and how to stop burrowing animals effectively. By implementing these measures, you can maintain a pest-free environment around your industrial-sized shed.
Why Do Animals Target Sheds?
Before diving into prevention methods, it helps to know why animals are drawn to the area beneath sheds. In a nutshell, these spaces provide:
Shelter: The shaded, enclosed area beneath a shed offers protection from predators and extreme weather.
Nesting Opportunities: Rabbits, mice, and rats are very good at burrowing, making the ground under sheds an ideal nesting site.
Food Sources: If your shed is near crops, livestock feed, or waste materials, it’s even more attractive to these animals.
Here are Some Practical Steps to Prevent Animals from Living Under Your Shed
Seal Off Entry Points
One of the most effective ways to stop animals from burrowing under your shed is to create physical barriers. But what should you put around the bottom of your shed to keep animals out?
Galvanised Hardware Cloth or Wire Mesh: Install a barrier around the perimeter of your shed. For best results, bury the mesh at least 12 inches deep and extend it outward in an L-shape to prevent animals from digging underneath.
Concrete Skirting: For a more permanent solution, consider adding a concrete skirt around the base of your shed – this not only blocks animals but also reinforces the structure’s foundation.
Regularly Inspect and Maintain the Shed
Small gaps or cracks in the foundation, walls, or doors can serve as entry points for mice and rats. Be sure to conduct regular inspections and seal any openings larger than ¼ inch using caulk, steel wool, or metal flashing.
Use Natural Deterrents
If you’re looking for a humane way to keep animals away, natural repellents can be effective:
Strong Scents: Animals like rabbits and mice dislike certain smells – sprinkling crushed garlic, cayenne pepper, or peppermint oil around the base of the shed can deter them.
Predator Urine: Products that mimic the scent of predators can be applied around your shed’s perimeter to discourage burrowing animals.
Maintain a Clean and Clear Surrounding Area
Eliminating clutter and potential food sources around your shed can reduce its appeal to animals:
Remove Debris: Keep the area around your shed clear of brush, woodpiles, and tall grass.
Secure Food Sources: If you store animal feed or grains, ensure they’re kept in sealed, rodent-proof containers.
Proper Waste Management: Dispose of food scraps and garbage responsibly to avoid attracting pests.
Install Motion-Activated Deterrents
Motion-activated devices can provide an additional layer of protection:
Lights: Bright, motion-activated lights can scare off nocturnal pests like rats and mice.
Sprinklers: Motion-activated sprinklers are another effective way to discourage animals from approaching your shed.
Adopt Humane Trapping Techniques
If animals have already taken up residence under your shed, humane traps can help you relocate them. Ensure you comply with local wildlife regulations and consult a professional pest control service if needed.
Why Choose The Big Steel for Your Industrial Shed Needs?
While prevention methods are crucial, investing in a high-quality shed designed with durability and pest resistance in mind can make all the difference. At The Big Steel, we pride ourselves on manufacturing industrial-sized sheds that are built to withstand the elements – not to mention deter unwanted visitors. Our sheds are designed with:
Customisable Features: From reinforced foundations to pest-resistant materials, we help you tailor your shed to meet your specific needs.
Expert Craftsmanship: With years of experience, The Big Steel is a trusted name in drive-through sheds, open front sheds, stockyard covers, horse arenas and other shed solutions across Australia.
Comprehensive Support: Whether you need advice on how to keep animals from under your shed or guidance on maintenance, our team is here to assist.
Protect Your Investment with The Big Steel
Don’t let burrowing animals compromise the integrity of your industrial-sized shed. By implementing the strategies outlined above and investing in a high-quality structure from The Big Steel, you can ensure your shed remains a safe and secure asset for years to come.
Ready to upgrade or reinforce your shed? Contact The Big Steel today to explore our range of industrial shed solutions and learn more about how to stop burrowing animals effectively. Together, we’ll help you protect your investment and maintain a pest-free environment.