
Sheds are ideal resting places for pests because they are away from the main dwelling, can sit for many days straight without attention from the owner, and provide warm spots to breed. But while sheds are perfect homes for pests, you don’t want them setting up shop in there because they can damage your belongings and leave droppings behind.
The key is to make your shed less attractive to pests of all kids, from spiders to rodents. It’s also important to have a pest control technician in Nashville on speed dial to eradicate any infestations that do get out of control.
Tips For Keeping Pests Out
The solitude of a shed, coupled with all the clutter in there that obscures their presence, makes for a great hiding place for any manner of pests. While you can’t keep out all pests all the time, there are some steps you can take to minimize the chances.
- Sweep out the shed once a week to prevent dirt buildup.
- Seal cracks with silicone caulk. Insects only need a sliver of an opening to gain access; mice don’t need much more.
- Do not store food in the shed (human or pet). If you do have to store birdseed or other pet food, keep them in tightly-sealed containers that cannot be chewed through (no cardboard!).
- Periodically wash the walls.
- Keep firewood and shrubs well away from the perimeter of the shed.
- Add lighting to the shed in order to eliminate dark areas that make ideal hiding spots. If the shed has not been wired for electricity, simple stick-on battery-powered lights will work.
Keeping Spiders Out of Your Shed
No one wants to share their shed with dozens of spiders or the cobwebs that come with them. Unfortunately, sheds are arachnid magnets, but here are some tips to try.
- Add screens to your shed windows for ventilation (which is important in preventing buildup of moisture and mildew) but make sure they have no holes. Mesh screens and door curtains work well when you’re going in and out frequently yet want to leave the door open.
- Try spider-repellent lining paper, and spray it with insect repellent or scents such as peppermint, cedarwood, or citronella.
- Create slippery surfaces: Because spiders struggle to climb out from rain barrels due to the slippery interiors, you can use the same logic and create slick surfaces around your shed. Apply a non-drying lubricant or layer of grease along the base and at entry points, or use materials like metal flashing or PVC piping around the perimeter.
Keeping Mice Out of Your Shed
To rodent-proof your shed, it’s important to seal gaps and remove items that attract mice. Do not store food or birdseed in your shed unless it’s in a sealed container. In the same vein, don’t store soil, wood mulch, or compost in your shed unless it’s in a thick, tightly sealed plastic tub.
If there’s a gap that’s too big to be sealed with silicone caulk, stuff it with some steel wool (mice can’t chew through it). Did you know mice can squeeze through a tiny opening the size of a nickel?
Contact PureGuard Pest Solutions in Nashville TN
Whether you have mice, spiders or any other kind of pest lurking in your shed, contact us today at 615-502-2855 for a free inspection and quote. Rest assured, our pest control specialists in Nashville can pest-proof your shed in no time.