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A garden shed raised on bricks or high bearers allows proper airflow underneath that prevents moisture build-up. In many cases, it becomes a spot for both domestic and wild animals, as well as pests, to burrow and take shelter.
And if there’s anything that most shed owners find annoying, it will be when these creatures start to make it their home instead. Here’s why it’s important to take preventive measures and how to take action.
What Happens if I Let Animals Live Under My Shed?
Letting animals settle beneath your shed can lead to all sorts of headaches. They might cause structural damage (especially in the case of a wooden shed and plastic shed), weaken the foundation, or invite mould and insects to move in.
Then there’s the issue of droppings. They can contaminate the soil or nearby water and create such strong odours that stepping into the shed becomes unbearable. And let’s be honest, finding something venomous under there would be a nightmare, wouldn’t it?
Which Animals Usually Take Shelter Under Sheds?
You might find a few unexpected ‘visitors’ settling under your garden storage, including:
- Rats
- Hedgehogs
- Bunnies
- Foxes
- Squirrels
- Stoats and Weasels
These animals are often drawn to the dark, sheltered space, offering protection from predators and warmth, especially in the colder months. They get in through the gaps between the floor and the ground. Once they’re under there, they may burrow or build nests. If left unchecked for too long, it can be harder to remove them, and, as mentioned, it could lead to a range of other problems.
How to Get Animals Out from Under My Shed?
The best way to stop those animals from getting under your shed is to seal up any openings between the floor and the ground. A trench screening or mesh screen will do the work.
Start by digging a small trench along the perimeter of the shed where the gap is—at least 6-12 inches deep and wide enough to fit the screening material. Then, place the screen into the trench, bury its bottom edge, and fill the trench back in with soil.
It’s a simple, cost-effective solution to keep unwanted creatures at bay while still enjoying the benefits of a raised shed.
What to Do if They’re Already Down There?
What you can do is try to make the surroundings around and under your shed less appealing to them. Here are some tricks that work for each animal:
Get rid of rats under shed
Rats are fond of clutter, so try to keep the area clear of debris, leaves, and old wood piles. You might also want to sprinkle some natural deterrents like peppermint oil or cayenne pepper around—they’re not fans of those smells. Once they’ve cleared off, take the opportunity to seal up any gaps with screens to stop them from coming back.
For more tips, have a look at this guide: Rats in the Garden: Advice, Control and Elimination
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs enjoy sheltered, quiet spots, so clearing away leaves, twigs, or wood piles can discourage them from sticking under the shed. Instead, you create safe spaces further away from the garden building, like a small pile of leaves.
Now, What to Do if You Find a Hedgehog in Your Shed or Garage?
Bunnies
Grassy and weedy spots are what make your under-the-shed area attractive to bunnies. Cut back any long grass or plants around, then consider spreading garlic – which bunnies aren’t too keen on. Wire mesh around the base can also help keep them from burrowing back in. Just a few simple changes can help you keep the bunnies elsewhere!
Foxes or squirrels
Foxes and squirrels tend to be drawn to areas with lots of hiding spots. Take a look under your shed for any long grass, piles of leaves, or other bits of debris and clear them out. Sprinkling black pepper and garlic also works.
Stouts and weasels
These critters like to stay hidden, so any piles of leaves, logs, or garden debris around the shed call to them. Clear all that away to make it less inviting. You could also try using something like vinegar—it’s often enough to persuade them to find somewhere else to settle.
Additional note
It’s worth checking to see if any of these animals have had babies under your shed or in a similar outbuilding, like a log cabin. If they have, it’s best to leave them be for a bit and let them move on naturally. Mothers are fiercely protective of their young, and trying to force them out too soon can be stressful for them and potentially risky for you.
If they don’t move on or you’re not sure what to do, reaching out to a local wildlife charity or animal rescue service is the safest and kindest way to handle the situation.
