How to Get Rid of Rats, Mice & Other Rodents in Your Outdoor Shed

One of the downfalls of using an outdoor shed is that you’ll be more susceptible to outdoor pests who can easily access the building.

What’s worse: if you don’t take care of any rodents and other pests that have made a home in your shed, you’ll likely find damage to your belongings, tools, and more. Rodents, in particular, cause massive damage and populate so quickly, it can be challenging to get control of the infestation.

So how do you know if you have a rodent problem? And how do you deal with the pests? We’ll cover all that and more here.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE A RODENT PROBLEM?

If you don’t see or catch any rats, mice, or other pests, it may be challenging to know whether you have a problem. Here’s what to look for:

  • Damage: scratches or signs of gnawing on the walls, wires, boxes, and everything in between
  • Droppings: this obvious sign will tell you that rodents are nearby
  • Holes: small holes in the walls show signs of rodents easily accessing the shed
  • Homes: rodents will build burrows around the shed, so search diligently to find one

HOW TO GET RID OF MICE AND RATS IN YOUR OUTDOOR SHED

Now that you have a good idea that you have a rodent infestation, it’s time to take some steps to get rid of them for good.

Clean regularly

Do some regular sweeping and clearing of any debris or other materials that rodents can use to make nests from. Your regular cleaning will help reduce pests of all shapes and sizes trying to make a home in your shed.

Remove all food and water

Don’t let your outdoor shed become an easy target: remove all potential food and water from a potential rodent infestation. Seal any potential food (like birdseed or pet food) in storage containers.

Remove trash cans and bins from your outdoor shed and place them outside, if possible. If you do need to keep bins in your shed, use strong cans with tight fitting lids. Wash out the trash cans every few weeks to remove any stuck-on messes. Then, be sure to remove any standing water that rodents could access.

Repack and replace

Replace cardboard boxes that are easy for mice and rats to chew through with stronger, sealed storage containers that have tight fitting lids.

Not only will this help protect your belongings, but you’ll also be able to discover any additional pests as you go through everything in your storage shed. You never know what could’ve made a home in a cardboard box!

Seal potential entry points

While there’s always the potential for mice and rats to chew through a wall to create their own entrance, it will certainly deter them when they can’t get in easily.

Carefully go through and around your outdoor shed to ensure all potential entry points are sealed. Caulk or seal small cracks or crevices in the walls, as well as seal any cracks in the concrete floor (if you have one). Pay special attention to cracks near doors and windows too.

Set traps

There are a wide variety of traps available for rodents – from humane trap-and-release to glue boards and snap traps, depending on your personal preference.

Strategically place traps around your outdoor shed to round up any mice or rats that frequent your property. This will help draw them all out so you know you’re rodent-free!


If you suspect rodents in your outdoor shed, follow these simple steps to determine 1) if you have them, and 2) how to get rid of them!

And for a high quality outdoor shed in Maine, check out our selection!

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