How to humanely get rid of the mice and rats in your shed

  • By: Rob Jones
  • Date: May 27, 2022
  • Time to read: 6 min.
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Mice and rats can be a real nuisance in the shed, especially during the winter months. They can damage your belongings, eat through your stored food, and even spread disease. So, how can you get rid of them humanely and effectively?

Getting rid of rodents humanely from your shed can be difficult. There are many cruel traps and poisons on the market, but there are better ways to remove rats from your shed that won’t hurt or kill them. Making a homemade rodent repellent is one option.

Keep reading for 8 tips on how to get rid of mice and rats in your shed, humanely!

How to humanely get rid of the mice and rats in your shed

If you have a problem with mice or rats in your shed, there are some humane ways to get rid of them.

rats

We don’t recommend using poison, snap traps, and glue traps as these are just cruel and as much as no one wants rats or mice in their shed, we don’t want to inflict unnecessary pain and suffering on these animals who just want to make a home.

These are 8 proven ways to get rodents out of your shed! you can use one or all of these methods to rid rats from your shed. The more methods you implement the more success you will have.

  • Remove food sources from the shed to remove rats
  • Clean up any garbage and pet waste to get rid of rats and mice from your shed
  • Repair holes or gaps in wood siding that could be a potential entry point for animals
  • Place traps inside the shed
  • Make a homemade rat repellent spray
  • Use mothballs as a rat repellent
  • Use ultrasonic devices to repel rats
  • Get professional help to remove rats from the shed

8 ways to humanely remove rodents from your shed.

We will give you 8 different ways on how to humanely remove rodents from your shed. The best way to keep them from returning is to figure out how they are getting in and block the openings.

Remove food sources from the shed to remove rodents

You will also want to take away any water sources. If there are areas where rodents could be nesting, remove any clutter and make sure it is clean. If you have pets, make sure their food is not accessible to rodents.

Clean up any garbage and pet waste to get rid of rats and mice from your shed

 cleaning trash

To get rid of rats and mice from your shed, clean up any garbage and pet waste. If you have a rat or mouse problem, these rodents will be attracted to the food and shelter that your shed or garage provides. Removing their food and shelter will make your shed less attractive to them, and they will eventually move on.

Repair holes or gaps in the wood siding of your shed that could be a potential entry point for rodents.

Holes or gaps in the wood siding of your shed can provide potential entry points for rodents. If you find any, repair them with wire mesh or wood to keep pests out. Inspect the foundation and walls of your shed regularly for cracks or holes, and seal them up as needed. Regular maintenance will help keep your shed rodent-free.

Place traps inside the shed if you have a rodent problem inside your shed.

Mice and rats are attracted to areas where there is a lot of food. If you have a rodent problem, place humane traps (Amazon link) inside the shed to help control the population.

Make a homemade rat repellent spray to get them out of your shed.

Making a homemade rat and mice repellent in a spray bottle (Amazon link) is a great and safe way to rid your shed of your rodent problem.

Homemade peppermint oil spray

In a spray bottle, mix 2 tsp of peppermint oil with 1 cup of water or rubbing alcohol. Spray in areas where you’ve seen rat activity. The strong smell will deter them from coming back.

Homemade ammonia & vinegar spray

This is an effective way to get rid of rats and mice. The sharp smell of ammonia is unpleasant to rodents, so they’ll stay away from areas that are treated with this solution. To make the spray, mix 1 cup ammonia and 1 cup vinegar in a spray bottle. Then, simply mist all the areas where you’ve seen rodents activity. You can also soak cotton balls in the solution and place them in strategic areas. Just be sure to replace the cotton balls every two weeks.

Use mothballs in your shed as a rat repellent

If you have a rat problem in your shed, you can use mothballs (Amazon link) as a repellent. Simply place mothballs around the perimeter of the shed, and rats will be deterred from entering. Be sure to replace the mothballs every few weeks, or as needed.

Mothballs work because they release a gas that is toxic to rats. However, this gas is also toxic to humans and pets, so be sure to use them sparingly and only in well-ventilated areas. If you have young children or pets, it’s probably best to avoid using mothballs altogether.

Use ultrasonic devices to repel rats from shed.

If you’re looking for a way to keep rats out of your shed, you may want to consider using ultrasonic devices (Amazon link). Ultrasonic devices emit sound waves that are too high-pitched for humans to hear, but which can be very irritating to animals like rats. When rats are exposed to the sound waves emitted by these devices, they typically become agitated and flee the area.

Get professional help to remove rats from the shed.

There are a few things you can do to try and remove rats from your shed on your own, but the most effective way to get rid of them is to hire a professional. Rat removal companies have the experience and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively get rid of rats from your property.

Prevention tips to keep rats out of your shed 

1. Store food in airtight containers: Rats are attracted to the smell of food, so it’s important to store any food items in your shed in airtight containers. This will help to keep them out and away from your belongings.

2. Keep your shed clean: A clean shed is less likely to attract rats than a cluttered one. Be sure to sweep up any food scraps and keep things tidy to help deter them from taking up residence.

3. Keep rats out of your yard: Rats are attracted to areas where there is food and shelter. If you have a rat problem in your yard, take steps to eliminate their food and water sources (including pet food) and provide them with no place to hide.

Can rats chew through a shed?

Rats can chew through just about anything given enough time. This includes wood, metal, and plastic. So, if you have a rat problem, it’s important to inspect your shed for any potential entry points.

Do rats nest in sheds?

Rats are known to nest in a variety of places, including sheds. They will often build their nests in areas that are dark and secluded, such as in a corner of a shed. If you suspect that rats are nesting in your shed, you may want to take some of the steps above to try to deter them. You can also contact a pest control professional to help you get rid of the rats.

Conclusion

So, how to humanely get rid of the mice and rats in your shed? Mice and rats can be a big nuisance, but there are ways to get rid of them humanely. If you’re having a problem with rodents in your shed, try some of these tips above to get rid of them.

Rob Jones

Rob is an enthusiast of all backyard DIY projects. He has spent many years researching, learning, and building. From a backyard shed to a garden pond, Rob will have done it!

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