Avoid these simple garden shed habits if you want to keep rats away this winter

The last thing you want to worry about in the middle of winter is unwelcome rodents taking over your shed. To prevent that from happening, here are three common mistakes that attract rats to your outbuildings.

Keeping rats out of your garden is probably high on your priority list anyway, and once the bad weather arrives, this task is even more important because the furry little intruders start seeking somewhere to stay warm and nest.

To ensure your garden shed doesn't become that place, avoid these commonly made mistakes to stay rat-free.

Common mistakes attracting rats to your shed

While you may already know the tips and tricks to keep rats away from your home, your shed and outbuildings in the garden will also need a little attention to keep the rodents out during winter.

1. Not sealing gaps beneath the shed

You might've recently treated your shed to help prevent wood rot in winter; however, the actual foundation of the structure can be an easy entrance for rats.

“Homeowners often focus on the shed itself without checking underneath it," says Sam Jenkinson, shed expert at the garden building retailer Tiger. "Gaps around the base, damaged boards or eroded ground can create opportunities for rodents to get underneath the structure."

"Depending on the structure, you can secure suitable mesh around the base and extend it into the ground or out beneath the perimeter. If damaged boards can’t easily be replaced, you could use galvanised cloth to cover them.

It’s also worth checking nearby raised beds for unexplained holes or tunnels. These don’t automatically mean you have rats, but they’re worth investigating," he explains.

2. Allowing vegetation to grow next to the shed

If you've been putting off sorting the garden out this autumn or embracing the rewilding trend, you might want to get the garden shears ready. Even cleaning up around your shed can make a world of difference.

“It’s tempting to leave the garden to do its own thing as the weather turns, but keeping the area around your shed reasonably tidy can help," suggests Sam.

“Dense vegetation can provide cover for rodents moving around the garden, while accumulated leaves and garden debris create places where activity can go unnoticed," he continues.

“Trim back overgrown plants, clear away fallen leaves and keep the area around your shed accessible. You don’t need a perfectly kept garden, just enough space to check for signs of unwanted visitors," Sam adds.

You can still help other wildlife during the season and leave some plants as food sources, but doing a general clear-up will deter unwanted visitors from setting up home.

3. Using cardboard boxes as storage

Whether your shed is due for a declutter or you've just stored your summer garden accessories for winter, you may want to consider more long-term storage solutions.

“Cardboard boxes might seem like a convenient storage solution, but they’re not always ideal for sheds, particularly if the space gets damp or the contents are rarely checked," Sam says.

“Instead, switch to sturdy plastic boxes with secure lids or metal containers where appropriate. These can help protect stored items, keep things organised and reduce the risk of pests getting into them," he suggests.

“Make sure bird seed, grass seed and other potential food sources are stored securely, clean up any spills and avoid letting clutter build up in dark corners of your shed, as this could attract unwanted pests," Sam points out.

There's also the matter of ensuring you're not storing any household items in your shed that could be damaged by weather or pests. It's best to rehome these items now before the worst of the weather comes.

Another common mistake that can welcome rodents to your garden is using bird feeders. Choose a feeder with anti-spill features – this ensures your garden doesn't become a banquet hall for rats and mice looking for food.