10 Tips to Keep Bugs and Critters Out of Your Shed

Storage Sheds have become a great investment for many homeowners. It helps to declutter garages and carports and adds value to the resell of a home. Storage sheds come in many types and designs but the 3 most common are wood, vinyl or metal. An important aspect in having a storage shed is maintaining a storage shed for years of use. If a storage shed is not maintained it can become infested with insects and rodents.

Some of the insects and rodents that have been found in storage sheds are ants, roaches, termites, mice, rats, mosquitoes, bees, flies, spiders and fleas. So how do you keep your storage shed bug free?

The first step is to prepare your storage shed ahead of time. Here are things you can do.

1. Paint - If you have a wood storage shed or a shed with a wood base then paint it. Paint will act as a cover for the wood shed and the paint will help prevent wood rot for many years.

2. Seal Cracks - Check your shed inside and out for openings and cracks. Even the slightest opening will invite bugs.

3. Ventilation - Proper ventilation will prevent moisture in the storage shed. Mold and mildew has been known to attract bugs.

4. Natural Deterrents - Certain herb plants can be planted around your shed for protection. Catnip is said to repel ants, lavender repels moths, sage repels slugs, Flies hate the smell of basil and mint can repel mice.

If you have a storage shed that has been around a while you may ask how to get rid of bugs that are already in the shed? Here are some tips.

5. Rotten Wood - Fix or replace any rotten wood that your shed may have.

6. Clean - Sweep out or vacuum your shed. This should be done one to three times a month.

7. Garbage - Do not store garbage cans inside the shed. It attracts many insects.

8. Insecticides - Use bait, bug traps or insecticides to get rid of any bugs that are in your storage shed.

9. Shed Perimeter - Spray or spread insecticide around the outside perimeter of your storage shed.

10. Moth Balls - Place moth balls around the shed and under it to keep snakes and spiders away.

As you can see, keeping a storage shed bug free is not difficult and keeping your storage shed in good condition will be beneficial to the investment of your home.