Check inside and around the base
Look along the inside walls, beneath accessible shelving and around feed bags. Outside, inspect the door, damaged panels and the space beneath the shed. Burrows can be a sign of rats, but a hole alone is not a certain identification. Compare droppings and other fresh evidence before choosing treatment.
Remove the nearby food supply
Store seed and feed in sturdy closed containers and clear spilled food. Check whether bird feeders, open bins or accessible food waste are keeping rodents nearby. Tidy unnecessary stored material around the shed so you can inspect its edges. Aim to make the shed easier to check as well as less attractive to visitors.
Traps work best where you can keep checking
Suitable snap traps can be a useful approach to confirmed rats or mice on accessible shed routes. Choose the right species of trap and a compatible protective setup, then check at least daily. A compatible lockable box encloses the trap mechanism, helping prevent access by children, pets and wildlife. Secure it in a stable position where it will not be disturbed and keep it locked between checks.
Check the location before choosing poison
Amateur bait may suit an active problem where trapping is unsuitable or unsuccessful. Read its permitted locations carefully: inside a shed and outside around its base may be different uses. A weather-resistant box does not extend the bait label. Keep to the required visits and treatment period rather than leaving poison out indefinitely.
Proof the building once activity is cleared
Repair chewed boards, door gaps and damaged corners. Suitable fixed metal mesh can help protect vulnerable gaps around the base, while keeping necessary airflow and drainage. Do not close an occupied space and trap animals inside. Monitor the original trouble spots for new droppings or digging; returning signs suggest an entry route or food source still needs attention.