Yeah, hardware cloth is the only thing that’s really held up for me too. I tried the plastic storage bins for a while—total waste of time. Squirrels and mice just chewed right through, and I ended up with a mess in the garage more than once. Even some of those so-called “critter-proof” metal bins aren’t always up to the job if the gauge is too thin. I’ve started checking for chew marks and frayed wires every couple weeks, especially after I lost a power tool to a chewed cord last winter. That was an expensive lesson.
Hanging stuff definitely helps, but I’ve noticed they’ll still climb or jump if they’re determined enough. I’ve had some luck with peppermint oil on cotton balls tucked around the shelves—maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but it seems to slow them down a bit. Not a cure-all, though.
Snap traps are effective, but I get what you mean about them not being pretty. I tried the ultrasonic repellents for a while, but honestly, I didn’t see much difference. Maybe they work better in smaller spaces? At the end of the day, it’s just about staying vigilant. I keep a flashlight by the door and do a quick scan every time I’m out there. If I catch a problem early, it’s usually a quick fix instead of a full-on project.
One thing I’d add—if you’re storing anything with fabric or foam (like old camping gear), double-bag it or use metal containers. Mice love that stuff for nesting, and it’s a pain to clean up after. Learned that one the hard way too...
I hear you on the hardware cloth—definitely a solid choice for keeping critters out, but I’ve actually had better luck with some of those heavy-duty galvanized trash cans for certain stuff. The trick is to get the old-school ones with the tight-fitting lids, not the thin sheet metal ones you see at the big box stores now. I store all my roofing tarps and extra gloves in one, and so far, nothing’s chewed through. Might be overkill for some folks, but it’s worked for me.
I’m a little skeptical about the peppermint oil, though. I tried that in my shed last fall, and maybe it helped for a week or two, but after the first rain, the smell faded and the mice didn’t seem to care anymore. Maybe it depends on how often you reapply it or how bad your rodent problem is? I ended up just sealing up every gap I could find with steel wool and caulk. Not glamorous, but it’s cut down on the traffic.
Snap traps are a necessary evil sometimes, but I get why people don’t like using them. I’ve heard some folks swear by those bucket traps (the kind with the spinning bottle), but I haven’t tried them myself. The ultrasonic things were a total bust for me too—felt like I just wasted an outlet.
One thing I’d push back on a bit: hanging stuff. I used to hang all my extension cords and hoses, thinking they’d be safe, but I still found chew marks. Turns out, if there’s even a tiny gap near the ceiling or rafters, mice will find a way up there. Now I just keep anything chewable in sealed bins or cans, even if it takes up more floor space.
Double-bagging fabric is smart, though. Lost a whole box of work rags to a mouse nest once—looked like they’d built a five-star hotel in there. Live and learn...
That’s a solid routine—tight lids on those cans really do make a difference. I’ve seen folks get tripped up by the newer, flimsier ones, so your point about old-school galvanized is spot on. Totally agree about the peppermint oil—smells nice, but it’s not a long-term fix in my experience either. Sealing gaps with steel wool and caulk is tedious but so effective. I’ve inspected plenty of sheds where people hung cords thinking they were safe, only to find mouse damage right up in the rafters… You’re right, if there’s a way in, they’ll find it. Storing gear in bins or cans just saves headaches down the line, even if it means shifting stuff around.
Can’t count how many times I’ve seen folks hang extension cords or even hoses up high, thinking that’ll keep the mice off. Then you check a few months later and there’s chew marks right where you least expect them—up in the rafters or behind a box. I’m with you on the old galvanized cans. The newer plastic bins are lighter but I’ve had critters gnaw right through if they catch a whiff of something interesting.
Peppermint oil is one of those things people swear by, but honestly, it’s more of a temporary band-aid. Steel wool and caulk might be tedious, but after patching up a few problem sheds, it’s clear nothing else really holds up long term. Only thing I’d add: if you’re storing gear for a while, toss in some silica packets to keep moisture down. It won’t stop mice, but it does help with mold and musty smells.
I get that shifting stuff around feels like extra work, but every time I skip it, I regret it later. Prevention just saves so much hassle down the road...
Steel wool and caulk definitely beat out the peppermint oil trick, at least in my experience. I’ve tried both, and the oil just made the shed smell weird for a week—mice didn’t seem to care much. Galvanized cans are solid, but I’ve had the lids rust out if I forget to check them for a season or two. Silica packets are a good call for moisture, though I usually just toss in some old newspaper and hope for the best.
One thing I always wonder—how do you spot early signs of mouse damage before it gets bad? Sometimes I’ll find a tiny hole in a tarp or a cord that looks fine until you unroll it and there’s a whole section chewed up. Any tricks for catching that stuff early, or is it just a matter of moving everything around more often?