How to ratproof under shed

[TGrump]

Hello to the forums!
I recently inherited a decrepit, unfinished shed.
To keep rodents out from underneath I was considering nailing some 24 gauge metal to the rim joists and burying the bottom edge. However I am concerned it will rot the rim joists.
Attached is a photo (hopefully). Those are the rim joists visible below the OSB. I still have to wrap and side the walls.
Any input?
Thanks,
Grump

 

[bluedog225]

Here’s how they do it in Texas.

 

[RPH]

You need to use hardware cloth or fencing. It need to come out about 2 feet or more. They will give up digging if the can’t under it. The fencing in the ground prevents access.

 

[Kaizen]

I’d try and jack it up as well if it’s a wooden floor. Then lay hardware cloth around perimeter as instructed as well as on the ground flat under it. Tough to do after it is built.


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[niget2002]

I have cats. Two killers and one fat ****.

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[flat350]

Take wire hardware cloth from the bottom of the sheathing down 18"-24" and then out horizontally the same distance,backfill it then.I did this to mine to keep skunks and woodchucks out and haven't had a problem in 5 years,no matter which way they dig they hit the cloth and give up.

 

[Mr.N]

Take wire hardware cloth from the bottom of the sheathing down 18"-24" and then out horizontally the same distance,backfill it then.I did this to mine to keep skunks and woodchucks out and haven't had a problem in 5 years,no matter which way they dig they hit the cloth and give up.

Good advice.


Life traps with fresh bait work well to get them now.
Your call what to do after catching them... I would drive 5 miles towards the city

 

[theoldwizard1]

The best and probably the simplest way is to raise the shed about 12" off the ground. Varmints of all kinds do not want light or air movement.

Keep the grass and weed mowed down along the sides.

BTDTGTT !

 

[slow84lx]

Here’s how they do it in Texas.

No rats in sight!

You've got to wonder what they are eating to have so many in the same place. The local food source must be ample.

 

[BD1]

IF you want to set poison out, One last Bite I found to be best.
IF you have pets, I toss them in a 32 ounce Gatorade plastic bottle. Best bait on the farm.
Prices vary so shop around. Farm and fleet were good and for online, check vet suppliers.


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[LS6 Tommy]

The best and probably the simplest way is to raise the shed about 12" off the ground. Varmints of all kinds do not want light or air movement.

Keep the grass and weed mowed down along the sides.

BTDTGTT !

X2. Even 6" is enough if sunlight gets under. Vermin don't see it as shelter anymore when they can see clear out the ohter side. I'm surprised at how many people I meet that ***** about critters under a shed and when I ask how high it is off the ground, they tell me it's sitting on the ground or only a couple of inches. That includes "Pro" shed installers...

Tommy