Sheds offer storage, shelter, and organization for your yard—but they also provide an inviting space for small animals and burrowing wildlife looking for warmth, safety, or a nesting spot. If you’re noticing strange sounds, smells, or damage near your shed, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with unwanted guests.
Here’s how to tell if an animal is living under your shed, what to do about it, and how to protect your property from future invaders.
Why Animals Choose Your Shed
Most sheds sit low to the ground, have limited light, and offer insulation from both heat and cold—perfect conditions for critters. The typical space under a shed, porch, or deck becomes even more inviting when food is nearby (like open trash bins, pet food, compost, or vegetation).
Common Florida wildlife that seek shelter under sheds include:
- Raccoons
- Skunks
- Rodents
- Groundhogs
- Opossums
- Stray cats
These animals may be burrowing to get under your shed or finding an entry point through existing gaps in the foundation.
How to Tell If an Animal Is Living Under Your Shed
1. Visible Holes or Disturbed Soil
Look for signs of digging at the perimeter of your shed. A burrow entrance typically looks like a 4 to 10-inch hole surrounded by loose dirt. Groundhogs and skunks, for example, are skilled diggers. Their burrows often have well-worn paths and clear signs of disruption in the soil or grass.
2. Smells and Droppings
A strong, musky odor—especially skunk spray—is a dead giveaway. You may also find animal droppings, which vary depending on the species. These can attract other pests like fleas and flies, increasing the risk of infestation around your house or garden.
3. Sounds at Night
Most Florida wildlife is nocturnal. Scratching, thumping, or chattering sounds at night often point to animals like raccoons or rodents. If the noise is loud and heavy, it may be a larger animal like an opossum or groundhog.
4. Tracks and Pathways
Check for animal tracks in the dirt or vegetation. You might also see a “runway” or trail in your yard, especially if food sources like bird seed or pet food are accessible. Small animals tend to reuse the same paths, which flattens grass or leaves a visible track.
5. Visual Confirmation
A trail camera with night vision or motion detection is a great way to catch your unwanted visitor in action. These cameras are inexpensive, easy to install, and can give you photographic proof of what species you’re dealing with.
6. Fur or Hair
Check around the entry point or any cracks or holes near your shed for fur, hair, or scratch marks. These signs are especially common with raccoons or rodents.
7. Nesting Materials or Babies
If an animal has decided to burrow under your shed for breeding, you might find soft nesting materials like leaves, shredded plastic, or insulation. In spring and summer, it’s common to discover babies hidden beneath sheds or decks.
Why You Should Act Quickly
Leaving animals under your shed can cause:
- Structural damage to your foundation
- Introduction of fleas, ticks, or other pests
- Attraction of predators
- Risk of disease, including rabies or leptospirosis
- Breeding colonies that are harder to remove
If you believe animals are living under your shed, you should consider calling a professional. While there are DIY methods for removing wildlife, they tend to be less effective. Additionally, trying to remove animals yourself could put you at risk of being bitten, scratched, and then infected with a disease.
Humane and Effective Removal Methods
Use a Live Trap (with Caution)
A live trap can catch animals safely. However, Florida law requires that certain species (like raccoons) not be relocated without proper permits. It’s best to work with a licensed pest control expert or wildlife removal service.
One-Way Door Systems
Installing a one-way door lets the animal leave but blocks it from coming back. This method is humane and effective if no babies are present. Always inspect for young animals before sealing any entry point.
How to Deter Animals From Returning
1. Install a Shed Barrier
The most effective way to deter animals long-term is to physically block access using a shed barrier made from hardware cloth or wire mesh. This should:
- Be buried 12–18 inches below ground (to prevent burrowing)
- Form an L shape outward at the base
- Extend at least 2 feet above ground if needed
This creates a trench barrier that animals can’t easily dig through.
2. Eliminate Food Sources
Food sources attract animals to your property, allowing them to find your shed and create a shelter for themselves. Eliminating food sources involves:
- Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids
- Don’t leave pet food outside
- Clean up fallen fruit, compost, or bird seed
- Remove overgrown vegetation near the shed
3. Use Bright Light or Motion Detectors
Animals prefer dark, quiet places. A bright light or motion-activated light will make the area less appealing. Some homeowners also use ultrasonic repellents, but these vary in effectiveness.
4. Remove Attractive Shelter
Keep the shed area clean. Remove woodpiles, debris, or unused equipment that might provide shelter. Trim grass and vegetation to reduce cover.
5. Add a Fence
If animals continue to visit your yard, a sturdy fence around the shed or garden can block access. Ensure it’s buried at least 12 inches underground to stop digging.
When to Call Wildlife Control
If you suspect an animal is living under your shed and you’re unsure how to proceed, call a Florida-based pest control or wildlife specialist. They can identify the animal, confirm whether there are babies, and safely remove the critters.
Important: Don’t Try to Smoke Them Out
Avoid dangerous DIY methods like using smoke, poison, or flooding the burrow. These can harm the animal, damage your shed, and violate state wildlife laws.
Get Connected to Professional Wildlife Control
Knowing how to tell if an animal is living under your shed is the first step to keeping your Florida property safe, clean, and pest-free. Whether it’s a curious raccoon, a digging groundhog, or a nesting skunk, acting quickly can prevent damage and health issues.
Installing a shed barrier, using hardware cloth, and removing food sources are key to long-term wildlife prevention. If in doubt, seek professional advice—especially during the breeding season when family groups of animals are more likely to take up residence.
Contact Nuisance Wildlife Rangers immediately if you believe animals are living under your shed. We can assess the infestation, trap the animals, and remove them without harming them in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can animals under my shed attract snakes?
Yes. Rodents, groundhogs, and other small animals can attract snakes that are drawn to food sources and shelter. A shed that houses prey species creates a perfect hunting ground for both venomous and non-venomous snakes common in Florida. Preventing burrowing animals helps reduce this risk.
2. How do I know if the animal has left before sealing the shed?
Use a trail camera or apply a simple trick: loosely stuff the entry point with paper or leaves and check after 24–48 hours. If the material remains undisturbed, the space may be empty. However, it’s best to consult a professional to avoid trapping any animals inside, especially during the breeding season.
3. Is it legal to remove animals myself in Florida?
Florida has strict regulations on wildlife removal. While you can use live traps for some species, relocating wildlife—especially raccoons or opossums—often requires a permit. In some cases, humane euthanasia is mandated by law. Always check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) before taking action.
4. How often do sheds get re-invaded after removal?
Re-infestation is common if no shed barrier or hardware cloth is installed after removal. Animals often return to previously occupied shelters—especially if food sources and entry points remain. Proper exclusion methods and habitat modification can prevent this cycle.
5. Do animals under sheds cause structural damage?
Yes. Burrowing animals can weaken the foundation, leading to tilting, sagging, or water intrusion. Chewing and nesting may also damage electrical wiring, insulation, or stored belongings. The longer the animal stays, the more expensive the repairs.
6. Can I use repellents or deterrent sprays effectively?
Some over-the-counter repellents may offer short-term deterrence, especially those with predator urine or strong scents. However, Florida’s humidity and rain reduce their effectiveness quickly. Physical exclusion methods, like wire mesh or trench barriers, are far more reliable for long-term control.
