DIY Builds
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How do I keep mice out of my shed in the winter?

Walk the perimeter of your shed and look for any holes or cracks. You want to seal any that are larger than the size of a dime, as most mice will be able to squeeze through spaces of that size. Don't forget to block entry points around the roof of the shed, and make sure there's no space under doors or near windows.

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Does Boxabl come furnished?

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Sheds are a great way to store lawn and home maintenance equipment. They also come in handy when you need a place to stow items you don’t use that often. However, there is another thing sheds are useful for; they make great shelters for rodents who are looking for a place to ride out a cold winter. When you’re trying to figure out how to keep mice and rats out of your shed, it’s a good idea to think like a mouse or a rat. The two things that are likely to be on the forefront of these critters' minds are shelter from the elements and food sources. If you can eliminate these, you can greatly reduce the odds of finding mice and rats in your shed. Here are some tips you can follow to help you reduce those odds:

Make your shed less appealing as a shelter

Walk the perimeter of your shed and look for any holes or cracks. You want to seal any that are larger than the size of a dime, as most mice will be able to squeeze through spaces of that size. Don’t forget to block entry points around the roof of the shed, and make sure there’s no space under doors or near windows. Mice and rats need a source of water and food and if there is no source in the shed, they have to be able to easily move in and out to find what they need.

Get rid of food sources that could attract rodents

Rats and mice will eagerly set up a winter basecamp in your shed if you’re supplying them with a steady supply of food. Rodents will feed on certain things that can be found in a shed. For example, house mice are seed specialists and will feed on anything that is seed related. Rats are omnivores and if something smells good, then they will eat it. That’s why it’s important to keep birdseed, pet food or anything similar in sealed airtight containers to help keep them from sniffing it out. Rodents will also chow down on wildflower seed, grass seeds and the like, so make sure those are locked up as tightly as any animal feed.

Will Mothballs Keep Rats and Mice Away?

Mothballs should not be used for rodent control as they are not an effective method for keeping rodents away. Again, follow these tips to help keep your shed free of mice so you can store things inside confidently.

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Can I build a shed in my garden without planning permission?

Outbuildings are permitted developments that will not require planning permission. Planning permission for garden office areas is not required, as long as you are able to stick to the limitations of setting up one of these outbuildings.

Permitted Development For Outbuildings

New rules regarding whether or not you can extend or add to your home without having to apply for planning permission for an outbuilding came into force on 1 October 2008. The New limits and conditions for what is allowed without the need for planning permission apply largely to the dimensions of the proposed addition, its position in relation to the house and its proximity to the boundaries of the property. Under the new regulations constructing an outbuilding that is not within designated land is considered permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, providing it meets the following limits and conditions: An outbuilding can not be constructed on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation. Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof. Maximum height of 2.5 metres in the case of a building, enclosure or container within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse.No verandas, balconies or raised platforms. No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings. In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres. On designated land buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.

Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.

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