DIY Builds
Photo by Teona Swift Pexels Logo Photo: Teona Swift

Should you be afraid of rats?

Since rats have been known to bite, this makes it even more frightening that they are also known to carry disease. Rat bites and scratches may result in disease such as lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), which is a viral infectious disease, salmonellosis, or even rat-bite fever.

How much does it cost to build a 10x10 wooden shed?
How much does it cost to build a 10x10 wooden shed?

Cost Estimator by Size SHED SIZE TYPICAL COST RANGE 10×10 (100 sq. ft) $2,000 to $17,500 10×12 (120 sq. ft) $2,400 to $21,000 12×12 (144 sq. ft)...

Read More »
How long does a shed house last?
How long does a shed house last?

Of course, it's also an investment in your yard that you hope will last a long time. That's why one of the most common questions we hear from...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

If you have a fear of rodents, you probably prefer not to encounter any of them, no matter the type. But if you had to rank your fears, it’s a good bet that a rat would rank higher on the “things that make you scream” scale than a mouse. It seems that most people have a much greater fear of rats than mice, and probably for good reason. So what is that reason?

First of all, rats just look more frightening. Compared to a mouse, a rat is a monster of a rodent. In fact, a rat can grow up to one foot in length, not including their tail. Mice are incredibly small in comparison, so thus, not very scary to most people. Not only are rats much bigger than mice, but they are also much more aggressive. Mice tend to fear people and run anytime they see them. If cornered, it’s highly unlikely that they would strike out. A rat, on the other hand, will certainly become aggressive if they feel threatened. If you happen to find a rat in your home, don’t attempt to catch it bare handed – it will bite if it feels cornered. Since rats have been known to bite, this makes it even more frightening that they are also known to carry disease. Rat bites and scratches may result in disease such as lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), which is a viral infectious disease, salmonellosis, or even rat-bite fever. Their urine is known to spread leptospirosis, which may lead to liver and kidney damage. Not only that, but rats are also a potential cause of allergens. Their dander, hair, and droppings may cause allergic reactions in some people. It is important to note that mice, as well as rats, have been known to transmit hantavirus. Hantavirus is incredibly dangerous, and may result in difficulty breathing and can even become fatal if not treated. The virus is transmitted to humans when they inhale airborne particles from rodent droppings, urine or carcasses. It is incredibly important to remove all feces, nest materials and dead rodents from your home as quickly as possible to avoid hantavirus. It’s often in your best interest to contact a pest control professional to remove all traces of a rat or mouse infestation for your safety. Rats and mice can both be destructive when they infest your home, although rats are much more so. However, rats will gnaw through plastic and wood, leaving holes throughout your home in walls, floorboards, and any other material they can get their teeth on. They contaminate every inch of your home through urine, droppings, and saliva, and can ruin a food supply very quickly. If you have even the slightest suspicion that you may have even one rat in your home, it’s important to move quickly and take care of the issue right away. A full-blown rat infestation can be a nightmare to deal with. Since rats are aggressive and can be dangerous, dealing with them on your own is not advised. A professional exterminator will have the knowledge and ability to take care of your infestation the safest and most efficient way possible.

How do you fix a plastic shed to the ground?
How do you fix a plastic shed to the ground?

Plastic sheds are light and often held together with ½” sheet metal screws. To anchor them to a concrete pad you need ½” concrete expansion or...

Read More »
What does rats hate?
What does rats hate?

As it turns out, there are several smells that these pests cannot stand, which means you can use them to your advantage. But what exactly do mice...

Read More »

What type of plywood is best for subfloor?
What type of plywood is best for subfloor?

You can use standard plywood for subfloors, but it is more common to use tongue-and-groove sheets that interlock along the edges. The spacing of...

Read More »
How do you arrange a shed with shelving for maximum storage?
How do you arrange a shed with shelving for maximum storage?

18 Storage Shed Organization Ideas You Need to Try Use a Magnetic Bar for Tools. ... Hang a Pegboard for Tool Storage. ... Add Open Shelving. ......

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
How much furniture can fit in a 10x20 storage unit?
How much furniture can fit in a 10x20 storage unit?

To put it in perspective, a 10x20 storage unit can hold the contents of a multi-room home. Typically, a 10x20 storage unit can hold: 2 sets of...

Read More »
Can you put a heat pump tumble dryer in the shed?
Can you put a heat pump tumble dryer in the shed?

Overall, it's completely possible to install a tumble dryer inside a garden building such as a shed. Doing so can create extra space inside the...

Read More »