What You Need to Do to Keep Pests and Animals Out of Your Shed

A shed is a very useful addition to your property. After all, you may own a large amount of lawn maintenance equipment (and similar items). A shed provides you with a space in which to store this equipment.

That said, when sheds aren’t properly secured and/or maintained, animals and pests can get inside. This is obviously a scenario you want to avoid. Their presence isn’t merely a nuisance. If you keep any edible items in your shed, such as garden seeds, they might deplete your supply.

That’s why you should keep the following tips in mind. They’ll help you better understand what you can do to keep your shed free of unwanted intruders.

Keep Food in Airtight Containers

Do you store anything that could be used as food in your shed? This may include any type of seeds. If so, they are likely to attract rodents and other potential intruders if their scent is allowed to waft out of your shed. Avoid this by making sure all such items are stored in airtight containers when not in use.

Routinely Check Your Shed

A shed is just like any other structure on your property: it requires regular maintenance to stay in the best possible condition for as long as possible. That means you should make a point of regularly walking the perimeter of your shed to check for any holes or cracks. Even very small holes can still be large enough to let mice or other small pests inside. If you do notice any possible entrances, seal them up.

Trim Nearby Branches

Do any branches (even small ones) from a nearby tree hang over your shed’s surface? Trim them if you spot any. Your goal is to keep the perimeter of your shed clear, otherwise these branches could serve as bridges for unwanted insects.

Check for Leaks

Because insects thrive in moist environments, a shed with moist areas may be particularly vulnerable to an infestation. Avoid this by routinely checking for signs of leaks, and sealing those you find.

Keep it Clean

Of course, cleaning your shed regularly and removing clutter prevents insects and animals from finding spots where they can hide. This type of basic upkeep is key. Along with reducing potential hiding spaces, it also typically involves removing the kinds of debris that attracts unwanted intruders in the first place.

All that said, there might also come a time when you want to replace your current shed. When that happens, we at Kirton Sectional Buildings can supply it. Browse our selection online to learn more about the different types of sheds we offer.

Three Useful Accessories For Your Dog

As man’s best friend, it’s important that we take good care of our dogs. With 24% of the adult population owning a dog, it’s no wonder we are a nation of pet lovers. Owning a dog can be one of the best things; from comforting you on your worst days to tagging along on your adventures, your canine is always there for you, but they are still a responsibility.

From feeding to walking them, a dog needs love, attention and care. To help you with looking after your furry friend, invest in a few useful accessories – here are a few to consider for your home and garden that you might not have thought about.

Pet cameras

Got a mischevious puppy or a nervous hound that you worry about leaving? A pet camera could be the one for you, enabling it to sync up to your phone so you can check-in and keep an eye on whether they’re distressed or causing mischief. For those extra naughty pooches, consider a pet camera with two-way audio – this way, you can chastise your pup if you catch them climbing the curtains or scuffing up the carpet.

Timed pet feeder

Once your dog is in a routine of timed meals, there may come an occasion where you’re a bit late home from work or have an event that overruns and you may not be able to feed them. In this case, a timed pet feeder, also known as an automatic meal feeder, is a beneficial accessory to your household ensuring that your dog is happily fed.

Kennel or hut

Playing out in the garden as a family can be tiring for your dog, especially if it’s a hot day or they’re a bit older. Consider investing in a little sheltered area for them to relax, or have a quick kip, with a timber kennel or hut. If you’re planning to breed from your dog(s) later on, hut or pents are a must whereas a kennel can just be a little shady house to allow your dog to just sit and be in the garden.

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog kennel, hut or run, consider Kirton Sectional Buildings in Gainsborough today. Manufactured with timber, our timber buildings and products are durable and charming, whilst being made from timber ensures they are environmentally friendly also. For more information regarding our products, contact us today.

A Beginners Guide to Horse Care

All animals require the right knowledge and equipment to ensure they’re being properly cared for, but as pets go, a horse can be much more of a challenge than a small rodent or cat. Like any other pet, horses vary in terms of size, breed and temperament, but there are some basic principles of care that will apply to any horse.

Looking after horses is very rewarding, but it does require a lot of commitment, care and hard work. If you’re thinking about caring for a horse for the first time, see a few of our tips below to ensure your horse leads a healthy, happy life.

Outdoor space is essential

Horses require large amounts of exercise outdoors in order to stay healthy, so access to a paddock or field is essential, and preferably one where they can be in the company of other horses. Not all outdoor spaces are suitable however; your horse will need a secure place to shelter from extreme weather or temperatures when outside, as well as a secure, dry stable to sleep or rest in overnight.

Check for signs of injury and illness daily

You should give your horse a once over every day, including checking their hooves, teeth, and their movement for signs of lameness. Horses should be wormed and vaccinated against equine influenza and tetanus regularly, and their teeth should be professionally inspected at least annually.

Ensure your horse is fed a healthy diet

Horses need plenty of space and time to graze; ideally they should have access to a suitable grazing paddock 24 hours a day, as well as 24/7 access to fresh, clean water. They may need some additional hard feed and forage to maintain a healthy digestive system, but be aware that too much of the above can also cause digestion problems, especially for horses who are mostly stabled. It’s also essential to remove any toxic plants, such as yew or ragwort, from any grazing areas.

Socialization

Horses are social animals, so it’s important that they have appropriate company and are given plenty of opportunity to spend time freely with other horses. Make sure they spend time in the paddock with others and that they’re not isolated when in the stable; for example, make sure the partitions don’t block their view of neighbouring horses. Isolated horses can become stressed and begin to display abnormal behaviour, so it’s vital that they’re given plenty of time in the company of other animals.

If you’re in need of a safe, secure stable to house your horse, get in touch with Kirton Sectional Buildings. We provide a range of high quality wooden stables, American-style barns and field shelters, and many can be tailored to your exact requirements. For more information about our range of stables and to discuss your needs further, give us a call or visit the website.