8 Signs You’ve Got Something Nesting Under the Shed

Animals love the space under a shed—it’s shaded, dry, and mostly undisturbed. But once something moves in, it can tear up insulation, chew wiring, or attract even worse problems. If you’re starting to suspect you’ve got a squatter, don’t wait for the smell to confirm it.

There are early signs that can save you from a bigger mess if you know what to look for.

Fresh Dirt or Pile-Ups Near the Skirt

If something’s been digging under your shed, you’ll usually see disturbed dirt, small mounds, or loose gravel pushed out from the edge. Even if the hole’s small, don’t ignore it.

Rodents and armadillos don’t need much space to get under, and once they start, the digging gets worse. If the soil looks like it’s been worked recently, you probably have a visitor.

Droppings in the Grass or Near the Door

If you’re seeing small droppings near the shed, you’re not imagining things. Raccoons, skunks, and opossums all leave telltale signs once they move in—and it’s rarely neat.

The size and shape of the droppings can sometimes help identify what’s nesting. But more importantly, any droppings mean it’s time to block access and clean up before it spreads or attracts flies.

Unusual Smells Coming From the Base

A musky, sour, or “wet animal” smell around the shed usually means something is living—or dying—under there. Skunks in particular leave a strong scent behind even if they haven’t sprayed.

If you catch a whiff and it doesn’t go away, it’s worth investigating. That smell doesn’t clear up on its own, and once it lingers, it can attract more pests.

Claw Marks or Rubbed Paint

Some animals will scratch or rub against door frames and corners as they come and go. If your shed’s lower paint is scraped off or looks greasy, take a closer look.

That’s a common sign of raccoons or stray cats using it as a path. It might not seem like a big deal until they’ve had a few weeks to settle in.

Noises at Night

If you’re hearing rustling, scratching, or soft growls after dark, there’s something living in or under that shed. Most shed dwellers are nocturnal, so nighttime is when they make themselves known.

It could be a harmless opossum—or it could be a whole litter of raccoons. Either way, you don’t want to wait and find out by surprise.

Scraps, Feathers, or Nesting Material Nearby

If you’re finding torn leaves, chewed plastic, or loose feathers near the shed, something’s hauling materials to build a nest. That’s especially common with skunks and foxes.

Even if the entry hole looks small, they’re bringing things in to make themselves comfortable. And once they’ve got a full setup, it’s harder to evict them without damage.

Flies or Wasps Hanging Around

Flies and wasps show up fast when something’s rotting or nesting. If you see more bugs than usual near the base of the shed, that’s a sign something’s decaying or actively nesting.

Flies love to find dead animals—and wasps sometimes take over old burrows. Neither one is good news, so treat it as a warning.

Trails or Tunnels in the Grass

Look for narrow trails or flattened grass paths leading up to the shed. Animals often use the same route over and over, and it creates a visible track.

It might look like kids have been running through the grass, but it’s usually wildlife moving in and out. Follow the trail, and you’ll probably find the entry point.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.