I want to build a 16' x 24' building to use as a small wood shop. What's the best way to keep critters out?

by Terry Thompson
(Clarkrange, TN. U.S.A.)

I live in the south where rattle snakes and copperheads and other unwanted critters seem to find ways into places they don't belong. My grandson went into the garage to retrieve our riding lawn mower. After waiting patiently for him to return I finaly went to see what the hold up was. When I entered the garage I found him frozen in fear on the mower with a 3 1/2' copperhead coiled and ready to strick just a couple of feet away from him. I took care of the problem.


I am in the planning stages of building a small out building to use as a wood shop. My budget is quite small but I do not want to have to search the shop for visitors every time I go in. What is the beat and most economical way to keep the foundation sealed to keep them out.

Thank you for your time and wisdom in this very troublesome problem.

Johns Answer:

Hello Terry,

Wow, close call there! You know, this is the first time I have gotten a question like this, and honestly I don't know how to answer it.

If you are building a 16x24 building, and have taken every precaution to not have any holes or cavaties for critters to enter through, I don't see any way that you would have a problem.

I have watched quite a few shows on TV where rattle snakes and the like where found inside of buildings in the south and elsewhere, but I believe this was purely through human negligence, like leaving a door open, or rats chewing through walls and floors and snakes entering through them.

It is simply a matter of policing your building to make sure you don't ever have these problems of holes, etc., and if you do, taking care of them immediately to avoid these types of problems.

Hope this helps you.
John