The Scariest Critters That Could Be Living in Your Pool Shed

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Your pool shed is the unsung hero of backyard fun. Face it, while you’re having the time of your life splashing around the pool, this forgotten corner of your yard can turn into a five star hotel for some unwanted guests. They’re not the cute, fuzzy kind. The dark, humid, secluded space of a pool shed is just the kind of home critters with the ability to get you all heebie-jeebie looking will seek out.

Can you imagine grabbing your floaties and finding something slithering or crawling? If you’ve been ignoring your pool shed perhaps it’s time to take a closer look, just maybe not without gloves and a flashlight.

Spiders

Deadliest Creatures in North America That Could Kill You! — Image Credits: Tyler C., CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The insect world’s classic horror movie villains are spiders. They like dusty corners and hidden crevices in pool sheds. Most spiders are harmless and in fact helpful, removing other pests, but when you are looking at a black widow or brown recluse you probably won’t feel that way. If these venomous spiders like it undisturbed, they could be lurking behind your pool chemicals, or in the folds of an old tarp.

Snakes

Creatures You Are Legally Forbidden To Remove From Your Home And Garden — Image Credit: Pixabay

Snakes can be sneaky tenants in your pool shed and you might not see them right away. Some of them might just be after mice, but venomous species such as copperheads might seek shelter in the shadows as well. According to the University of Georgia, many homeowners see snakes around their outdoor structures once a year. You don’t want your pool shed to be part of that statistic—keep it clean and rodent free to keep these slithery guests away.

Wasps and Hornets

If you open your shed and find a wasp nest, it’s pretty much a comedy horror film scene, except the stings aren’t funny. Pool sheds that aren’t disturbed are popular nooks among wasps and hornets. They are often tucked under shelves or behind appliances or in unused equipment. Keep an eye out for early signs of nest building like mud dauber streaks or small papery constructions.

Mice and Rats

Scents Mice Absolutely Detest—Keep Your Home Mouse-Free for Good! — Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos/Pixabay

While mice and rats are gross enough, they’re able to chew through just about anything, including your stored supplies. They usually manage to get into pool sheds in search of food, warmth, or nesting material. The CDC notes that rodents spread more than 35 diseases directly or indirectly. To keep your shed rodent proof, seal all gaps, and store items in robust, airtight containers.

Geckos

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Cute until they dart out when you least expect it. You will find these speedy little reptiles sneaking into pool sheds to snack on insects and other pests. They’re harmless, but can still startle you when they zip across the floor—or worse, land on you when you’re reaching for supplies. In addition, their droppings can also be a nuisance, over time making unsanitary conditions.

Cockroaches

For a lot of people, cockroaches are a nightmare. Killing these pests, however, is not that easy, as they are resilient and prefer staying in the dark wet spaces. They can be hidden behind appliances or in clutter, so don’t leave any corners unturned. Cockroaches are not just gross, they can cause allergies and asthma in sensitive people.

Scorpions

Scorpions can even get into your pool shed if you live in a warmer area. Dark, dry spaces are their preference, and it’s not unusual for them to hide within a shoe, glove, stored item etc. Their stings are painful and, although rarely fatal, can be serious for children or those allergic. If you live in scorpion-prone areas, always shake out items before use.

Centipedes

Although not as dangerous as some of the other critters on this list, centipedes are enough to give you the creeps with their multiple legs and movement. They thrive in areas of high humidity and often hide in the corners of pool sheds. Their bites are rare and can cause localized pain and swelling.

Bats

Bats in the pool shed? Chances are, it’s more likely than you think. In a quiet, poorly sealed shed, these flying mammals sometimes roost in high corners. Bats are a great thing to have around because they help control insect populations, but their guano is a source of harmful pathogens. If you think it’s bats, call in a wildlife expert for safe removal.

Bees

Bees are less aggressive than wasps, but if they decide your pool shed is ideal real estate for a hive, you’ll have a problem. Small cracks are often the way that bees slip into houses and create colonies that can grow very large. It’s not recommended to remove a hive on your own, so call a professional beekeeper or pest control service for a humane and safe removal.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.