kathryn wrote:
thanks for all the advice.
pulled everything out of the shed yesterday and there were quite a few
holes so i've blocked them all up, hopefully that'll keep the little
vermin out. Is there anything i can paint on the outside of the shed to
stop them from chewing the wood...?

Not being clever or funny I suppose something like ammonia or anything
that would irritate its nostrils would be a thought but as the happy
bunch on mainland Europe has disallowed the proper creosote which stinks
the area out (especially on a hot summer's night) and is harmful to
pets, vermin and plants, you can't use that.

Rats are generally immune to the poisons put out but if you could mix in
a bitter tasting liquid in with your coating that might help. Try the
following;

http://www.pestproducts.com/ropel.htm

Richard.