So I’m tired of cleaning out rats nests from shooting houses. It doesn’t seem to matter how tight they are built, rats chew their way in where walls/floors/doors/roofs meet. I’d like to build out of reclaimed/scrap material whether it’s plywood, OSB or whatever.

My idea is: somehow procure some sort of cheap metal U-channel moulding or flashing that can be installed on all edges of panels. And L-shapes where appropriate. This way (in theory) every location I rat tries to chew in, he is faced with metal to metal contact. Problem is that stuff will add up to be expensive.

Where can I source an appropriate product in bulk so the project is affordable? I plan on sourcing a salvage metal door separately BTW.

Check amazon for aluminum roll flashing. Get a roll 8" wide...you can cut it down to 4" strips ever what length you need. 8" x 50 ft roll is $30...cut it down to 4" strips and you'll be able to cover 100 linear ft

8" x 50' aluminum roll flashing

Thank you. Sounds like it may be best to sort of make it myself using a roll like you described

Now I’m cheap. We used to find junk lots with torn up camper and mobile homes and rip the aluminum siding and pay basically nothing. Never had a rat problem. Now this was years ago

the property i grew up hunting was in selma and there were old houses that had fallen in all over one particular property. if we put a shooting house within 100 yards of one, u can bet there’d be a nest in them, destroyed chairs and holes in the corners. started spraying them with a 50/50 mix of diesel and burn motor oil

they never chewed another hole in a wall, but still nested and chewed up the chairs……

I can’t stand shoveling out gallons of acorns/acorn shells/rat crap/shredded vegetation every year in rat piss soaked confines. Plus I have to go in there with a stick or shovel and kill the damn thing cause they won’t leave. I don’t know why there so many rats on this property

I weedeat and roundup about a 10 foot radius around all of my shooting houses.
Never had a rat inside or rat damage to any of them.

Good info. Sounds like cheap preventative to me

I leave some just one bite in mine for them to chew on.

Roll flashing would likely be the cheapest best option along with the others mentioned. I dont know if you have any manufacturers of those portable buildings in your area or someone who installs metal roofs. Those both will have a lot of drops from the Corner trim. Might have to lap them but it would be a perfect option. I helped a buddy doing repairs one summer and that was the most common pieces I would have to replace. I kept all I could to throw in my "bone yard" just for use on Shooting houses. They make a great gutter over windows as well. Or anyone who installs metal buildings may have a lot of scrap like that as well.

Good thought JD. Thank you