Your garage can be a haven for pests. Between the clutter, seasonal storage, and potential food scraps, garages are ideal for rodents, insects, and unwanted guests.
This article explores common garage pests, how to prevent them, and the best storage solutions to protect your space and stored items.
Let’s Get Straight To The Point
Due to clutter, food sources, and easy access points, rodents, insects, and spiders often infest garages. Secure your garage by installing the proper shelving, sealing entry points, and applying natural pest repellents to keep pests out.
Additionally, storing items off the floor reduces hiding spots, making it harder for pests to thrive. Ensure a clean garage is maintained to minimise infestations and protect valuable items.
Common Garage Pests And How To Keep Them Out
Rodents: A Major Threat To Your Garage
Rodents, particularly mice and rats, are among the most common pests found in garages.
They are attracted to garages for warmth, food, and shelter, which provide perfect conditions, especially if you store food or pet food in the space.
How To Prevent Rodents In The Garage:
- Sealing Entry Points: Mice and rats can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Seal cracks around windows, doors, and vents using steel wool, caulk, or rodent-proof weather stripping. Best garage door seals to stop rodents include weather strips for tight fits.
- Storage Solutions: Sturdy garage shelving elevates items, keeping food and equipment off the floor and reducing the chance of rodents nesting in stored goods.
- Routine Inspections: Regularly check for droppings or signs of nesting in areas like behind boxes or cabinets. Keeping insects out of garage storage is also essential, as these pests are often attracted to old cardboard and food packaging.
Insects And Bugs: Hidden Invaders In Your Garage
Insects such as ants, termites, and cockroaches are frequently found in garages. These pests thrive in garages’ dark, damp corners and damage storage items and the garage structure.
How To Keep Insects Out Of Garage Storage:
- Cleanliness: Regular garage cleaning, including sweeping up crumbs, dusting shelves, and checking for insect nests, is essential.
- Storage Solutions: Use airtight containers for food or any organic materials that might attract insects. Shelves, such as those in high-quality garage shelving systems, help keep stored items organised and off the ground, limiting areas where insects can hide.
- Natural Repellents: Essential oils such as peppermint or citronella can naturally repel insects from your garage.
Spiders: Not Just For Halloween
While not as destructive as rodents or insects, spiders can sometimes be a nuisance and even a health risk. They often make their homes in the secluded, undisturbed corners of garages.
How To Get Rid Of Spiders In Garages:
- Regular Cleaning: Spiders thrive in dusty, cluttered areas. Wiping down shelves and sweeping away webs is an effective way to reduce spider presence.
- Sealing Gaps: To prevent spiders from entering your garage, seal all cracks and holes. Also, keep garage doors closed or invest in the best seals.
- Natural Remedies: Vinegar sprays and essential oils like eucalyptus can be natural deterrents against spiders.
Protecting Stored Items From Mice And Bugs
Many use their garages to store seasonal items, tools, and valuable equipment. Unfortunately, pests are notorious for damaging these items.
Rodents chew through boxes, plastic bins, and even electrical cables. Insects can contaminate stored food or furniture, leaving behind irreparable damage.
Garage Organisation Tips To Reduce Pest Risk:
- Elevate Storage: Store items off the ground on garage shelving, which helps keep them organised and reduces access to pests.
- Use Pest-Proof Containers: Invest in durable, airtight containers for food or other sensitive items. Plastic containers are better at keeping pests out than cardboard or wooden boxes.
- Label and Categorise: Organise your garage items into clearly labelled bins, ensuring easy access while protecting your stored goods from pests.
How To Seal A Garage Against Pests
Sealing gaps, cracks, and entry points is one of the most effective ways to prevent pests from entering your garage.
Steps For Sealing Your Garage:
- Inspect the Garage Door: Ensure the garage door is appropriately sealed with weatherstripping to prevent rodents and insects from slipping inside.
- Use Steel Wool: Fill larger cracks and holes with steel wool before sealing them with caulk. Steel wool acts as a barrier that pests cannot chew through.
- Check for Holes: Regularly inspect the garage walls, windows, and corners for new openings, especially after extreme weather events.
Common Signs Of Pest Infestation In Garages
Pests often leave behind clear signs of their presence. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to take action:
- Droppings: Small pellets or traces of droppings are a sure sign of rodents.
- Chewed Materials: Look for signs of chewed wood, plastic, or wires.
- Unusual Smells: A musty or foul odour can indicate a hidden pest infestation.
- Nests and Webs: Discovering nests or webs, particularly in dark, undisturbed places, signals a spider or insect infestation.
In conclusion, preventing pests in your garage is key to keeping it clean and organised. Seal entry points, use proper storage, and apply natural pest control methods to deter rodents, insects, and spiders.
These simple steps help maintain a safe, pest-free environment for your belongings all year round.
