Pests such as rodents and other animals can create havoc if they make their way inside your garage. Mice for example can reproduce very quickly, so it is important to prevent them from entering or if they already have, it is necessary to deal with them quickly before it gets out of hand. Mice can chew through wood, plastic, and many other materials easily and are known for chewing through wires which can be hazardous. Rodents also carry diseases, and their droppings can make you sick.
Especially with the weather beginning to cool down, pest will be looking for warmer places to nest and your garage can be an ideal place for them. Warmer than the outdoors, shelter from the weather and possibly even easy access to food will lure them inside. They can get in quite easily too. Any small cracks in the walls, along the floor or gaps around your garage door will allow them to squeeze inside.
Pest Proof Your Garage
There are some simple ways that you can make your garage less welcoming to these unwanted guests. Close up potential access points, cut off food sources and keep your garage organized and decluttered.
- Reduce clutter and organize.
Build-up of clutter gives pests great hiding places and provides places for them to build their nests.
- Don’t keep garbage in the garage.
Leave your trash outside, especially garbage that contains leftover food scraps. Don’t keep your garbage bins close by your garage either. The smell of garbage will attract rodents and other animals.
- Do not store any food in the garage.
Pests are much more likely to move in if they have an available food source. Keep all food out of your garage. If you store pet food, birdseed, or even grass seed in the garage, find an alternative spot or keep it well sealed in a container.
- Fill in any visible cracks or holes.
Pests can fit through extremely small openings that you wouldn’t imagine is possible. An adult mouse can fit through a dime sized hole! It only takes a 3 to 4 inch hole for a raccoon to squeeze inside!
- Check for holes, gaps, and cracks in and around your garage door.
Your garage door is probably the easiest way for pests to enter. Ensure that is it properly sealed. If the door is uneven, get it serviced so it is aligned correctly. Having new weatherstripping and bottom retainer installed can take care of the gaps and cracks.
- Consider your garage door material
If you have a wooden garage door, consider replacing it with steel. Wood is sturdy and looks great, but it can warp, crack, rot, and eventually fall apart over time, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather. When your wooden door begins to deteriorate, it leaves entry for pests.
Steel doors are impossible to chew through and will not rot and crack like a wood door. Getting a steel door that is well insulated will also prevent mice from nesting in the door. If you really prefer the wood look, you can get some very nice steel doors that are painted and textured to look just like wood.
ONC Doors can help with any adjustments and repairs needed to keep your garage door properly sealed to protect your garage from pest entry. Call us today.
