HOW TO KEEP RODENTS OUT OF YOUR GARAGE

SUMMARY

Garages offer the perfect shelter for rodents—dark, quiet, and often filled with clutter. Once inside, they can damage wiring, insulation, and stored items. Learn how to keep rodents out of your garage with smart prevention, sealing, and sanitation techniques.

FEATURES

• Seal Gaps: close cracks, doors, and utility openings tightly.

• Organize Storage: use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes.

• Remove Food Sources: keep pet food, seeds, and trash sealed.

• Install Door Sweeps: block entry under garage and side doors.

• Declutter Regularly: eliminate nesting spots and debris.

• Use Traps & Deterrents: monitor and repel any rodent activity early.

GUIDE DESCRIPTION

Rodents see garages as ideal nesting spots because they offer warmth, shelter, and easy access from outdoors. Once inside, they can chew through electrical wires, car insulation, and stored belongings. Preventing them from settling in starts with sealing, cleaning, and consistent monitoring.

Begin by sealing all potential entry points. Even small cracks around the garage door, windows, or foundation can serve as easy access routes. Inspect the perimeter carefully, especially around pipes, vents, and utility lines. Use steel wool, hardware cloth, or silicone caulk to fill openings, and install weather stripping where light leaks under doors. Garage door seals should be checked seasonally to ensure they’re intact and properly aligned.

Organizing storage is another key step in prevention. Garages often accumulate clutter, which provides excellent hiding and nesting areas for rodents. Store items in heavy-duty plastic bins with tight lids instead of cardboard boxes, which mice and rats can easily chew through. Elevate bins and shelves at least six inches off the ground and keep a clear space along walls to make inspection and cleaning easier.

Eliminate all accessible food sources. Many garages store birdseed, pet food, or even leftover snacks that can attract rodents. Keep all such items in airtight containers, and never leave garbage bags or recycling bins open. If your garage has a refrigerator or freezer, check underneath it periodically—crumbs and spills can draw rodents quickly.

Installing door sweeps is one of the most effective measures you can take. Mice can squeeze under gaps as small as a pencil’s thickness, making the base of your garage door a common entryway. High-quality rubber or metal door sweeps create a strong seal that blocks rodents and insects while keeping out dust and drafts.

Decluttering your garage regularly reduces hiding spots. Dispose of old boxes, newspapers, and unused equipment. Keep the floor clear and clean, sweeping or vacuuming to remove crumbs, leaves, and debris. This not only deters rodents but also makes spotting early signs of activity—like droppings or gnaw marks—much easier.

Finally, use traps and natural deterrents to maintain control. Snap traps placed along walls or behind storage areas can catch stray rodents before they multiply. For a chemical-free approach, try repellents like peppermint oil, cloves, or ultrasonic devices. These create an environment rodents find unpleasant without harming pets or humans.

By sealing entry points, keeping the garage organized, and maintaining regular cleaning, you can prevent rodents from turning your garage into their new home. Consistent upkeep ensures your tools, vehicles, and belongings remain safe, clean, and damage-free year-round.

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