Having a garage is such an amazing addition to a house, right? They provide extra space for storage and increase the overall value of your home. Unfortunately, they can also be an ideal place for unwelcome visitors to creep in.
In fact, according to a survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association, the garage is the main area in the house where pests are most likely to be found.
Garages lack the same insulation and sealing that the inside of your home has. That makes it all the easier for rodents, bugs, and other pests to sneak in. They can do a lot of damage once they make themselves at home. Once they settle into your garage, it’s usually only a matter of time before they make their way inside your home. So how do you keep pests out of your garage? Let’s explore some different methods.
Wait, installing a flooring system can help with keeping out pests? YES!
Epoxy flooring is a trusty ally in the fight against pests. Most bugs and rodents find their way into your garage through cracks and gaps along the seams of your flooring. Installing an epoxy floor is one way to assure they don’t have a way to enter your garage.
Epoxy garage floors can extend a few inches up the wall to create a seamless, nonporous flooring system. There won’t be any joints or crevices left where your walls meet your floor. The entire floor will be sealed off from the outside world, making it virtually impossible for pests to enter through your foundation unless they eat their way through.
If you’re thinking about installing an epoxy floor in your garage or anywhere in your home, get in touch with Epoxy Colorado! We are your premier experts in all things epoxy. We offer a free estimate to our customers in the Colorado Springs, Metro Denver, and Northern Colorado areas.
While the drive to find shelter can potentially draw pests into your garage, they will be more likely to make their way in if there’s easily accessible food. Rodents are especially tantalized by the promise of a quick meal. Get ahead of a potential infestation by removing the smell of food from your garage.
If you use your garage to store pantry items, you’ll need to invest in airtight containers. Mice and rats will sniff out food even if it’s still sealed in plastic bags. Put any food you keep in your garage inside containers with tight lids. The same goes for pet food. Don’t leave an open bag to attract pests in your garage. Keep it in an airtight vault or container.
Your garbage containers and grill can also tempt critters to enter your garage. Any item with even the faintest scent of food remnants is a siren call to all kinds of vermin. Store items that contain or handle food outside of your garage.
Pests like to lurk out of sight in dark, dingy environments. A garage already fits the bill but when you don’t keep the space clean you’re even more likely to attract unwelcome visitors. Take some time to purge any clutter stacking up in your garage. You might unknowingly create a mice condominium if you pile boxes and other items on top of each other in this space. Think about installing shelving rather than storing items on the floor.
It’s also important to keep out excess moisture. Patch up any leaks and be sure the space is properly ventilated. Not only do pests thrive in a moist environment, but mold and mildew can also take hold easily if you don’t get a handle on the moisture levels.
Don’t make it easier for pests to enter your garage. Your garage door is well equipped to keep out critters when it’s first installed, but over time, wear and tear will eventually make it less efficient at its job. In fact, most garage doors will need to be replaced about 30 years after install.
Take a look at the weather stripping at the bottom of the door. It should be sealed tightly. Does yours look worn off or damaged? If there are any visible gaps in the stripping, you could be letting in pests. Look into repairing or replacing the door if you notice any issues.
If your garage door is sealing as it should and you’re still seeing signs of pests, look for other points of entry. Check for cracks in your foundation, walls, ceilings, and windows. Even the smallest hole can be a doorway for pests. In fact, mice can fit through holes as small as 6-7 mm. That’s the diameter of a pencil!
Seal up your walls, windows, and ceilings with caulk. Latex caulk is best for areas you want to paint over and silicone caulk is great just about anywhere else. If you find gaps in your foundation or along a brick wall, patch them up with mortar or cement.
This might be a no-brainer but once you’re confident that you eliminated any motivation or pathways for pests to come in, it’s time to evict any lingering critters that might still be in your garage. There will be different methods for this depending on what kind of pest infestation you have on your hands. Look into traps or other DIY solutions first. If you can’t seem to get those pesky vermin out, you might want to consult a professional extermination company.
Mainly, keep your garage clean and sealed up; you’re less likely to experience pest issues.
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