The only “creatures” that should be hanging out in your garage are your family and friends and the occasional pet. Unfortunately, a lot of other critters like the shelter and quiet of a garage, especially one that is used infrequently.
From spiders and cockroaches to mice and birds, pests taking up residence in rafters, shelves and cardboard boxes can be frustrating. When larger critters get in, such as raccoons, squirrels and rats, you can have a serious and potentially dangerous problem on your hands, especially if these critters have little ones.
Identifying the pest
Inspect your garage carefully, especially on shelves and in corners. Signs of bug infestations, such as ants, spiders, cockroaches and moths are usually obvious, and if your problem seems extensive it’s best to call an exterminator to deal with it.
Larger critters will make their presence known by feces, gnawed boxes and evidence of nesting. If you suspect nesting activity by raccoons, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks and other larger critters, contact a professional. Some of these larger pests have been known to become aggressive if they are protecting babies and feel threatened.
An ounce of prevention
A regularly used garage is not as inviting to pests and therefore less likely to be infested by bugs or become a nesting ground for rodents. Make time to walk through your garage, and if you use it minimally, it’s wise to check shelves and corners for signs of pest activity. An occasional treatment with some household pest spray may also keep insects at bay. Also consider the following:
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Keep your garage clean and free of clutter. Sweep up and organize your tools and stored items in cabinets and plastic bins. Avoid using cardboard boxes for storage as these are highly favored for nesting material.
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Restructure shelving so that hiding places are eliminated and avoid storing boards or doors in the rafters of your garage.
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Never store pet food or bird seed in your garage unless it is in a tightly sealed container.
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Seal cracks in walls, the foundation, around windows and side doors, and in attic access.
Your garage door
A worn garage door is an open invitation for critters, so take the time to check its condition at the beginning and end of each season. The seal between the door and the garage floor must be snug from one end to the other to keep pests out. You also should check the weatherstripping between joints, as many pests can squeeze through gaps the width of a dime or less.
If you are concerned your garage door is not up the task of keeping your garage pest free, contact the experts at Above & Beyond Door Systems. We are available for inspections, repairs and any advice you may need to keep your garage pest free and secure.