Most people put their unwanted stuff in the garage, and it ends up being untidy. The sheltered and dark corners eventually attract pests such as mice and insects. These pests find the sources of food and the humidity in the garage comforting. If bugs and small critters have taken residence in your garage, you need to identify pest control measures to get rid of them. The first step is to identify the types of pests residing in the garage before you start building defences. Here is a guide on how to pest-proof your garage:
1. Deep Clean Your Garage
How often do you clean your garage? Surprisingly many people bypass cleaning their storage space unless they plan to sell the house. Some people dump items around the garage, making the environment conducive for bugs. It does not take much to attract these unwanted guests; food crumbs, and a warm place to sleep, is all the pests need to survive. Therefore, you need to keep the garage sparkling clean. Apart from getting rid of garbage, remove all debris that could act as shelter. To keep dampness at bay, ventilate the room properly to increase airflow. If you clean it regularly, you can eliminate existing critters before it becomes an infestation.
2. Keep It Organised
Rodents and crawlers love mess and clutter. It provides them with a comfy residence and a regular food supply. Instead of throwing items haphazardly into the garage, try to organise them to get rid of the dark corners. Arrange your repair tools neatly in a corner and keep the space airy. Occasionally, you should sort through the items in the garage and throw out unnecessary stuff. The more items you have, the higher the chances of finding spiders and rodents lurking in the room.
3. Get Rid of the Cracks
The annoying critters do not need a door to get into your garage. They can easily crawl in through cracks and holes in the walls or ceilings. Spaces around your doors and windows also allow them to get into the garage. After a thorough cleaning of your garage, get a flashlight and locate cracks in the walls and openings in the ceiling that provide entry. Seal the holes with insulation material or reinforce the area with wood. You can also fill the cracks in the doors and windows with silicone. It is vital to check the exterior of the building, especially the foundation for any gaps. A thorough inspection and minor repairs can deny the critters ways into your garage.
4. Use Boxed Storage
A garage often doubles as an extra storage space. Unfortunately, those cardboard boxes and cabinets are hiding spots for pests, and they will take up permanent residence in your shed. If you want to avoid an infestation, make sure your items are in sealed boxes. You can also store the packed items on shelves to prevent spiders from hiding in them. It would be best if you did not leave trashcans in the open. Cover the cans and dispose of the trash bags when they are full. If you store pantry items or pet food in the garage, seal them in airtight containers. You should also remove any food crumbs that can lure pests. For instance, if you keep your grill in the shed, clean it thoroughly to prevent the smells and residue from attracting bugs.
5. Rethink Your Lighting Strategy
Most pests are not fond of light and settle in dark corners. However, some insects, especially moths and flies, are drawn to light bulbs. Spiders tend to shy away from well-lit areas, but you will find them near light bulbs because they feed on insects. Does it mean your garage should be pitch-black? Using natural light from the windows and a transparent roof during the day is an excellent idea. At night, keep the light bulbs on when you are working.
6. Use Pest Repellents
After tidying the garage, you need to secure the perimeter to prevent the entry of small critters. Get repellents or powder and spray them at the baseboard inside and outside your garage. Pesticides will ensure any bug trying to cross the perimeter will die. If you have kids who play around the shed, skip the chemical sprays and try natural repellents like peppermint oil. It will keep the creepy-crawlers at bay without causing any harm.
7. Lay Traps
While repellents around the garage are useful, some pests can manage to sneak in through alternative routes. Therefore, you should lay traps around the room to catch any crawling or flying pests. Look for ant catchers, fly strips, and mousetraps. You should check the traps regularly and replace them to avoid leaving decomposing pests in the room.
Keeping your garage pest-free is vital in home maintenance and for the safety of your family. However, if you already have an infestation, you should seek assistance from Excel Pest Services. With the right plan, you can get rid of the annoying bugs permanently.
