While garages are wonderful for storage, they are also an attraction for rodents. Garages provide warm, cozy spaces for rats and mice to make their nests and start families. For that reason, it is important to recognize the signs of rodent infestation and learn how to keep your garage safe from pests.
4 Signs Your Garage Is Infested by Rodents:
1. The Appearance of Rodent Droppings
If you’re seeing rodent droppings around your garage, it’s one of the tell-tale signs you’ve got a pest problem. Mice droppings are either brown or black, and they resemble rice grains. Keep an eye out for large piles, as this is a sign of multiple mice living in your garage.
2. Gnawing, Scurrying, Scratching, or Squeaking Noises
This one is pretty self-explanatory. However, before you start figuring out pest control, you need to identify exactly what sounds you’re hearing. This will help determine what type of rodent you’re trying to get rid of. Squeaking is indicative of mice, whereas gnawing and scratching are signs of rats.
3. Unpleasant Smells
While garages may develop bad smells due to dampness or mold as well, unpleasant scents are a possible sign of rodent infestation. Rodents can cause your garage to smell musky, or they may leave behind a urine odor.
4. Greasy Trails
Mice tend to run along the edges of walls rather than cross open expanses like the garage floor. That means they can leave greasy trails behind them. Checking along your walls for these marks can be a good first step in determining whether you’re dealing with a rodent infestation and need the help of professional garage repair and exterminator services.
How Can You Prevent Rodents From Living in Your Garage?
If you already have a rodent problem, you’ll likely need the help of an exterminator to get your garage pest-free again. However, there are things you can do to prevent rodents from coming back (or getting inside in the first place):
Keep Bird Seed, Pet Food, and Other Dry Goods Contained
Mice eat a lot. Bird seed, pet food, and even grass seed are all things that will attract rodents looking for a late-night snack. It’s okay to keep these things in your garage, but they shouldn’t be in sacks or bags because rodents will chew through them. Using sealed tins and bins is the most effective way to keep pests out of these dry goods.
Place Trashcans Outside
Trashcans full of tempting tidbits are a huge attraction for rodents. Moldy cheese and stale bread might not appeal to you, but they do appeal to mice and rats. Do yourself a favor and keep your trashcans full of gourmet rodent grub out of your garage.
Get Rid of Clutter
Clutter makes it easy for rats and mice to make nests and hide. When you keep your garage clean and clutter-free, it becomes less appealing to rodents. It also makes it easier to spot rodents if they do manage to get in, which means you can address the problem sooner rather than later.
Make Sure Your Garage Door Is Sealed
If you don’t have the right seals on the sides and bottom of your garage door, you’re allowing rodents an easy entry point. Exclusion seals help keep your garage safe from rodents. Most brands are compatible with a variety of garage door makes and models, so they’re generally fuss-free and easy to find.
Let Us Help You With Rodent Prevention
Thunder Garage Door & Locksmith Services can help you maintain a rodent-free garage. We’ll make sure your garage is sealed against pests so you won’t have to deal with rodents again (or at all). Contact us today for a free quote!