How Do I Keep Bugs & Rodents Out Of My Garage
The last few years have redefined how families utilize their garage space. Sure, some still use it for storing cars, appliances, and other essentials. But when the pandemic hit, many SCV residents repurposed their garages into offices, personal fitness studios, and hobby stations.
People can get creative with a private space that is out of sight but still protected from the wear and tear of the outdoors. Unfortunately, those conditions are also why you need to keep your eyes peeled for signs of infestation. Your garage can be the perfect shelter for bugs and rodents, especially when the weather takes a drastic turn.
Today, the Santa Clarita pest control experts at No Bugs Termite and Pest Control Inc. are here to discuss what pests might be sheltering in your garage and what steps you can take to keep them out!
If you’re struggling to keep insects and rodents out of your garage, dial (661) 294-0206 to schedule a free evaluation with the Santa Clarita pest control experts at No Bugs.
Why Are Bugs & Rats In My Garage?
Insects and rodents thrive in garages because they offer protection from predators, inclement weather conditions, and other dangers. Hey, we aren’t the only ones who suffer the blistering SCV summers and rainy winters!
Another factor to consider is that garages can also be a convenient – and consistent – source of food and water. Many Santa Clarita residents store food or have a secondary fridge in their garages. If a rat or ant finds crumbs or edible residue, then you might find yourself with some unwanted roomies.
The same can be said if your garage doubles as an incidental water source. Washing machines, pipes, water heaters, and refrigerators can leak water, especially if they are old or slightly damaged. To prevent this, we advise inspecting your garage appliances each month to check for small leaks or puddles of pooling water.
Bugs you might find in your garage include but are not limited to:
- Spiders
- Ants
- Crickets
- Silverfish
- Flies
Unlike bugs, rodents tend to stick around once they’ve found a safe and cozy hideaway. This is dangerous because a single rodent can reproduce up to 10 times a year, with litters comprised of 5-8 babies. And those babies take little time to mature.
If you’re concerned that a rodent is inside your garage, contact a pest control company STAT!
Some indicators to look out for if you think rodents are making your garage their home include:
- Black marks on your walls
- Gnaw marks
- Scratches on your walls
- Noises coming from the garage or walls of your home
4 Tips To Keep Bugs & Rodents Out Of Your Garage
No one wants bugs and rodents in their garage! Fortunately, we have a few helpful tips to keep these pests out.
1. Clean Your Garage
Bugs and rodents love messy places that serve as prime hiding locations. Which leads to our first tip: Keep that garage clean!
Depending on the state and purpose of your garage, this may come down to a little organizing or the full Marie Kondo experience. We recommend switching our cardboard boxes for plastic containers, investigating any leaks, and removing any unnecessary items that could compile into hiding spots.
And above all else, remember to seal your garbage! Overflowing cans and open or torn trash bags are like a cattle call for bugs and rodents.
2. Remove Traces Of Food
Food is the #1 motivator for insects and rodents. If you want to keep your garage free of pests, then your first step is to remove any food temptations.
If you store food or pantry items in your garage, make sure they are sealed in airtight containers. Remember to clean the outside of the containers, too! One of our customers likes to make homemade jam and accidentally triggered an infestation because there was residue on the sealed jars!
You should also be mindful when storing grills and smokers in your garage. We all love a fun BBQ with family and friends, but cleanup is key for a safe, pest-free home. Please make certain to clean and dry your appliances before storing them. This can remove any residue and food scents that attract bugs and rodents.
Lastly, keep pet food bags and dishes off the ground. Seal all pet food in secure containers and make sure they are closed when not in use.
3. Keep Your Garage Closed
This may seem simple and obvious, but keeping your garage closed as much as possible is extremely important. It’s easy for bugs and rodents to walk through an open garage door, find a nice hiding spot, and then decide to stick around – especially at night, which is when the rodents are scurrying about!
As soon as you finish using your garage, close that door ASAP!
4. Hire Experienced Pest Control
Pest control is a critical component of home maintenance. Whether you utilize your garage space for storage, work, or personal development, the last thing you want to deal with is creeping bugs or property-destroying rodents.
The Santa Clarita pest control technicians at No Bugs Termite and Pest Control Inc. offer year-round protection and same-day treatments with experienced technicians who are only minutes away from your home. No matter your garage emergency, you can trust that our team can solve the problem by completing a thorough inspection, closing potential entry points, setting and checking traps, and treating the area with our proprietary Mint X+, a safer and more organic pest control option that smells good and kills bugs!
Are you concerned about your garage? Contact the Santa Clarita pest control experts at No Bugs Termite and Pest Control Inc. Dial (661) 294-0206 to schedule a free consultation and inspection today. We are here to protect your family and property from invasive insects and rodents.
