As the leaves fall and the temperatures drop, everyone wants to spend more time inside, and unfortunately, that applies to household pests as well as humans and pets. For many homeowners, the garage is the weak point in the house that allows pests to get in and eventually make their way into the main part of the home. Take a look at some tips that will help you keep prevent pests from getting into your garage and finding their way into the rest of your home.
Eliminate Hiding Places
One of the things that makes a garage so attractive to pests is that there are often so many places to hide. The garage ends up being the main storage area for tools, supplies, furniture, and other items that you don’t have room for in the house, and it can easily become disorganized. Sloppy shelves, open boxes, or piles of items on the floor can create a lot of convenient places for bugs and rodents to hide.
Good organization can help keep pest problems under control, and it can help you quickly spot signs of pests if they do make their way in. Consider investing in some heavy-duty garage cabinets if you don’t already have them. This is a great way to store items and tools that need to be protected and keep items that might attract pests out of the open. Organize shelves, hang tools and other items on the wall using pegboard or slatwall, and keep the floor clean and clear of debris. If you store pet food or supplies in the garage, make sure that you keep packages closed and sealed in plastic storage containers if possible. Remember that bugs and rodents will eat pet food too.
Seal Openings
Did you know that a deer mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a pencil? You wouldn’t think that was possible when you look at them, but it’s true. Of course, smaller pests like ants can make their way in through even tinier holes.
One of the most effective ways to prevent pests from getting into your garage is to simply make sure that there’s no way for them to get in. Check the weatherstripping on your garage door and replace it if necessary. Check for drafts around garage windows and use caulk to seal them. Take a good, close look around your garage and make sure to seal any holes in the walls. Check for leaky pipes or faucets as well; bugs like silverfish, sowbugs, and camel crickets tend to be found in moist areas.
Create a Barrier
The further you can keep bugs away from the house, the less likely it is that you’ll have to worry about them in your garage or anywhere else. Any time you’re working on a plan to keep your garage and home pest-free, it’s important to take your yard into account as well. A good bug barrier outdoors can substantially reduce the threat of pests to your home’s interior.
If you have exterminators spray your home and garage for bugs on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, you should also ask them to apply suitable pesticides to the yard as well. If you’re concerned about potential dangers to pets or kids, ask your exterminator about non-toxic options.
You can also help keep pests at bay by keeping your grass neatly mowed, removing any leaky sprinklers or hoses that can produce standing water, and keeping trashcans tightly sealed. Landscaping tricks, like creating a pest-repellent mulch barrier out of cedar chips, can also help keep pests at a distance from your home.
For more ideas to help you keep your garage neat and tidy, schedule your free design consultation! 
