Garages are subject to elements that the rest of the house isn’t. These can be related to extreme temperatures and weather conditions, but they can also have to do with pests, including spiders, snakes, insects, rodents and other things that can make the squeamish among us squirm. At best, pests are a nuisance, but at worst, they’re a health hazard. Here are 5 tips to keep your garage pest-free:

• Seal up any spaces

  Does your garage door close firmly on the ground? Are there any gaps in your garage window, if you have one? What about where the dryer hose vents to the outside space? Go around your garage with a discerning eye to figure out where the pests are getting in, and seal up those spaces. Walk around the outside as well, sealing up any cracks that you see. This alone will make a big difference in the number of insects and other pests in your garage. (Of course, you’ll need to keep your garage door closed except for when you are using it in order for this tip to help!)

• Start in the yard

  What do you have stored adjacent to your garage? If you are keeping the recycling bins or a pile of yard waste near the house, even temporarily, this could attract insects that eventually wander into your garage. Pull any mulch away from the outside wall, and if you have to store anything outdoors until garbage day, keep it away from the house. Another thing to look at is whether there is any moisture or water pooling near the outside wall of the garage. This could attract wildlife that might decide to move in while they’re there.

• Declutter

  Clutter and dust make pests feel right at home. Spiders, snakes, and other creepy-crawlies tend to want to hide themselves in tiny little nooks and crannies. The typical garage offers many such spaces! Go through your garage and get everything cleaned up. You might consider keeping a can of insect spray nearby in case you find a happy family of six- or eight-legged critters. If you have reason to believe that you might find a snake, wear boots and gloves. If you find rodent droppings, clean them up with care, as they could harbor illness.

• Store trash outside

  Many people keep trash cans in their garages, but if you have an insect infestation, find another place for them, if possible. A shed or overhang might work well. If you absolutely must keep them in the garage, first clean out the can with bleach or another cleaning liquid. Rinse well, then be sure that all garbage bags are tied tightly before they go into the can. This will help you to avoid attracting pests.

• Call in the professionals if necessary

  If you have tried all of the above suggestions and are still having a problem, calling in a professional exterminator service might be your best bet. There are do-it-yourself ways to deter pests, but in the long run, often a professional service works best. For good results, you may need to have them come back every three to six months in order to keep the situation under control.

No one wants pests in their garage, and in almost all cases, it’s an avoidable problem. Remember that keeping insects, reptiles and rodents out is usually easier than dealing with them once they’re in the garage, so do what you can to reduce the chances of an infestation before it becomes a problem.

Contact our experts for ways to keep your garage pest-free.
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