How to Get Rid of Mice in a Garage
Rodent Infestation: Keeping Rats & Mice from Your Garage
At Cheney Door Company, we’ve been proudly serving the residents of Kansas for over 50 years, providing top-notch garage door installation and services. While we specialize in garage doors, we understand that maintaining a clean and pest-free garage is just as important as a functioning door. One common issue many homeowners face is the invasion of mice in their garages.
These pesky rodents can cause a lot of damage and create unclean conditions if not dealt with promptly. While keeping your garage door closed is the easiest way to effectively keep mice out, it doesn’t always work. There are different ways a mouse or other rodent can get into your garage. Sometimes it relates to an issue with your garage door, but there are other ways mice can get into a garage.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the problem of mice in a garage, how they get in, signs of rodents in your garage, and most importantly, how to prevent them. If the issue is a problem that can be fixed with a new garage door or maintenance on your current one, contact our Cheney Door team of overhead door experts at (316) 262-2098.
The Problem of Mice in a Garage
Mice are opportunistic creatures that are always on the lookout for food, shelter, and warmth. Your garage can offer these things, making it an attractive destination for these uninvited guests. Once inside, they can cause various problems, including:
- Mice are notorious chewers. They can gnaw on electrical wiring, insulation, and even your vehicle’s wiring, causing costly damage.
- These rodents leave droppings and urine wherever they go. That leads to unclean conditions and potential health hazards for you and your family.
- They leave a mess. Mice will build nests using insulation materials, cardboard, and other items they find in your garage.
How Mice Get into Your Garage
Understanding how mice gain access to your garage is crucial to preventing their entry. Mice can squeeze through incredibly small openings, so be vigilant about sealing gaps and cracks in your garage walls and foundation.
There are gaps around your garage door. An improperly sealed or damaged garage door can leave enough space for mice to slip through. Ensure your garage door is well-maintained and sealed.
Broken vents or windows are another easy entry point for mice. Repair any damaged areas promptly.
They could have got in from your vehicle. Mice can hitch a ride on vehicles and enter your garage when you park. Be cautious, especially if your car has been parked in an infested area.
Signs of Rodents in Your Garage
Early detection is key to preventing a full-blown infestation. Here are some signs that you may have mice in your garage:
- You find mouse dropping. Their droppings are small and resemble dark grains of rice. You may find them near food sources or along walls.
Look for chewed wires, cardboard boxes, or insulation materials. Mice use these materials for nesting. If you find scraps of paper, fabric, or insulation piled up in corners or under shelves, it could be evidence of mouse activity.- You hear unusual noises coming from your garage. Mice are nocturnal and may make scratching or scurrying sounds at night.
Fall & Winter: Problem Months
There are certain times of the year when you are more likely to have a problem with mice in your garage. Mice and rats may try to get into your residence right when the weather starts cooling down. Mice and rodents will start looking for warm places to shelter in the colder months.
So here in Kansas, the problem of mice getting into a garage starts picking up around October. The increased likelihood of a rodent infestation continues until about March or April.
Preventing Mice in Your Garage
Now that you know the signs and risks of mice in your garage, let’s explore how you can prevent mice from entering your space:
- Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect and seal any gaps, cracks, or openings in your garage’s walls, foundation, and doors.
- Maintain Your Garage Door: Ensure your garage door is well-sealed and free of damage. Replace weatherstripping if necessary. You can contact Cheney Door Company for professional service and maintenance on your overhead door.
- Proper Storage: Store food items in airtight containers and keep your garage clean and organized to eliminate potential nesting sites. If you keep dog food or other type of pet food in your garage, be sure it’s in a container that rodents cannot chew through.
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your garage clean by sweeping and removing clutter. This reduces hiding spots for mice.
Traps and Repellents: Consider using traps or repellents if you suspect mouse activity. Place traps near known entry points and regularly check them.
Essential oils may helprepel rats and mice. You can try peppermint oil, lemon oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, or making an essential oil with 2 teaspoons of oil with 1 cup of water or rubbing alcohol. Put it in a spray bottle and spray it anywhere you see traces of mice.- Professional Inspection: If you’re unsure or suspect a severe infestation, consult a pest control professional for a thorough inspection and effective treatment.
At Cheney Door Company, we believe that a well-maintained garage is a safe and functional space for your home. By following these tips, you can help keep your garage mouse-free and ensure it remains a clean and secure area for your family and belongings.
A mice problem is not something you should ignore. One mouse can quickly lead to a rodent infestation.
Each mouse can have up to 60 babies each year! Rats can have up to 24. And if you don’t get it handled before baby mice arrive, it only takes about three weeks before those “baby” mice to be able to reproduce as well.
If you don’t address the problem, you may find that the mice will leave on their own in the spring, or whenever the weather starts to warm back up. However, you can still expect to be left with a mess on your hands. All the damage and dropping those mice left behind in your garage will take some amount of cleaning up.
If you need assistance with your garage door closing securing to keep mice out, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you maintain a pest-free and functional garage.
For complete garage door service, from installation to repair, our team of technicians can help you get the beautiful and functional overhead door you need. Call us today for service or for a free quote!