Garages service the purpose of protecting vehicles, neatly storing items, and can even double as additional workspace.
While the garage is a practical and adaptable household area, it’s also often home to a range of bugs and other pests. During a hot summer, insects are looking for a reprieve from the heat and a reliable water source, while in the winter, they need protection and warmth. Finding critters in your garage is often unsettling and inconvenient, but there are several quick methods to remove unwanted housemates and help minimize future infestations.
Common Garage Pests
As a homeowner, you are probably accustomed to finding pests and insects on your property. These sightings can range from a minor inconvenience like flies buzzing around to major problems that can lead to property damage, such as mice and birds nesting within the walls and ceiling. Most pests seek shelter in garages because they often represent a steady source of food, water, nesting opportunities, and light.
The most common types of bugs and pests you’ll find in garages include:
- Flies
- Silverfish
- Crickets
- Spiders
- Cockroaches
- Ants
- Moths
- Mice
- Birds
How to Keep Insects and Other Pests Out of Your Garage
If you’ve recently found bugs and other critters living in your garage, it’s important to remove them quickly and take the necessary steps to prevent them from returning. You can minimize bugs and pests from getting into your garage with these solutions:
- Remove existing critters: Incorporating preventive measures throughout your garage won’t do any good if there’s already pests nesting in the space. Inspect your garage and note any signs of an infestation, then call a pest control company to remove any bugs or pests.
- Clean out the garage: Once all insects and pests have been removed, clean out your garage by sweeping the floors, removing debris and replacing boxes with plastic storage containers. Keep containers and other items on shelving to eliminate hiding spots and nesting opportunities. Remove any food and place pet food in airtight containers. Then, look for moisture sources and dry any standing water with a portable fan.
- Inspect for cracks: Prevent pests from entering your garage by checking for cracks in the foundation, walls, and ceilings as well as gaps in exterior doorways and windows. Seal any gaps or cracks with silicone caulk.
- Lay traps: For sneaky pests that still find a way into your garage, set up traps around entrances and spray pesticides around doors, windows and along walls.
- Check the garage door: Take a look at your garage door and inspect its condition — gaps between the weatherstripping and the garage floor can invite pests.
Keep Pests and Insects Away With Garage Door Maintenance From Custom Overhead Doors
If you’re battling an ongoing pest infestation, trust the experts at Custom Overhead Doors to inspect your garage door system and develop a solution so your home can be pest-free. With routine garage door maintenance, our team will assess your door for signs of wear and inspect and replace your weatherstripping as needed. To schedule garage door maintenance services, call us today at 919-457-9489 or fill out our online contact form.