When you think of mice, what comes to your mind? Some people think about common household pests. Others may envision lab mice that are used for experimentation. Still others may think of cute, cuddly pets in cages. Most people fall into the third category. Mice are undeniably cute little critters. Perhaps it’s their small size or their tiny, pink noses. Or maybe it is their rounded ears and quivering whiskers. Whatever the reason behind our belief that mice and other rodents are cute, everyone in every category can probably agree that wild mice do not belong anywhere near their homes.
One place that mice like to gather when the weather gets cold is a garage. From there, they may make their way into your home and cause trouble. If you want to know how to keep mice out of garages, this guide is for you. Keep reading to learn how to keep mice out of garages, as well as the importance of rodent prevention.
Why Is It Important to Know How to Keep Mice Out Of Garage?
That’s an excellent question. After all, if mice are so cute and cuddly, why is it a big deal that they are in your garage? Well, there are two main reasons. First, mice carry a lot of diseases that are harmful to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mice can spread serious illnesses, such as Hantavirus, Lassa Fever, Salmonellosis, Leptospirosis, Sylvatic Typhus, and more. Rodents like mice can also spread diseases indirectly without you having to come into contact with them. This may occur if they carry fleas infected by Plague, West Nile Virus, and more. Thus, mice are a health hazard, and you should take infestations seriously.
The other important reason that you should learn how to keep mice out of garages is that they can cause damage to other parts of your home. Mice and other rodents may chew through insulation, wires, and other important components that keep your dwelling comfortable and safe.
4 Tips On How to Keep Mice Out of Garage
Are you ready to learn how to keep mice out of garages? It isn’t difficult with a little bit of dedication, time, and money. Here are four tips to keep your garage rodent-free:
1. Hire a Garage Door Professional For Rodent Exclusion
What is rodent exclusion, you ask? Rodent exclusion refers to a preventative measure to keep mice and rats out of your garage. A professional will inspect your garage door and the surrounding area to make sure there are no cracks and holes that a rodent could squeeze through. If there are vulnerabilities, they will seal them. They may also install rodent exclusion seals beneath your door as an extra layer of protection.
2. Keep Food In Sealed Containers
If you store food items in your garage, it is important to keep them in sealed containers. Mice can easily get to food items stored in plastic or paper bags, as they will gnaw through them. Keep in mind that some items you may not think of as food are still appealing as part of a rodent’s diet. For instance, pet food and bird seed are both considered fine snacks for rodents. You need to make sure that everything a rodent may possibly be attracted to is kept in airtight containers with sturdy lids.
3. Don’t Leave Trash In Your Garage
If you’re in the habit of storing trash and trash cans in your garage, you will attract mice. Trash is stinky and offensive to humans, but mice consider it part of a five-star meal. Thus, it is always best to leave trash and trash cans outside of your garage in durable, sealed containers. Never leave exposed trash bags sitting around unless you want rodents burrowing into them.
4. Use Scent Repellants For Safe and Natural Protection
Many people swear by essential oils for repelling rodents. However, essential oils are not strong enough to provide long-term repellant properties. Instead, stick with cotton balls soaked in vinegar, which diffuse a lingering scent that rodents hate. Rodents also hate the smell of cinnamon, pepper, and citrus.
We Know How to Keep Mice Out Of Garages!
The best thing you can do when keeping mice out of the garage is investing proper garage door maintenance. When your garage door is healthy and well-maintained, it is less likely to have vulnerabilities that will allow rodents to slip through into the space behind it. You can rely on our team at Garage Door Repair Baytown TX to strengthen your garage door to help keep pests away. Contact us today to learn more about our services!