Tips to Keep Your Garage Pest-free

For many city dwellers particularly, a garage is a luxury. If you are in the suburbs, the garage can be a place to store little used or seasonal items. Sometimes the garage gets to stuffed with paraphernalia that there is no room to house the vehicles it is supposed to contain. If, however, your garage is an extension of your living space, it's important that it be a place that's pleasant to be in.

If you are considering the most efficient use for your garage, you will want to think about how to keep the space clean and pest free. Garages have some of the same problems as you will find in houses, but they also have some unique challenges in banning those pesky pests that are the bane of our existence.

Typical types of pests that might be found in your garage include insects, both crawling and flying types, and spiders. Common infestations include all types of spiders, of course. Some of these eight legged creatures can be dangerous, others are simply annoying. Pests that fly include the common housefly, as well as wasps, yellow jackets and bees. Related to flying insects are the jumping types, such as fleas. Night flying moths are particularly annoying when you are trying to entertain outdoors at dusk.

Finding a mouse nest in your garage is not a pleasant experience, both because of the smell and the disease factor. The smallest spaces can become a hiding place for a whole family of field mice. In more rural areas, you may find pack rats in a garage which is even less pleasant than the smaller variety of rodent.

Less commonly, you may find other pests in your garage, depending on your location. More exotic creatures that have taken up residence in your garage may require relocation by animal control experts. Some of the unusual creatures that have been found in garages include raccoons, foxes, snakes, alligators, and various other unpleasant visitors.

The type of pest control you will employ depends on your location and the type of use your garage has had and will have. Here are some general tips to clean up the garage area attached to or near your home.

Start with the outside of the structure. Make sure that no dirt or debris is piled against the foundations or the walls of the building. If there are branches or other foliage which rest against the walls or foundations, they can serve as a conduit to crawling insects. A termite colony in the walls of your garage can do major structural damage in a short period of time. Residue from wasp nests and even birds nests under the eaves of the garage can discolor the wood and cause structural damage. In addition, the bird droppings look unsightly.

Seal any openings that are unintentional. This can include spaces around windows and doors, broken panes, or openings under the eaves. If the space is to be used as living or entertaining space, you will need to seal not only to keep pests out, but to provide better weatherization. Use thresholds at the entry doors and weather stripping as needed around windows. If you have a garage door opener and want to leave the door open for entertaining or for ease of access, consider using a large screen in the opening. This will provide for light, while preventing much of the influx of flying insects.

Do not store opened food in the garage, even temporarily. It is surprising how fast a line of ants can find their way to food that is left out. Even dry staples in bags or boxes can come under attack by ants, mice, and weevils fairly quickly. Use food quality storage bins if you must keep food items there, and make sure they are tightly sealed after each use. Spills of food or drink from entertaining should be wiped up promptly to avoid attack by ants, mice, and roaches.

Dampness in the garage can invite a whole different army of pests. Appropriate sealants on walls and floor will help to prevent seeping or water leaks from serving as a home for insects. A doggy bed that is infested with fleas will soon share fleas elsewhere in your home. Treat your pet and their bedding for flea control for their protection and yours.

Overall, the importance of cleaning cannot be overestimated. If necessary to get a jump start on pest control, contact a local exterminator and follow good pest control techniques for maximum effectiveness.