7 Effective Tips To Keep Mice Out Of Your Garage

Discovering a mouse infestation in your garage can be an unwelcome surprise for anyone. Mice are industrious creatures that can cause considerable damage to your belongings. In this article, we will delve into the causes behind mice making their way into your garage and explore eight effective methods to keep them out of your favorite storage space!

In a nutshell, mice are attracted to garages due to the potential shelter and food sources that may be available. Tackling a mice infestation in your garage requires a combination of prevention and removal techniques to ensure that they don’t return once they’ve been banished.

Let’s explore eight natural ways to stop mice from using your garage as their home, as well as when to call a professional exterminator to tackle the issue for you!

Identifying a Mouse Infestation in Your Garage

Spotting Mouse Droppings

When determining if mice have invaded your garage, the first sign to look for is mouse droppings. Mouse droppings are small, dark brown, and approximately 1/4 inch long.

They are often found near food sources, nesting areas, and along the paths that the mice travel. Regularly inspect your garage for any traces of droppings to identify their presence early.

However, the University of Nebraska tells us that mice can drop up to 75 pellets of droppings per day, so don’t automatically assume mouse infestation if you see droppings.

Unusual Odors and Noises

Another telltale sign of mice in your garage is the presence of unusual odors and noises. Mice emit a distinct, musky odor that becomes more prominent when there is a sizable infestation. This smell helps them communicate with each other and find their nests.

Additionally, you may hear faint squeaking or scratching sounds coming from the walls, as mice are typically active at night when relocating or looking for food.

Signs of Chewing on Boxes, Wires, and Containers

Mice have sharp teeth and are notorious for chewing on everything, from boxes and containers to electrical wires. Inspect your garage for any signs of gnaw marks or chewing on various items.

Damaged wires pose a significant risk as they can lead to electrical shorts or even fires. Be sure to keep a watchful eye on anything that could be an easy target for these pesky rodents.

Locating Nests

Mice build nests using a variety of materials, such as shredded paper, insulation, and fabric. These nests are typically found in hidden spots, like behind walls, in the corners of your garage, or even inside stored boxes. If you locate a nest, it is a strong indication that you have an infestation and need to take action to remove these unwanted guests.

Understanding the signs of mouse activity in your garage is essential in order to take appropriate measures to keep them at bay. By remaining vigilant and acting quickly, you can prevent further damage and maintain a mice-free garage.

Damage Caused by Mice In The Garage

Damage to Cars and Tools

When mice infest your garage, they can wreak havoc on your precious belongings, including your cars and tools. Mice are notorious for gnawing through important components, like the wiring harness, which can cause costly repairs.

Their nest-building habits also lead them to damage the upholstery, insulation, or even the air filter of your vehicle. With regards to your tools, mice may tarnish and degrade them by leaving feces or urine near the stored items.

Other Damage Caused By Mice In The Garage

Here are a few other ways that mice might cause trouble in the garage, and what you can do to stop it:

Sure, here’s a table of different ways mice can cause damage in the garage and ways to prevent them:

Cause of Damage	Prevention
Chewed wires	Cover wires with conduit or tubing.
Damaged insulation	Use spray foam insulation or fiberglass insulation that is covered with a protective layer.
Contaminated food	Store food in airtight containers.
Nests in stored items	Store items in sealed plastic containers or metal bins.
Urine and droppings	Clean up any droppings or urine with gloves and a disinfectant. Seal any small openings or cracks where mice can enter.
Scratched or gnawed surfaces	Use metal or plastic storage containers instead of cardboard boxes.
Fire hazard from nesting materials	Keep the garage clean and free of clutter. Store items in sealed containers.

It’s important to note that prevention is key when it comes to mice in the garage. By sealing any openings where mice can enter, keeping the area clean, and storing items in sealed containers, you can greatly reduce the risk of damage and contamination by mice.

7 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Mice From The Garage

1. Sealing Entry Points and Perimeter

Mice are tiny creatures, which means they can easily find their way into your garage through small openings. Seal any gaps and cracks in the garage walls, doors, and windows using materials like steel wool or caulk.

Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal is an excellent tool to use to seal small gaps and cracks in the garage. The silicone is tough for mice to chew through, making it a great deterrent.

Inspect the garage perimeter for any possible entry points and seal these too. By ensuring your garage is well-sealed, you’re making it difficult for mice to sneak in!

2. Removal of Food Sources

One main reason mice are attracted to your garage is the availability of food. An article from the Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science states that mouse territories measure just a few square meters when food sources are abundant.

So, if there’s food in your garage, mice are going to stick around!

To discourage them, eliminate food sources in and around the area. Store pet food, birdseed, or other food items in sealed, airtight containers like Buddeez Pet Food Storage Container.

Avoid leaving any food in your garage, even for brief periods, since mice have a keen sense of smell and can detect food easily. No food? No mice!

3. De-Cluttering the Garage

Cluttered spaces provide mice with several hiding spots and nesting materials. Keeping your garage clean and organized is essential to deter these tiny intruders. Clear out the clutter regularly and get rid of unused items like old boxes and piles of paper.

If you have shelves, make sure they’re raised a few inches off the floor, as this will deter mice from nesting under them.

4. Keeping Pets Away

While it’s tempting to rely on pets like cats and dogs to keep mice away, their presence may not deter mice as effectively as other preventive measures. Ensure that pets don’t bring mice into your garage inadvertently.

Keep their bedding clean, and regularly check for signs of mice, such as droppings or chew marks in their belongings.

5. Using Various Traps

There are a variety of traps available to help with your mice problem!

• Snap traps: These are the classic mouse traps that most people think of. To make them more appealing to mice, consider baiting them with peanut butter or chocolate.
• Live traps: If you’re looking for a more humane option, live traps are a great choice! Bait them with a tasty treat and once the mice are inside, the door will close behind them. Then, you can release them in a suitable environment away from your garage.

6. Laying Out Mice Baits

Mice baits are an effective way to attract and eliminate these little intruders. Bait stations or poison baits can be strategically placed in areas where you have noticed the most mouse activity. Here are a few tips with baits:

1. Use tempting bait like peanut butter or chocolate – mice find these irresistible!
2. Keep your baits fresh – change out your bait every few days to keep it appealing to mice.
3. Keep your bait stations clean, as mice are attracted to clean environments.

7. Natural Repellents and Deterrents

For those looking for a more natural approach, there are several options available:

• Peppermint oil: Mice find the strong aroma of peppermint oil quite repulsive. Soak cotton balls in the oil and spread them around your garage. Try using MAJESTIC PURE Peppermint Essential Oil for this method – it’s my go-to for mouse control!
• Natural sprays: Homemade sprays using ingredients like cayenne pepper, garlic, or essential oils can deter mice. Apply them around your garage area, and reapply regularly.

So, why are mice invading your garage in the first place? Mice are attracted to sheltered spaces with easy access to food, warmth, and nesting materials. Make sure to eliminate these factors to keep your garage mouse-free.

When to Call a Professional Exterminator For Mice Infestations

Dealing with Rodent Infestation

Sometimes, despite your best efforts to use natural approaches, even the most persistent mouse in your garage just won’t take the hint. When mice infestations become larger and harder to manage, it might be time to call in a professional exterminator. They can assess the situation accurately and provide expert solutions to tackle the problem.

Use our nationwide pest control finder to connect with a local professional in your area! Exterminators are equipped with various methods and tools, such as bait stations and traps, that are highly effective in addressing rampant rodent infestations.

Moreover, they have extensive knowledge about rodent behavior and habits, allowing them to devise a personalized strategy for your specific situation.

Here are a few reasons why you might consider calling a professional exterminator:

• Mice presence is causing significant damage to your garage contents.
• Your natural repellents and prevention techniques are not delivering results.
• You’re concerned about the growing population of mice in your garage.

It’s vital to tackle the infestation early to avoid turning your garage into an all-you-can-eat buffet for rodents.

That’s A Wrap!

Mice are attracted to garages mainly due to the availability of food, warmth, and shelter. It’s essential to take proactive measures to prevent mice infestations using natural and humane methods.

Here’s a recap of eight ways to keep mice out of your garage:

1. Seal the entry points: Mice can squeeze through tiny gaps, so it’s crucial to seal any openings around your garage with materials like steel wool, caulk, or cement.
2. Remove any food sources: Make sure to keep your garage clean and free of food particles, as these attract mice. Store any food items in sealed, airtight containers.
3. Use natural repellents: Peppermint oil and other natural scents can be strategically placed around the garage to deter mice from entering.
4. Set humane traps: Use live-catch traps to capture mice safely and release them back into the wild, away from your home.
5. Eliminate nesting materials: Keep your garage clutter-free and store items off the floor to discourage mice from finding a cozy nesting spot.
6. Introduce natural predators: Cats and certain dog breeds like terriers can be great at hunting mice, acting as a natural deterrent in your garage.
7. Maintain your surroundings: Trim any tall grass or shrubbery around your garage, as these provide hiding spots for mice. Also, avoid stacking firewood or storing clutter near the garage since it can attract rodents.
8. Protect your tools and cars: Store tools away when not in use, preferably on shelves. Use repellents near the car to keep mice from damaging wires.

By taking these preventive measures, you’ll create an unwelcoming environment for mice and actively protect your garage from infestations using natural, humane methods.