8 Reasons Why Mice Love Garages (And How To Keep Them Out!)
Garages are often a prime target for mice seeking shelter, warmth, and food. These small creatures can cause considerable damage to stored belongings, insulation, and wiring as they build nests and forage for sustenance.
In many cases, the garage acts as a convenient entry point to the rest of the home, so it’s not just about protecting your garage space itself. Mice are masters of exploiting small gaps and openings, finding their way inside through tiny cracks, deteriorating siding, or utility pipe and wire entries.
Mice can also be attracted to a garage by the presence of pet food, birdseed, or even certain gardening supplies. In this article, we’ll explore the 8 reasons why mice are attracted to garages and achievable ways to keep them out.
Key Takeaways:
- Garages attract mice due to shelter, warmth, and food sources
- Mice exploit small gaps and openings to enter garages
- Prevent infestations by sealing entry points and removing food sources
8 Reasons Why Mice Are Attracted to Garages
Mice find garages to be an ideal environment for several reasons. The big three are shelter, warmth, and food, but there are several other reasons as well.
1. Shelter
One reason mice seek garages is that they often provide shelter from harsh weather conditions and predators, making them a perfect spot to hide and feel safe. In garages, they can remain undisturbed and have little risk of being detected.
2. Warmth
Another reason is the warmth that garages often provide. Mice search for warmth during colder months to maintain their body temperature. Garages, often with insulated walls, provide a cozy place for them to huddle up and stay warm.
Even in the summer, when garages can be swelteringly hot, mice still gravitate towards them. Standford University tells us that, when given the option, mice actually prefer temperatures between 86 and 90 degrees!
3. Food
Mice are also drawn to food sources that can be found in a garage. It’s common for homeowners to store pet food, birdseed, and even garden seeds in their garages. These food sources are a feast for mice and can easily attract them to your garage.
4. Clutter
Apart from food sources, mice like clutter. Garages are usually filled with stored items and disorganized spaces which provide excellent hiding spots for them. This allows them to establish nests and access multiple hiding places, making it harder for you to detect their presence.
5. Undisturbed Areas
Mice prefer to live in areas where they are undisturbed. Garages are used much less than the home, so it offers mice some peace and quiet to live comfortably. Even when occupied, there are often dark, cozy corners where mice can find seclusion. Or hiding places such as beneath benches, tools, and boxes.
6. Nesting Areas
When it comes to constructing their nests, mice are choosy and resourceful. They will use materials found in the garage, such as insulation padding, fabrics, and shredded paper, to create the perfect nest that meets their needs. This is another reason they favor garages as a shelter.
7. Water
Like any other creature, mice need water to survive. Leaky garden hoses, faucets, and pipes can provide all the water a tiny mouse needs. Not to mention that a leak in the garage is lower on the priority list than a leak in the house, so it may go unchecked for quite some time.
8. Entry Points
Another reason why mice are attracted to garages is the entry points. Garages tend to be drafty due to small cracks and gaps. Whether it be underneath the garage door, a broken vent, or a ripped window screen.
Mice can squeeze through any space larger than 1/4 inch, so even the smallest gaps can be like an open invitation for these tiny intruders.
The Signs of a Mouse Infestation In The Garage
Physical Observations
When monitoring your garage for a possible mouse infestation, keep an eye out for mouse droppings, which are small, dark, and pellet-shaped. These can often be found in corners, along walls, or near food sources.
Look for signs of chewing on food packages, items stored in your garage, or even along the walls, as mice have strong teeth that can gnaw through various materials.
Additionally, identify mouse nests made up of shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter. These nests can be tucked away in hidden spaces, so be thorough with your inspection!
Unusual Behaviors and Odors
An increase in noise, such as squeaking or scurrying, within your garage can be a telltale sign of mouse activity. Mice are primarily nocturnal, so pay close attention to any sounds during the night.
Body odor from mice can also leave an unusual smell in the area. If you’re encountering these signs, it’s time to take action and be proactive against a potential infestation.
By staying vigilant in observing these signs and taking appropriate preventive measures, you can help keep your garage free from unwanted mice intruders. Remember, a clean and well-secured garage will be less appealing to rodents looking for a cozy place to nest.
Prevention and Control of Mice Infestations In The Garage
Sealing Off Entry Points
Mice are attracted to garages mainly because they can easily find entry points in walls, windows, cracks, and gaps. To keep mice away, start by inspecting your garage for any openings or areas where mice can enter.
Seal these off with materials like steel wool, caulking, or hardware cloth. Don’t forget to check around pipes and vents as well! This preventive measure will not only help you control a mouse problem but also prevent potential damage to your belongings.
Steel wool is an excellent tool for stuffing into smaller gaps and holes. Try out MAPORCH Steel Wool for Mice Control. For larger openings or those around pipes and vents, consider using hardware cloth instead. Make sure the openings are 1/4 inch or less so that mice can’t squeeze through.
Cleaning and De-Cluttering
A messy, cluttered garage is like an amusement park for mice. They love to hide in piles of trash and cardboard boxes. Keep your garage clean and organized by:
Sure, here’s an updated table that includes removing trash and debris, and storing items off the ground:
| Method | Why It Keeps Mice Away |
|---|---|
| Store food properly | Make sure pet food, birdseed, and other food items are stored in airtight containers to prevent mice from accessing them. |
| Keep the garage clean | Mice are attracted to clutter and debris, so keeping the garage clean and free of clutter can make it less appealing to them. Remove any trash or debris that may be lying around. |
| Remove nesting materials | Mice can use a variety of materials for nesting, so removing items like cardboard boxes, old clothes, and other clutter can help discourage them from making nests in the garage. |
| Keep the garage dry | Mice need water to survive, so fixing leaky pipes and keeping the garage dry can make it less appealing to them. |
| Store items off the ground | Mice can use items on the ground as nesting materials, so storing items off the ground can help prevent this. Use shelves or hooks to keep items off the ground. |
A clean garage is less likely to attract mice, which means a lower chance of an infestation!
Safe Food Storage
Did you know mice are attracted to food sources like pet food, birdseed, and even dog food? To keep mice out of your garage, it’s essential to store food items in airtight containers made of strong materials like metal or thick plastic. This way, mice won’t be able to smell or access these temptations!
United Solutions Airtight Pet Food Storage Containers are a great way to store bird seed or pet food.
Remember to also keep trash cans sealed tightly and clean up spills immediately.
Effective Use of Mouse Traps
In case you’re already dealing with a mouse problem in your garage, implementing several types of traps is a good solution.
- Spring traps: Classic snap traps with a bait (like peanut butter)
- Live traps: Catch mice alive, allowing you to release them outdoors (Motel Mouse Humane Mouse Traps are my go-to for mouse control!)
In addition, consider adding natural repellents like peppermint to your garage, as mice dislike its strong scent.
By implementing these four strategies (sealing off entry points, cleaning and de-cluttering, safe food storage, and effective use of mouse traps), you can effectively prevent and control mice infestation in your garage. Remember to regularly inspect your garage for signs of mice activity, and if needed, call in a professional to handle the situation!
When to Call a Professional
Mice are notorious for seeking shelter in garages, and sometimes, these unwanted visitors can surpass all your prevention efforts. There comes a time when calling a professional pest control company or an exterminator becomes the most rational course of action.
Here are a few signs that it’s time to call in a professional:
Spotting A Mouse During The Day
When it comes to your garage home invaders, it’s essential to be vigilant for signs of a significant infestation. If you spot a mouse in the daytime, that could be a red flag since mice are primarily nocturnal creatures. Also, pay attention to any odd sounds, such as scratching or squeaking, which could indicate a mice invasion.
Significant Mouse Droppings
Constantly finding mouse droppings around your garage is another reason to call in the professionals. Mice can carry diseases, which makes it unwise to dismiss even a small infestation. It’s important to address mice problems head-on for your health and safety.
Damage To Vehicle Wiring
Moreover, if your car is parked in the garage and starts experiencing wiring issues, it may indicate that mice have eaten through essential components. In such situations, it’s essential to deal with the root of the problem before further damage occurs.
Natural Repellents And Traps Aren’t Working
If you’ve tried popular home remedies, such as DIY traps and natural repellents, but still find yourself battling the mice, it’s time to contact professional pest control services. Trained experts can accurately assess the severity of the infestation, identify potential entry points, and provide tailored solutions to eliminate mice from your garage.
If you identify indicators of a large mice infestation in your garage or if your efforts to repel them haven’t been effective, it’s wise to bring in the professionals. Calling a pest control company or an exterminator ensures that the issue is addressed promptly and effectively, safeguarding your health, safety, and property. Use our nationwide pest control finder to locate a pest pro near you that aligns with your preferred methods.
That’s A Wrap!
Mice are attracted to garages for various reasons, but understanding these factors can help you in taking preventive measures.
Here’s a recap of the 8 reasons mice are attracted to garages:
- Shelter
- Warmth
- Food
- Clutter
- Undisturbed areas
- Nesting locations
- Water
- Access to entry points
To prevent a mice infestation, there are several steps you can follow:
- Keep your garage clean and clutter-free
- Store food in airtight containers and never leave pet food exposed
- Seal all gaps, cracks, and holes around the garage
- Set up traps or use natural repellents like peppermint oil
By taking these preventive measures, you’ll be able to deter mice from your garage and maintain a rodent-free environment. Being proactive in addressing the factors attracting mice to your garage is essential to ensure your home remains free from unwanted guests.
Stay on top of these measures and remember; prevention is always better than dealing with an infestation!
Zack is a Nature & Wildlife specialist based in Upstate, NY, and is the founder of his Tree Journey and Pest Pointers brands. He has a vast experience with nature while living and growing up on 50+ acres of fields, woodlands, and a freshwater bass pond. Zack has encountered many pest situations over the years and has spent his time maintaining and planting over 35 species of trees since his youth with his family on their property.
Download My Free E-Book!
Take a look at my guide on Pest Proofing Your Home In Under a Day! I get into the nitty-gritty on the most common types of pests you’ll see on your property including BOTH insects and wildlife, along with the specific signs to look for regarding any pest you have questions about.
