They might be cute and soft, but small rodents and mice living in your garage can become extremely problematic. They can chew through different materials like plastic, wood, and even electric wiring in your garage door opener, which can cause other issues down the road.
Having access to food and a safe spot to live makes mice very susceptible to reproducing at a fast rate. Typically, female mice give birth to up to 14 babies in one pregnancy. They are only in the womb for around 20 days. Mice mature around six weeks and are able to have babies of their own. Never take this situation lightly, as the number of mice around can quickly become unbearable.
Before having to hire an exterminator, be sure to try and take care of the mice on your own. Continue reading to learn more about our best solutions to pest-proofing your garage without actually harming any animals.
The two most important things to keep in mind are insulation and organization. Let’s learn more about the two below.
If Mice Are Already Present in Your Space
Before redesigning your garage to make it rodent proof, you’ll need to make sure that all the current mice are gone.
Using deadly traps or things like poison might not be a great option – especially for those who have family pets.
Maybe you don’t want to harm the animals; you just want to remove them from your space.
If mice notice that there’s lots of human activity in the garage, they might leave on their own. They strive to live in a quiet environment, and a busy area just isn’t their thing. Also ensure you aren’t providing them with a food source. This will encourage them to find a different home.
If you only suspect a mouse or two in your space, another option is to use something called a humane mouse trap. Simply put a snack on the inside and the trap will close when a mouse has entered. This will not harm the mouse and will allow you to release it outside.
Mice can be found in many different places.
If you have a pet cat and feel comfortable allowing it to hunt in the garage, you can kill two birds with one stone by allowing it to take care of the mice for you!
Another great idea is to encourage the mice to leave by incorporating scents they aren’t fond of into the space. White vinegar, peppermint, and others things can cause them to want to leave on their own.
Peppermint oil can be especially pungent to these creatures. One easy idea is to soak some cotton in the oil hide them all over the garage, and especially in small places where the mice might hide.
Don’t use this method as pest-proofing your area. Peppermint might cause them to leave, but they will surely come back after a while if your space isn’t completely pest-proof.
How to Mouse-Proof
To ensure mice never find their way back to your space, make sure these small animals don’t have access to a food source and reorganize your space.
● Keep everything organized and free of clutter
Make sure they don’t have small places to hide.
● Keep them away from food
Cut them off from any food source by ensuring that all food like bird see or dog food is sealed in an air-tight container.
● Don’t keep trash in the garage
The smell can often attract mice and other animals, so it’s best to keep all trash bins outside.
● Keep all firewood outside
This can easily become a nesting ground for mice.
● Clean and tidy up regularly
By cleaning often, you’re able to notice anything out of the ordinary and might spot mice before they’re able to nest in your space.
How to Keep them Away
Once all the current mice are gone, it’s time to insulate the space. This will ensure that no other mice find their way inside.
First, make a point to cut any close tree branches.
Squirrels are very talented jumpers and can access your roof by jumping from a tree branch. It’s necessary to keep all trees trimmed to prevent them from doing this.
Insulation helps prevent rodents from nesting inside walls.
Insulate Your Walls
Using mineral wool or foam are great options in preventing small animals and rodents from nesting inside the walls.
Polyurethane spray foam is highly recommended when deciding what to insulate the walls with. Completely filling the walls will prevent any mice from living in them. Additionally, polyurethane foam has more varied properties than the traditional icynene spray foam.
Sometimes mice can use spray foam to help build their nests. On the plus side, it’s not a food source and they will not try to eat it. However, it’s not a rigid insulator, so they could most likely get through it if they wanted to.
Polyurethane foam is quite bitter and can cause mice to have an unpleasant taste in their mouth. This might cause them to stop gnawing at the material, which is great when trying to prevent them from entering. Some types of polyurethane foam can also contain a special rodent repellent which might turn them away.
Fill the Cracks
Fortunately, materials like steel or aluminum are almost impossible for mice to chew through. On the other hand, wood, plastic, and other surfaces are easily gnawed on if they are determined enough. Keeping an eye on the condition of your space is very important.
If you’re unable to make huge repairs to any holes in your garage, be sure to fill the space in the spray insulation. Be sure to completely cover the entire hole.
The stiffness of the insulation is not the main problem but rather the small spaces that they’re able to get into. Make sure the insulation that you choose will fill all the holes and leave the least possible chance for any type of rodent to build a nest.
Holes in a garage door, or even a door that is unlevel to the ground, might be causing issues with rodents entering the space unexpectedly!
Which garage door is best?
Replacing your garage door is a big deal. Be sure to think about the models of doors, the colors that might look good on your house, what you use the door for the most, and any other details that will help you choose. Be sure to ask about the types of doors that will ensure no rodents enter your space.
Be sure to avoid wooden garage doors. Some squirrels and mice will be able to get through. Materials like metal or aluminum doors should be prioritized when making this purchase.
A door with great insulation is definitely something to consider as it will prevent animals from nesting in the door.
We use galvanized steel in all of our garage doors, which is impossible for mice to chew through.
The R-16 and R-12 construction garage door models, Standard+, Townships Collection, and Acadia 138, are made with polyurethane foam injected at high pressure into the metal structure. This process ensures that mice have no way of entering your garage through this door.
Check out the R-16 door, insulated with polyurethane foam.
Weatherstripping is included in all garage doors after they are tailor-made for your home. Don’t worry about letting any airflow through. Your space will remain at the temperature you intend.
Think about changing your garage door!
Consider the fact that your garage door is the reason why mice are able to enter. If you’re looking for a new door, First Choice Overhead Doors is here to help. Our experts are happy to help you find a brand-new garage door that will satisfy your needs. You can contact us at 905-642-6606 or via our website.
Our high-quality garage doors will surely meet all of your needs, whether in their quality or their style. You can even create a unique model you like!
Ask for a free quotation to be received by email.
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