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Three Tips For A Pest-Free Garage

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The garage is both a part of your home yet separate. Many people don't hold the garage to the same standards as they do the rest of the home when it comes to cleanliness. Unfortunately, this can lead to a pest problem, which can even spreadtoo the rest of your home if you have an attached garage. Insects and rodents can both be drawn to the protection that your garage affords. The following tips can show you how to keep them out.

Tip #1: Don't stash possible nesting materials

Materials like stacks of newspaper, old shop rags, or a pile of sawdust in the corner can all provide bedding and nesting materials for both rodents and insects. Keeping a clean garage can prevent this. Store newspapers and other recyclables in close-topped tubs if you can't take them to the recycling center often. Rags and similar items should also be stored in closed containers so pests can't access them. Regular sweeping is the key to making sure sawdust, leaves, and other debris doesn't build up in corners. With fewer areas to hide and nest, pests are less likely to make your garage their home.

Tip #2: Get rid of all food sources

You may not think there are a lot of food sources in your garage, but there are often one or two that are easily overlooked. The most obvious is pet food. If you store pet food, which includes outdoor bird seed, in the garage, then make sure it is in a tightly sealed bucket. Plastic bags are not sufficient, since most pests can easily chew through them. Garbage can also be a food attractant. If you keep garbage in the garage until collection day, make sure it is in a sealed can. Some recyclables, such as empty soda cans, are another type of garbage that attracts pests if not sealed. Finally, garden seeds should also be kept in a sealed container so pests aren't attracted to them as food.

Tip #3: Seal up the entries

It's almost impossible to seal up all entries into a garage, but you can take care of the most obvious. Use caulk to fill in any holes in the walls or around window frames. Keep in mind that a mouse, for example, can go through any hole which it can squeeze its head through. Fitting doors, including the overhead garage door with snug weather stripping can also help keep pests out. Pay special attention to fixing any holes or gaps on the door and wall connected to the main house if you have an attached garage, since this is part of the key to keeping pests from finding their way indoors.

For more help, contact a pest control company like Blackburn Pest Control.


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