Rodents can turn a traditional garage into breeding and feasting havens. Mice, pack rats, and roof rats are commonly found in Phoenix homes searching for water, food, and shelter. Since most pests spread illness and disease through their waste, preventing an infestation is necessary. Outside of regular pest control, here are a few great ways to keep your garage rodent-free:
CLEAN THE GARAGE
When we say clean, we mean deep clean. The best way to ensure rodents cannot find solace in your garage is to get rid of clutter, sanitize, and organize the garage. If you’ve had years of using your garage for gathering junk and really for anything other than car storage space, it’s time to do some much-needed spring cleaning. Since the task may seem more extensive than what you initially bargained for, consider breaking it up into weekend or bi-weekly projects. When you turn the garage into the space as designed, it adds tons of value to your home. It will also feel much less hectic when entering and exiting the house through the garage. Less stress in your and your family’s day is not something you can quickly put a price on.
SEAL GAPS AND CRACKS
After a good tidying and organizing session, seal gaps, cracks, and crevices leading to and from the garage. Rodents love to fit through the tiniest of cracks to enter a home. You can seal off vents, pipes, and drains with sturdy mesh wiring, and any holes in the foundation should be patched or caulked. If there are any broken parts or gaps in the garage door, get them repaired. Not only can rodents squeeze through small holes in the garage door, but so can scorpions, snakes, and spiders. The garage door should be flush with the ground leaving no space between the door and the driveway. Ensuring the door is balanced and working correctly also safeguards against potential break-ins. So, keep it sealed and tight to inconvenience critters and for your safety.
KEEP UP WITH LAWN MAINTENANCE
Phoenix lawns differ depending on the level of maintenance people are willing to provide. Hot, dry temperatures are terrible for lush grass and green plants, but that doesn’t mean that your palo verde tree has to live with only the cacti. Many Arizona homes have beautiful landscapes and require good irrigation. Most rodents are attracted to places where they can find water in the warm desert, so make sure your sprinkler heads aren’t leaking. Also, if you have a lawn, trees, or bushes around your home, keep them pruned and trimmed throughout the year. Most furry and slithering creatures find weeds and overgrown grass great places to reside. Finally, if there are tall trees in the yard or neighboring yards, don’t let branches touch your home. Pests use tree branches as mini highways to enter your roof, attic, or other potential openings to your property.
INVEST IN PROPER STORAGE
Sealed tight plastic storage containers make it hard for rodents to access your stuff. Also, consider elevating your overall garage storage by installing garage door cabinets that lock or latch. Options in custom garage cabinets are endless, and even if a critter makes it into your garage, you can safely ensure they won’t be able to mess up your precious stowed-away things. Rodent-proof garage storage includes sturdy cabinets, overhead and wall storage, pegboards, and custom workbenches.
After implementing these solutions, not only does the garage look better and have more space for you, but your stored items will last longer. Of course, being rodent-free is a bonus in addition to all of that!
Quick Response Garage Cabinets provides excellent and secure storage solutions and epoxy flooring for Phoenix area residential garage needs. Call (480) 470-9213 or book an appointment online today!