According to the most recent Gallup poll done among the top things people fear, 39% of Americans say that their greatest fear is mice and other rodents. Whether you fall into this category, it is important to know that rodents present a possibility of major health problems for humans. Even if you do not spend a lot of time in your garage, seeing signs of rodent activity is concerning.
Rodents are more than just a nuisance. They can contaminate air, food, and water with severe and life-threatening diseases. They can also bring other disease carriers into your home, like ticks, fleas, and mites. If you have a family pet, this can pose a huge problem to your cat or dog’s health. Add on the emotional distress that approximately 40% of Americans experience, and rodents can present significant health problems for entire families.
A garage is an inviting space for rodents because it gives them a dry, safe space to escape the elements. While many people may assume that rodents prefer holing up in garages during the winter to escape the bitter cold, more rodents actually seek the cool concrete surfaces of a garage during summer. Here in Georgia, our summers can be unbearably hot and humid. When it is so hot that you don’t want to walk up your driveway to get your mail, you need to be on the lookout for signs of rodents occupying your garage.
Steps to Prevent Rodents from Accessing Your Garage
Rodents are sneaky little critters. Even the cleanest homes may find an occasional visit from these pests. Aside from thinking that “just one” rodent entered your home while the garage door was open, you really need to be more concerned with the fact that rodents multiply quickly. If you find one, you may soon find a whole colony taking refuge in your garage. So, what do you do? Here are a few safe steps to keep rodents out of your garage.
- Tighten, seal, and close points of access. There are more entryways into your garage than you generally give thought to. Does your garage have windows? Is there an air duct, pipe, or drain leading to the outside of your home from your garage? Are there any gaps, even tiny gaps, when your garage door is closed? If you answered yes to any of these, you need to ensure that all access points are adequately sealed.
- Keep your garage door closed. Many people like to keep a garage door open during the day when they are at home. With children running in and out of the house, it is easy and convenient for them to enter and exit through the garage. However, leaving a garage door open is a huge invitation to rodents, saying, “You’re welcome to enter.” Remember, rodents are looking for a comfortable spot with easy access. Don’t invite them into your garage by leaving your garage door open.
- Remove attractants from your garage. It is important to know that rodents generally look for two main things in any environment: food and shelter. If you store excess food in your garage, make sure that it is stored in plastic, glass, or metal containers that are impossible for rodents to chew through. Not only do you want to keep rodents out, but you also want to protect the investment you’ve made in all the food that you have stored. You also want to remove excess clutter from your garage. Rodents prefer small, tight spaces where they feel secure and protected. A cluttered garage provides plenty of spaces for rodents to hide.
Summer temps are just now reaching their peak in Georgia. Take the steps above to keep your garage free from rodents. Contact HABPRO Garage Doors to learn more.
Jeanie S.