Garages tend to be dark spaces filled with shadowy corners and plenty of tight spaces to hide. This makes them naturally appealing to a wide variety of pests. Unfortunately, simply closing your garage door isn’t enough to deter these small, unwanted visitors. Below are several examples of common garage pests and how to effectively get rid of them.

Types of Pests

Any exposed wood objects or structures in a garage can be appealing to pests. Carpenter ants nest and hibernate in wood, and termites feed on the cellulose it contains. Rodents like mice and rats also enjoy wood, as well as aluminum, cardboard, wiring — anything they can chew on. While most varieties of spiders are harmless, they can still be inconvenient and proliferate with remarkable speed; they often come to a garage to feast on the smaller insects that have taken refuge there. Tiny, wingless silverfish prefer the dark, moist spots in garages.

Prevention & Removal

The first step is to prevent a pest infestation before it starts. Keep your garage free of clutter, sweep the floor regularly, and keep food out of the area. Store items in sturdy, resealable plastic containers instead of cardboard. Switch the lights off when the garage is not being utilized; many flying insects are drawn to light sources. Check the garage door for any holes or cracks and have them repaired. Also, inspect the weather stripping around the garage door to ensure it provides a tight seal.

If you notice pests in your garage, give the entire space a thorough cleaning and lay traps specific to the insects or rodents who have made their home there. Check the traps every day and switch them out as needed. Spray pesticides around the garage door and along the wall where the wall meets the flooring. If traps and spraying don't work, it's time to call a pest removal professional.

For garage door replacement and repair, trust the professionals at Fred C. Johnson Co. Since 1964, they have been serving property owners throughout the Anne Arundel and Howard County, MD, areas, offering both residential and commercial garage doors. They feature a comprehensive selection of garage doors, openers, and parts, and they will work with you to create a solid barrier between pests and the interior of your garage. Call (410) 792-2126 to schedule service or to request an estimate.