Mice in the garage – how to get rid of them?

Mice in the garage – how to get rid of them? - briefly

Seal all gaps and openings, remove food and shelter sources, and employ snap traps or bait stations. Regularly inspect the garage and maintain a clean, clutter‑free environment to prevent re‑infestation.

Mice in the garage – how to get rid of them? - in detail

Rodents can infiltrate a garage when food sources, shelter, and entry points are available. The first step is to confirm their presence. Look for droppings (approximately one‑inch long, dark), gnaw marks on wires or wood, and nesting material such as shredded paper or insulation. Check the perimeter for holes larger than a quarter‑inch.

After verification, implement a three‑phase strategy: exclusion, sanitation, and population control.

• Exclude access points

  1. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and utility openings with steel wool, copper mesh, or cement‑based sealant.
  2. Install weather‑stripping on garage doors and repair cracks in the foundation.
  3. Cover vent openings with metal screens.

• Improve sanitation

  1. Remove food debris, pet feed, and garbage that attract rodents.
  2. Store items in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes.
  3. Keep the floor clear of clutter; dispose of cardboard, paper, and fabric that could serve as nesting material.

• Control the existing population

  1. Deploy snap traps or electronic traps along walls, behind stored items, and near suspected runways. Use bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or commercial rodent attractant.
  2. Position live‑capture traps if relocation is preferred; release captured animals at least ten miles from the property to prevent re‑entry.
  3. Apply rodenticides only in sealed bait stations, following label instructions and local regulations. Ensure pets and children cannot access the stations.

Monitor trap activity daily for at least two weeks. Replace bait and reposition traps as needed. If capture rates decline but signs of activity persist, re‑inspect the structure for missed entry points and repeat the exclusion process.

When infestation levels exceed manageable limits, or when traps and baits fail to reduce activity, contact a licensed pest‑control professional. Professionals can conduct a thorough inspection, apply targeted baiting programs, and provide long‑term exclusion solutions such as concrete sealing or structural repairs.

Consistent maintenance—regular inspection of the garage perimeter, prompt repair of new openings, and disciplined housekeeping—prevents recurrence and protects stored belongings from rodent damage.