Step 1: Inspect Your Garage for Vulnerabilities
Before you can protect your garage, you need to know where pests might enter. Even tiny openings can be exploited; mice, for example, only need a hole the size of a dime to enter.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Flashlight: For spotting cracks and gaps in dimly lit areas.
- Mirror: To view hard-to-reach spots, such as behind appliances or under shelving.
- Notepad or Phone Camera: To document areas that need attention.
Key Areas to Check:
- Garage door: Gaps at the bottom, sides, or worn weatherstripping.
- Walls and foundation: Hairline cracks in concrete from Sacramento's seismic shifts or weather.
- Windows and side doors: Loose frames, cracked panes, or missing seals.
- Vents and utilities: Openings for dryer vents, cables, or pipes.
- Roofline and eaves: Loose shingles or gaps letting pests drop in from above.
Step 2: Seal Gaps and Cracks
Once you identify the weak spots, it’s time to close them up.
Seal Cracks
- Seal concrete cracks using epoxy or polyurethane caulk to seal cracks in the foundation or floor. These materials are flexible and durable, making them ideal for areas subject to movement or vibration.
- Apply silicone caulk to small cracks in drywall or brick. Silicone is pest-resistant and weatherproof, making it perfect for Sacramento’s climate.
Garage Doors and Windows:
- Replace damaged weatherstripping and door sweeps to ensure a snug fit, effectively blocking pests from entering.
- Repair broken panes, seal frames, and consider installing fine mesh screens over windows.
Utility Penetrations & Vents:
- Fill in the gaps around pipes, wires, and cables with steel wool or copper mesh. These materials are effective because rodents cannot chew through them.
- Cover vents with fine-mesh screens to keep pests out without blocking airflow. Make sure the mesh is tightly secured to prevent pests from squeezing through.
Step 3: Build Strong Perimeter Defenses
Don't stop inside; fortify the outside to deter pests before they approach.
- Threshold seals: Prevent pests, water, and debris from entering under doors.
- Weatherproof foam tape: Seal the edges of doors and windows to block tiny gaps.
- Exterior caulking: Apply caulk along the areas where walls meet the foundation and around utility lines.
- Landscaping tweaks & debris removal: Keep bushes, trees, and shrubs at least two feet from the garage. Remove leaves, mulch, and other organic debris.
- Gravel barrier: Add a 1-2 foot gravel strip around the foundation to deter digging pests.
Step 4: Declutter and Organize Smartly
Cluttered garages are perfect hiding spots for pests. Keep your space tidy and accessible:
- Sort and purge: Donate or discard anything you no longer use.
- Storage hacks: Use plastic bins with tight lids, stacked on metal shelving at least 18 inches off the ground.
- Create pest-free zones: Keep storage away from walls and corners.
- Clean regularly: Sweep, vacuum, and check for signs of pests every spring and fall.
- Check seasonal items: Inspect decorations, camping gear, or fabric items for signs of rodent or insect activity.
Step 5: Tackle Moisture Issues
Insects, such as cockroaches and rodents, thrive in damp environments; therefore, controlling moisture in your garage is crucial for keeping pests at bay. A dry garage is not only less hospitable to pests but also helps protect your belongings from mold and mildew.
Fix leaks fast
- Check water heaters, pipes, and roofs for any leaks or drips.
- Repair condensation with moisture barriers on walls/floors.
Control humidity
- Dehumidifier for muggy late-spring days (aim for under 50% humidity).
- Add exhaust fans or open windows for airflow.
Improve Drainage
- Ensure floor slopes outward.
- Clean gutters/downspouts to divert rain from the foundation.
After heavy rains, check for any water accumulation around the foundation or inside the garage. Sacramento’s rainy seasons can sometimes result in pooling water, making proactive drainage management essential. Additionally, keep an eye on areas near stored garden tools or potted plants, as these can hold excess moisture and attract pests.
Step 6: Store Food and Trash Securely
Food is one of the primary reasons pests invade garages, as it provides them with a convenient and reliable source of sustenance. Proper storage and trash management are crucial for keeping pests like ants, mice, and flies away.
- Store pet food, birdseed, and pantry overflow in airtight containers made of metal or thick plastic. Rodents and insects can chew through thin plastic or cardboard packaging.
- Avoid leaving open food or snacks in the garage, including items like sports drinks, energy bars, or candy, which can attract pests quickly. If you use your garage as a workspace or hangout spot, clean up any crumbs or spills promptly.
- Keep trash bins clean, sealed with tight-fitting lids, and emptied regularly to prevent odors that attract pests.
- Wash recyclable containers before placing them in bins, especially those that held sugary drinks or food residue. This reduces the chance of attracting ants, flies, or other insects.
- If you have outdoor pets or birds, avoid storing food or seed bags in the garage for long periods, especially during the summer. Sacramento’s warm climate can accelerate spoilage and attract pests such as moths and weevils. Instead, transfer these items to pest-proof containers immediately after purchase.
- Consider placing trash and recycling bins on a raised platform or metal rack to deter rodents from accessing them. For extra pest prevention, use bins with locking lids or motion-sensor deterrents for areas with high rodent activity.
Step 7: Use Natural Pest Repellents (But Don’t Rely on Them Alone)
Eco-friendly options can help, but they're supplements, not solutions—especially for tough Sacramento pests.
- Essential Oils: Peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil sprays can deter insects and rodents.
- Cedar Chips: Place near corners or entry points to repel ants, moths, and cockroaches.
- Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle along baseboards to protect against crawling insects.
- Repellent Plants: Lavender, rosemary, or marigolds planted around your garage can help discourage mosquitoes, flies, and ants.
Reality Check: These deter some insects temporarily. For rodents or infestations, pros are key. Big Time Pest Control offers targeted, local expertise beyond DIY.
Step 8: Make Inspections and Maintenance a Habit
Keeping pests out of your garage isn’t a one-time task—it requires consistent inspections and upkeep. Regular maintenance ensures that your pest defenses remain effective, especially in Sacramento’s varying climate.
Inspect for Pests Regularly
Look for signs of pest activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nests. Check corners, storage areas, and behind items where pests might hide.
Use pest monitors, such as sticky traps, in corners or near walls to catch insects and monitor activity levels. These traps act as early warning systems for potential infestations.
Set a Maintenance Schedule
Check your garage for signs of pest activity at least every three months. More frequent checks may be necessary if you’ve had previous issues.
Conduct thorough interior and exterior inspections every spring and fall to identify potential entry points and areas that require repair. Sacramento’s weather can degrade materials like caulk and weatherstripping, especially after hot summers or rainy periods.
Reapply and Replace Barriers as Needed
If you notice gaps or cracks, clean the area thoroughly and reapply caulk or sealant to maintain a secure barrier.
Over time, weatherstripping on doors and windows can shrink, crack, or wear down. Replace damaged or worn strips promptly to ensure a tight seal.
Stay Proactive with Repairs
Address minor issues, such as torn screens, worn door sweeps, or loose seals, immediately. Small gaps can quickly become major entry points for pests.
Local weather patterns, such as occasional heavy rain or heat waves, can accelerate wear and tear on your pest defenses. After significant weather events, take a few minutes to inspect your garage for any areas that may have been compromised.
Step 9: Call Sacramento Pest Control Professionals
Sometimes, DIY isn’t enough. Local exterminators, such as Big Time Pest Control, are familiar with Sacramento’s unique pest challenges and can provide effective solutions. We offer:
- Expert Advice: Our experienced professionals assess your garage (and the rest of your home) and provide customized solutions.
- Preventive Pest Treatments: Regular inspections and ongoing home pest control services keep pests at bay.
- Peace of Mind: Enjoy a pest-free property without the stress of constant monitoring.
Keep Your Sacramento Garage Pest-Free All Year
Pests can find their way into even the most well-kept garages, and stopping them before they become a problem takes expertise, not just effort. Homeowners in Sacramento (and throughout Northern California) can protect their garages, and everything inside, by relying on the professionals at Big Time Pest Control.
From thorough inspections and sealing vulnerable entry points to targeted treatments, Big Time knows exactly how to keep pests out for good. Instead of spending hours on DIY fixes that may only provide temporary results, let the experts handle it the right way the first time.
Contact Big Time Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and professional pest control services. With our help, you can enjoy a pest-free garage all year long, without the stress or guesswork.
This blog was originally published on December 3, 2024; it has been updated to include new information.
