Uh oh, is that a mouse in the garage?
It’s a tale as old as time: You head out to the garage, maybe to grab your holiday decorations, and you notice… droppings. Or maybe you even see one darting under a shelf. Dealing with a mouse in the garage is a frustratingly common problem for homeowners.
Garages offer everything a mouse could want: shelter from the elements and potential food sources. But mice aren’t just a nuisance. They can chew through wires, nest in your walls, and even contaminate your belongings. Plus, they can carry diseases.
This article is your comprehensive guide to dealing with a mouse in the garage. We’ll cover identifying an infestation, simple prevention strategies, safe removal methods, and when it’s time to call in the pros.
How to tell if you have a mouse problem in your garage
Mice can sneak into your garage looking for food, water, and shelter. You might have a mouse problem if you notice any of the following:
- You see a mouse. Adult house mice are typically 3 to 4 inches long, brownish in color, with pointy noses and long tails.
- You see mouse droppings. Mouse poop is small and dark, and you’ll often find it near food or where mice are nesting.
- You find a nest. Mice use soft stuff like shredded paper and fabric to build nests in hidden spaces like inside walls or under storage boxes.
- You see gnaw marks. Mice will chew on just about anything, including wood, plastic, and even electrical wires. They can squeeze through any crack or hole that’s a quarter of an inch wide.
- You hear strange noises. Squeaking, rustling, or scratching sounds could mean you’ve got mice in the garage.
- You smell weird odors. A musty smell, or one that smells like ammonia, can be a sign that you have quite a few mice living in your garage.
- Your pets are acting strangely. Your cat or dog may suddenly be very interested in a particular area of the garage.
Why do mice like garages?
Garages offer everything a mouse could want: food, water, shelter, and warmth.
- Food: Garages often contain open bags of pet food and other food sources. Even crumbs can feed a mouse for days.
- Shelter: Garages protect mice from the weather and from predators. Clutter provides ideal hiding places, and dark, quiet corners make great nesting spots.
- Access: Mice can squeeze through surprisingly tiny openings. Gaps under doors, cracks in the foundation, and holes around pipes all make good entry points.
- Warmth: Garages tend to be warmer than the surrounding environment, especially during the winter months.
Mouse-Proofing Your Garage: Prevention is Key
Once you’ve gotten rid of the mice in your garage, you’ll probably want to make sure they don’t come back.
Sealing entry points
- Take a walk around the inside and outside of your garage and look for cracks, holes, or gaps. Pay special attention to the areas around doors, windows, and pipes.
- Seal any holes with caulk, steel wool, or expanding foam. Steel wool is a good choice because mice can’t chew through it.
- Install door sweeps to close the gaps under garage doors, making sure the sweep fits tightly against the ground.
- Repair any damaged screens or vents, covering them with fine mesh to keep mice out.
Eliminating food and water sources
- If you store pet food in the garage, put it in airtight containers so mice can’t get to it.
- Clean up any spills or crumbs right away, and sweep or mop the floor regularly.
- Repair any leaky pipes to eliminate standing water.
Reducing clutter
- Get rid of piles of boxes, papers, and other things that mice can hide in.
- Store your belongings in airtight plastic containers so mice can’t nest inside.
- Organize your garage so it’s easier to spot any signs of mice. A clean, organized garage is less appealing to mice.
Maintaining the exterior
- Cut back any vegetation around the garage, trimming bushes and trees so they don’t touch the building.
- Remove any debris or woodpiles near the garage that mice could use for shelter.
- Make sure you have good drainage to prevent standing water, and direct water away from the foundation.
Safe and Effective Mouse Removal Methods
Once you’ve determined that you have mice in the garage, the next step is deciding how to get rid of them.
Trapping
Trapping is generally a safer option than poison, especially if you have pets or young children.
- Snap traps: These are a classic and effective way to deal with mice. Bait the trap with peanut butter or cheese and place it along walls or in areas where you’ve seen mouse activity.
- Live traps: If you want to catch and release the mice, live traps are a humane option. Be sure to check the traps regularly and release the mice far away from your property. Also, be sure you know the local regulations about releasing wild animals.
- Sticky traps: Sticky traps can be effective, but they’re controversial because they can be inhumane and may trap other animals. Check these traps frequently and dispose of the trapped mice properly.
Rodenticides (Mouse Poison)
Mouse poison is a quick solution, but it can be dangerous, especially around children and pets. Most rodenticides use anticoagulant substances.
- Place bait stations in areas where children and pets can’t reach them.
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully.
- Think about the environmental effects of using poisons. If predators eat poisoned mice, they can also be poisoned.
Natural Repellents
If you’re looking for a more natural solution, here are a few options:
- Peppermint oil: Mice don’t like the strong scent of peppermint. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around the garage.
- Hot pepper: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili flakes in areas where mice are present, but be cautious when using hot pepper around pets and children.
- Plant-based rodent repellents: Consider using commercially available plant-based repellents. They’re a safer alternative to chemical poisons.
Methods to avoid (and why)
There are several ways to deal with a mouse in the garage, but some methods are best avoided. Here’s why:
- Glue traps: These are inhumane because they cause animals to suffer for an extended period of time. They’re also indiscriminate, which means they can trap birds or pets, as well as rodents.
- Exterminators: Calling a professional can be expensive, and they may use harsh chemicals. See if you can resolve the problem yourself before you hire someone. If you do hire an exterminator, ask about their methods and the chemicals they plan to use.
- Ultrasonic repellers: Studies show that mice quickly get used to ultrasonic sounds, so these devices provide only temporary relief.
- Snap traps: Snap traps can be dangerous to pets and kids, so use them carefully and keep them out of reach.
When to call a professional
Sometimes, you can’t handle a mouse problem on your own. Call a professional pest control service if:
- You have a severe infestation. If you’ve tried DIY methods and they aren’t working, a professional can evaluate the situation and suggest treatments.
- The mice keep coming back. A professional can find out what’s attracting the mice and fix the underlying problem, like structural issues or sanitation problems.
- You’re worried about safety. If you don’t want to handle traps or chemicals, a professional can provide safe pest control.
- You have a large property. Large properties are hard to maintain, and it can be difficult to control an infestation without help.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to mice in the garage, prevention is always the best medicine. It’s easier to keep mice out than to get rid of them once they’ve settled in.
To prevent mice from making your garage their home, seal up any possible entry points, get rid of food sources, reduce clutter, and consider using traps or repellents as a deterrent.
It’s also crucial to regularly inspect your garage for signs of mice, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nests. If you spot any evidence of mice, take action immediately to prevent a full-blown infestation.
By taking these proactive steps, you can create a mouse-free environment in your garage and protect your property from damage and disease.