Pests can easily make their way from the yard and garden into your garage or shed. This invasion can be a nuisance, especially if the garage is attached to your home. Although pest control for your garage is similar to pest control for your home, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind. Doing so will ensure your success at preventing or eradicating these pests.
Exclusion Tactics
Exclusion is the best option simply because it means the pests never find a way into the building in the first place.
Holes
Holes and gaps may be intentional, such as where pipes enter the building, or they could be the result of wear and tear. Mice, for example, can fit through holes as tiny as a
nickel in diameter, and insects may be able to squeeze through even smaller openings. Cover holes and cracks with fine steel mesh and then caulk over the opening. The pests can't chew through the metal and this should effectively block off these points of entry.
Seals and Vents
Weatherstripping around doors and windows that's not in good condition, as well as the vents on the roof or walls, can all provide access for unwanted pests. Verify that all vents are equipped with exclusionary screen caps, and replace any missing or damaged screens. Replace any damaged or missing weatherstripping, as well. As for overhead garage doors, installing a threshold seal along with seals around the perimeter of the door can keep out pests.
Environmental Control
You can further discourage pests by minimizing the things that draw them indoors in the first place.
Food and Water Sources
Most animal and insect pests enter a garage in search of food and water, so they may not stick around if they can't find any. In a shed or garage, food sources can include pet food and birdseed, garden and lawn seed, garbage cans, or even papers and cardboard. Store items in tightly sealed, chew-proof containers. Also be sure not to leave standing water, such as in a pet's water bowl, out overnight.
Nesting Sites
If you notice a larger infestation in the fall and winter, then the pests may be seeking out shelter. Sheds and garages can provide a plethora of good nesting sites. Roaches, for example, often nest in old papers or cardboard. Rodents may be attracted to rag piles or boxes of stored clothing. Keep your outbuildings neat and store items that may attract pests in sealed plastic tubs that the pests can't easily access.
Treatment Options
Prompt treatment as soon as you notice the pest problem is the key to eradicating the infestation before it spirals out of control.
Identification
Before you can treat the pest, you must first identify it. Initial efforts focus on looking for nests, droppings, or castings such as insect exoskeleton sheds. Many pest control companies use exploratory baiting or trapping if the damage doesn't make the pest type obvious or if you can't find other signs of the pest's presence.
Exploratory traps typically consist of a glue trap placed on typical travel paths or baited traps if you have a suspicion about the type of pest already.
Treatments
Treatment options are specific to the pest and the situation in your home. If you have pets or children, you want to ensure the chosen treatment is safe for them. An environmentally safe option is also typically preferred, especially around garages or sheds where the pesticides are more likely leach into the yard or garden.
Make a list of your concerns and requirements before meeting with a pest control service so you can work together to develop a treatment plan.
Contact
Monterey Bay Pest Control Inc. for more help.