Ways to Keep Critters Out of a Garage in Winter
Arizona’s winter months can drive many creatures, from coyotes to roof rats and mice, to seek shelter in warmer spaces like garages.
Arizona’s winter months can drive many creatures, from coyotes to roof rats and mice, to seek shelter in warmer spaces like garages. Preventing these unwelcome guests requires strategic measures that focus on sealing, organizing, and safeguarding entry points. With some preparation and support from professional garage door experts, a garage can remain pest-free throughout the winter.
The likely culprits
Scorpions – Arizona bark scorpions, in particular, look for warmer, dark spaces and are commonly found in garages. They hide in cracks, crevices, or under clutter.
Spiders – Black widows and other spiders are drawn to garages due to the presence of insects they feed on. Cluttered spaces provide plenty of hiding spots for webs.
Crickets – Crickets enter garages to escape the cold and are known to attract predators like spiders and scorpions.
Pack Rats – Also known as woodrats, these pests look for shelter and nesting material in garages. They can cause damage by chewing on wiring or insulation.
Cockroaches – American and Turkestan cockroaches are prevalent in Maricopa County. They look for damp, warm areas, making garages with stored cardboard or excess moisture an attractive refuge.
Raccoons and Skunks – Although less common, these animals might be drawn to garages if food or shelter is readily available, particularly near rural or suburban areas.
Mice – Mice are ubiquitous and can look for a warm place to hide and breed. A mouse infestation can start unnoticed by the homeowner and damage stored possessions.
Sealing Entry Points
One of the most effective ways to deter critters from entering a garage is to thoroughly seal entry points. Gaps under doors, cracks in walls, or unsealed vents offer easy access for mice, roof rats, and other small animals. Inspecting the garage for any visible openings, especially along the base of the garage door, is crucial.
Applying weatherstripping along the bottom of the garage door and using caulk to seal smaller gaps around the garage’s perimeter blocks these entry points. Additionally, professional garage door experts can install seals or thresholds designed to create a tight fit that deters small animals from squeezing through.
Storing Food and Trash Securely
Leaving food or trash accessible within a garage can attract mice and other critters, especially during winter when outdoor food sources diminish. Storing food items, birdseed, or pet food in airtight containers keeps scents contained and removes an easy attractant. Trash cans should also have secure lids and be placed as far from the garage entry as possible.
For garages used to store emergency food supplies or pet food, using metal containers adds an extra layer of protection. Metal is difficult for animals to chew through, providing a long-lasting solution that reduces the chance of critters making a mess or contaminating food sources.
Keeping the Garage Organized
A cluttered garage with numerous hiding spots offers ideal shelter for critters seeking warmth. Maintaining an organized space helps identify signs of pests and limits potential nesting areas. Storing boxes on shelves instead of the floor, keeping the floor area clear, and avoiding overstocking items that might serve as nesting material reduce the appeal for animals like mice or roof rats.
Utilizing clear plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes is also helpful, as critters cannot chew through plastic as easily. Clear bins provide the added advantage of visibility, allowing quick inspections for any signs of unwelcome activity.
Installing Bright Lighting
Adding bright lights around the exterior of the garage can discourage nocturnal animals like roof rats and coyotes from approaching. Animals tend to avoid well-lit areas as they prefer the cover of darkness for safety. Installing motion-sensor lights near the garage’s entrance and along the property’s perimeter adds a layer of security and can effectively deter these creatures from coming too close.
Inside the garage, maintaining adequate lighting also helps in spotting any signs of pests early on. For optimal results, select energy-efficient LED lights that provide consistent brightness without adding too much to the utility bill.
Reducing Sources of Moisture
Critters often look for water sources during the colder months. Reducing moisture within and around the garage eliminates one of the factors that might attract them. Fixing leaky pipes, dripping faucets, irrigation leaks, or any standing water near the garage makes the area less appealing to animals.
Checking gutters and downspouts to confirm they channel water away from the garage also helps minimize moisture around the entry points, reducing the chances of attracting animals seeking water.
Installing Mesh Over Vents and Drains
Many garages have vents or drains to facilitate airflow, but these openings can also serve as entry points for small critters. Installing mesh screens over these areas allows ventilation while preventing mice, roof rats, and other pests from entering. Choosing durable materials like stainless steel mesh guarantees that the screen resists chewing or scratching.
Professional garage door experts can install these protective barriers, guaranteeing that they are secure and do not obstruct airflow. For homes in areas with a high population of roof rats, reinforcing attic vents and crawl space openings also add extra protection against these agile creatures.
Deterring Coyotes with Fencing and Landscaping
In some Arizona areas, coyotes may approach garages if they detect accessible food or shelter. Fencing around the property adds an effective barrier, though it should be high enough to prevent coyotes from leaping over. Adding plants with prickly foliage, such as cacti or certain types of shrubs, around the garage can further deter coyotes from approaching.
Keeping the area around the garage clear of tall grass or piles of leaves removes potential hiding spots, making the area less appealing to these larger animals. Regularly checking the perimeter for any signs of digging also helps maintain an effective barrier.
Regular Inspections with Professional Help
Routine inspections of the garage, especially during the colder months, help detect early signs of infestation. Professional garage door experts can perform these inspections and identify weaknesses in the door structure or sealing that may allow critters inside. Technicians can also offer guidance on additional security measures suited to the specific types of wildlife in the area.
Early detection makes it easier to address pest issues before they become significant problems. Inspections help verify that the sealing, lighting, and other protective measures continue to function as intended, providing peace of mind throughout the winter.
Creating a Critter-Free Zone
By sealing entry points, organizing the garage, and securing any potential attractants, a garage can be a less appealing option for Arizona’s winter critters. With strategic steps and assistance from local garage door experts, homeowners can establish a secure environment that keeps both small pests and larger animals at bay, protecting the home from unwanted guests.
Phoenician Garage Door & Repair offers full-service garage installation, repair and maintenance in Maricopa County. Emergency service available. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (602) 610-0112.
