Garages and sheds often check off all the things pests look for: shelter, food, and water. Here’s why these areas are such common pest hot spots:
1. Clutter Creates Hiding Spots
Rodents and insects are shy by nature. They look for places where they can stay hidden and feel safe. Piles of boxes, stacks of firewood, unused furniture, or bags of clothing give them the perfect cover to move in and stay out of sight.
2. Limited Human Activity
Unlike kitchens or bedrooms, garages and sheds don’t get used as often. That means pests can build nests, lay eggs, and spread without being disturbed. The less you go in there, the more pests can settle in.
3. Stored Food or Pet Supplies
If you keep birdseed, pet food, or snacks in your garage, it’s like ringing the dinner bell for pests. Mice, ants, and cockroaches can chew through cardboard or plastic to get to food. Even a few crumbs can attract them.
4. Moisture Problems
Garages and sheds aren’t always sealed tightly, which means water can sneak in through cracks, under doors, or from leaky tools and containers. Damp spots are like magnets for pests like silverfish, cockroaches, and termites.
5. Easy Entry Points
Rodents only need a hole the size of a dime to get in. Most garages and sheds have small gaps under doors, between boards, or around vents that go unnoticed—until pests find them.
Common Pests Found in Garages and Sheds
Here are some of the pests you’re most likely to find in these storage areas:
- Mice and rats: They chew through wires, insulation, and boxes, and they leave behind droppings that can spread disease.
- Spiders: Most are harmless, but some, like black widows, are venomous and love dark corners.
- Cockroaches: They hide in tight spaces and are drawn to any food or moisture available.
- Ants: Especially during warmer months, ants can build nests in walls or under stored items.
- Silverfish and earwigs: These creepy-crawlies love damp, dark places and can destroy paper, books, and cardboard.
- Termites: If you’re storing wood, termites might see your shed as a buffet.
How to Keep Pests Out of Your Garage or Shed
While pests love these storage spaces, there are plenty of steps you can take to make them less inviting.
1. Declutter and Organize
Start by going through your storage area. Toss out things you no longer use and organize what’s left in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Keep items off the ground using shelves or hooks to reduce hiding spots.
2. Seal Entry Points
Inspect walls, floors, windows, and doors for cracks or gaps. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal them up. Make sure garage doors close tightly and that there are no gaps underneath.
3. Store Food Properly
Don’t store pet food, birdseed, or pantry items in your garage or shed—especially not in bags or cardboard boxes. If you must store food, use airtight containers made of heavy plastic or metal.
4. Keep It Dry
Fix any leaks, and make sure the space is well-ventilated. Use a dehumidifier or moisture absorber if the area tends to stay damp. Elevate items off the floor to avoid moisture buildup under boxes or furniture.
5. Clean Regularly
Even if you don’t use the space daily, try to sweep, vacuum, or wipe down surfaces at least once a month. This helps you catch signs of pests early—like droppings, nests, or chewed materials.
6. Be Cautious with Firewood and Cardboard
Don’t stack firewood inside your garage or shed for long periods. If you must store it, keep it elevated and away from the walls. Avoid using cardboard boxes for long-term storage since pests love to nest in or chew them.
When to Call in the Experts
Sometimes, even your best efforts aren’t enough to keep pests out—especially if there’s already a nest or infestation inside the structure. If you’re seeing signs of pests like droppings, spider webs, or chewed materials, it’s a good idea to bring in a professional.
At Main Sail Pest, we offer smart, safe solutions to protect your storage areas from all kinds of pests. Our approach to pest control Temecula homes and sheds includes thorough inspections, targeted treatments, and long-term prevention strategies. We understand how pests behave in garages and sheds, and we know exactly how to stop them from coming back.
Don’t Let Storage Invite Unwanted Guests
Garages and sheds are supposed to help you stay organized—not become a home for pests. With the right storage techniques, regular cleanups, and sealed entry points, you can keep rodents, spiders, and other pests where they belong—outside.
If you need a hand protecting your storage areas from infestations, Main Sail Pest is here to help with professional service and expert advice.