Mice In The Garage

Having mice in the garage is a common issue for many homeowners in Denver and throughout Colorado, especially during colder months when these small rodents seek shelter and warmth. Understanding why garages attract mice, how they gain access, recognizing signs of their presence, and preventing their entry are crucial steps in maintaining a pest-free home. In today’s blog, we’ll take a closer look at this specific pest problem and offer some helpful advice on what to do if you find a mouse nest in the garage or find other signs of a mouse infestation.  

Why garages attract mice

• It’s a warm place out of the cold and elements
  Garages provide mice with a comfortable and protected environment. The shelter from the cooler temperatures and inclement weather, coupled with the warmth generated by vehicles or a heat source, makes garages an ideal nesting spot.
• There’s food to eat
  Garages often store pet food, birdseed, or even food for human consumption. Mice are attracted to these potential food sources, making the garage a place to get free groceries.
• There’s plenty of hiding spots
  Mice are small and prefer areas where they can easily hide. A cluttered garage with numerous hiding spots, such as stacks of boxes or unused furniture, offers an appealing habitat for these rodents.

How mice get into garages

• Gaps & cracks
  Mice can squeeze through incredibly small openings. Gaps under garage doors, openings around windows, and foundation cracks are common entry points.
• Doors left open
  If garage doors are left open or not sealed properly, mice can simply crawl on in.
• Utility openings
  Holes around utility lines or pipes can also serve as entry points.

Signs of mice in the garage

• Mouse droppings
  Mice leave small, pellet-like droppings scattered around their nesting areas. Check for these near food storage areas or in corners of the garage.
• Gnawed items
  Mice are always gnawing on items to keep their incisors from growing too long. Look for gnaw marks on cardboard boxes, wiring, or stored items.
• Mouse nests
  Mice construct nests using shredded materials like paper or insulation. Discovering nests in secluded corners or within stored items is a clear indicator of an infestation.
• Unusual smells
  A mouse infestation in the garage (or anywhere in the home for that matter) may be accompanied by a distinct, musty odor due to their urine, droppings, and even dead mice. Be aware of any unusual smells in the garage.

If mice are in the garage, are they in the house?

Unfortunately, mice infestations often start in the garage and spread to other parts of the house. Really, once mice establish themselves in that space, it's only a matter of time before they explore other areas of your home. From the garage, mice may scurry through wall voids and gaps, making their way into different parts of the house. They might also follow utility lines, such as plumbing or wiring, into kitchens, basements, or attics.

How to keep mice out of your garage

• Seal gaps, cracks, and openings that mice can use to access the garage
• Make sure your garage door(s) has a tight seal on all sides
• Replace or install rubber sealing on the bottom of the door
• Do not store pet food, birdseed, or even grass seed in your garage unless they’re in containers that mice cannot get into or chew through
• Store human food in the garage in durable containers with tight-fitting lids
• Do not leave trash or recycling in the garage
• Declutter the garage to eliminate potential hiding spots
• Don’t stack firewood in the garage or against the side of the house
• Clear away tree limbs, brush, and other yard debris
• Avoid leaving your pets’ food and water bowls in the garage or outside

What to do if you discover mice in the garage

If you’ve found signs of a mouse infestation in your garage or elsewhere in your Colorado home, contact EnviroPest right away. Our locally operated pest control company offers home pest control services in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Berthoud, as well as throughout Northern Colorado that includes rodent control!

Providing year-round protection against insects and rodents, our Colorado’s Choice Smart Service is the ideal way to eliminate and prevent rodents from taking over. Check out the plan features below, or simply give us a call for more information!

Further reading related to mice (and rats)

Why Rodent Poisons & Other DIY Methods Don't Eliminate Mice

Mouse Nest In Home: Prevention & Control Tips 

Do Dryer Sheets Repel Mice & Other Mouse FAQs

What Attracts Rats To Yards & Homes