Common Garage Pests and How to Eliminate Them

Garages provide various entry points, clutter, and dark, quiet space, which pests love. This is why you will often find them seeking shelter there in Colorado homes. These annoying critters include mice, carpenter ants, black widow spiders, and even cockroaches. They ruin your peace at home and cause significant structural damage and health risks.

Mice and rats are particularly problematic in garage spaces. Carpenter ants are also quite common in Colorado homes, and they can cause grave structural damage. They chew through wood and cause billions of worth of damage every year. On the other hand, black spiders, although not common, have dangerous venom that can be a health threat.

While DIY pest control may seem like a good option, they are more of a temporary fix than a complete solution. Many homeowners do not take the presence of pests seriously, which causes the infestation to grow more and more as each day passes. If you suspect pests or rodents in your garage, get rid of pests in Colorado Springs with a good pest control company today!

Contents

Common garage pests in Colorado homes

1. Rodents (mice and rats).

Rodents are the most commonly found pests in the garages of Colorado homes. They have tiny bodies and find their way inside through openings and cracks near doors and windows. Be on the lookout for the signs of their presence, including dropping, gnaw marks or wood and wiring, and nesting materials like shredded paper or fabric.

2. Insects (cockroaches, ants, spiders).

Insects such as cockroaches, ants, and spiders are attracted to your home’s garage due to factors like clutter, dark spaces and food sources. Cockroaches are drawn to organic materials and spills, while ants seek out food left unattended. Spiders, on the other hand, will go anywhere they can find other insects to prey on them.

3. Termites.

Termites pose a significant threat to garages, especially when they contain anything made of wood. They have a preference for cellulose materials which means that they will damage any wooden material they can find. The hidden destruction can ruin the structural integrity of your garage. To identify termite activity, look for frass (wood dust) and mud tubes.

4. Silverfish.

Silverfish are infamous for invading the dark and damp areas of the house. They are attracted to moisture and often hide in boxes, papers, and behind stored items. Silverfish feed on starches found in paper products, glue, and even clothing. Therefore, they can cause severe damage to many items people commonly store in their garages.

5. Wasps and hornets.

Wasps and hornets make their nests in the rafters and corners of garages as these spaces offer them protection from predators. While they do not pose specific danger to humans, they will attack you if they feel threatened. If you unintentionally end up disturbing them, they can become aggressive. It is an even bigger danger for allergic individuals.

How to eliminate pests from your garage

Although difficult, it is possible to eliminate pests from your garage. To control rodents, make sure to seal the entry points first. You can find these near doors, windows and the foundation. Further, you can manage insect activity by removing open food sources. Store your food in airtight containers and clean up any spills immediately.

For termite extermination, professional pest control is necessary due to their capability to cause severe damage. Remove any wooden sources that you think might attract termites, including old pallets or lumber. You can reduce the likelihood of silverfish invasion by removing moisture components. Fix any leaks immediately and use a humidifier to maintain a dry environment.

Finally, for wasps and hornets, safe removal of their nest is important. It is not recommended to do that by yourself due to the high likelihood of being stung.