The Cheapest Ways to Keep Mice Out of Your Garage

There’s nothing cartoon-cute about a mouse in your home or garage. These rodents, in any climate and at any time of the year, can gnaw through wood, metal, insulation, and even electrical wiring. Even worse, they can carry and transmit multiple diseases, including rat-bite fever and the plague.

The internet is full of so-called mouse repellents like peppermint oil or electronic gadgets, but there’s little evidence these methods work. A cat might catch a mouse or two, but pets can also carry infected fleas inside your home. Keep reading to learn how to keep mice away with methods that actually work.

What Are the Signs of Mice in Your Home or Garage?

Before mouse-proofing your space, confirm that mice are the problem. They’re not always visible, so watch for these signs:

• Small barrel-shaped droppings, faint scratching sounds, and the strong smell of urine.

• Gnaw marks on cracks, crevices, and gaps. Mice can climb up to 12 inches high. Look for wood shavings near these marks.

• Gaps and holes as small as 1/4 inch in doors, walls, or baseboards. Fill these with steel wool before sealing them. Mice can’t chew through steel wool, making it a great budget-friendly barrier.

How to Get Rid of Mice

If mice are already inside your garage, use one or more of these proven methods to eliminate them:

• Use wood or wire snap traps baited with peanut butter. Place traps every few feet along walls. Avoid glue or live traps, as these can cause mice to panic and spread urine, increasing disease risk.

• Rat poison is dangerous to more than just mice. If used, only apply government-approved rodenticides in tamper-resistant bait stations designed for mice and rats.

• When removing dead mice, wear gloves and ventilate the space by opening doors and windows. Diseases can spread from contact with dead rodents and their droppings.

• If you have a rodent infestation, it may be more effective and safer to call a professional pest control service.

How to Keep Mice Out of Your Garage

Once you’ve removed the mice, take these steps to keep them from coming back:

• Clean your garage thoroughly to eliminate hiding spots and food sources. Avoid leaving out dog food, trash, wood scraps, hay, or shredded paper. Store items in airtight containers.

• Keep garbage cans covered and, if possible, outside the garage.

• Block access points. Install rodent-proof garage door bottom seals like the Xcluder seal available at North Shore Commercial Door. These seals are made with stainless steel and poly fiber mesh that mice cannot chew through.

• Use Excluder Residential Rodent Control door sweeps or other sealing products to close gaps between the garage floor and door. North Shore offers eco-friendly and affordable rodent control options for both garage and home entryways.

Go Further with North Shore

Once your garage is pest-proof, check out North Shore’s selection of garage accessories. Stay ahead of garage issues by reading our Guide to Garage Door Maintenance.

Still Curious About Xcluder?

Please ask. Our in-house experts are ready to help with any questions about rodent control and garage door protection. Get in touch with our support crew.