It’s one of the things you almost just wish you didn't notice. In the five seconds it takes you to get out of your car and go into your house, you notice something scuttling away into the corner of the garage. Yeah, you could try to convince yourself your mind was playing tricks on you, but soon enough, you’ll see it again. And again. And then there’ll be undeniable physical evidence that doesn't move out of your line of sight as soon as you notice it—a trail of ants, mouse droppings or a big fat cockroach who decides not to run away when the lights come on for some reason—and you’ll have to face the fact that it’s time to do something about this.

Sure, it’s only your garage. If you’re comfortable kicking off a pair of muddy boots there and letting your old car drip oil all over the floor, what’s a few pests? Well, if they start getting comfortable there, it’s only a matter of time before they move on to your house. You’re way better off not letting your garage turn into a bug’s halfway house between outside and inside. Here are a few ways to keep them out:

Getting Organized

Whether you’re already dealing with an infestation or you’ve been lucky enough not to have the unwelcome visitors just yet, you want to at least make sure nothing new is getting into your garage.

First, you need to clean up your garage. Keeping your garage organized with Monkey Bars and shelves will eliminate any spaces in your garage where pests and insects can lurk.

Properly storing your items off the ground will prevent your valuables being ruined from the occasional pest that might get in your garage. Don’t forget to lift heavy containers appropriately or find equipment to help you place all the heavy boxes on the shelves. It also makes it easier to clean your garage, which is a big plus for pest and bug control.

Insect Prevention

From personal experience, you’ll want to seal off the perimeter during spring, summer and fall by spraying an organic pesticide around the inside and outside baseboard of your garage.

While you’re spraying, keep an eye out for any cracks or openings that bugs could get through and then make another pass with some caulk in hand to close up these entry points. If you don’t have some kind of seal on the bottom of your garage door, then you’re probably leaving a pretty big opportunity for bugs to come inside. Get some sort of weather stripping on the bottom of your door to make sure it’s closed up. Killing all the insects inside will be an ultimately futile effort if you don’t cut off how they’re getting inside in the first place.

Pest Extermination

 If you happen to store any food or trash in the garage, make sure it’s kept in properly sealed containers.

If you know of the particular animal you struggle with, such as mice or raccoon, set out traps or repellents in the corners of your garage where the pest might go. Once it is gone, make an effort to keep your garage door closed when not need.

You wouldn't want bugs or bigger pests in your house, so why even let them in your garage – especially considering it won’t be long before they find their way into the house. Follow the tips discussed, and keep your garage pest free!