How to Keep Mice and Pests Out of Your Garage
Cold weather sends mice and other pests looking for shelter. A garage offers warmth and stored items. Mice can squeeze through very small gaps. The garage door is one of the common entry points. This guide shows where to look and what to do.
Start with the garage door
Check the bottom seal and the side stops. Look for light under the door. Look for chewed or torn rubber. A gap that lets light through can let a mouse through. This guide explains when to replace a seal.
Look at the corners of the door and the floor. Uneven concrete leaves gaps. A thicker seal may help. A door that sits crooked leaves a gap along one side. See how to inspect garage door tracks.
Check other entry points
- Gaps around pipes and wires that enter the garage.
- Cracks in the foundation or the wall.
- Vents and small openings.
- The door between the garage and the house. Keep it closed.
Remove what attracts pests
- Store pet food and bird seed and grass seed in sealed metal or hard plastic bins.
- Keep trash in closed containers.
- Move cardboard boxes off the floor. Pests like to nest in them.
- Keep the floor clear so you can see droppings and signs of activity.
Keep the door closed
An open door invites pests and thieves. Close the door when you are not using it. Garage door security tips also help.
Winter matters most
Pests move in as temperatures drop. Check the door and seal in fall. Use the seasonal maintenance checklist. Read garage door problems in cold weather for more winter tips.
When to call for help
A garage door seal can fix a gap. It cannot remove pests that are already inside. Call a pest control professional if you find droppings or nests. If the door is bent or the panel is damaged see our panel repair page. If an old door cannot be sealed read when to replace a garage door.
Gaps around the door?
Call us or send a request. Tell us what you see and we will point you to the right fix.