It is extremely distressing to find signs that unwanted guests are trying to make a home within your garage. While it is very common for critters to find their way into your garage, it can be preventable.

The garage is often an important space used to store more than just vehicles. Not only do critters such as bats, mice, and raccoons damage the structure and your items, they also carry harmful diseases that can affect both humans and pets.

Addressing the areas of entry and attractions quickly can help to prevent further entrance.

1. Assess the weather stripping on the overhead garage door. The material that covers the gap where the garage door meets the foundation is known as weather stripping. Properly installed, the seal is intended to prevent moisture and critters from entering the structure when the overhead door is closed. Cracks or holes in the material are indications that the seal needs to be replaced. It is common for the weather stripping to be damaged or wear down over time.
2. Patch all holes in the walls and gaps around the windows and doors. A good rule of thumb is if you can see daylight, critters can get in. Patching even those small areas prevents ways for critters from entering. Using caulk or spray foam, you can reseal the windows and doors, preventing both critters and moisture from entering the structure. If the structure is finished, inspect all of the walls as mice are attracted to warmth and can create nests within walls, damaging both the insulation and drywall.
3. Avoid storing food in the garage. Critters look for three things: food, warmth and shelter and are extremely clever when they find it. Most are capable of chewing through storage containers or can remove lids, therefore it is not encouraged to store perishables or pet food in the garage. While the storage space may be helpful, the garage is not an ideal location to store food or beverages.
4. Check for areas where moisture may enter the structure. Regularly check for leaks in the roof, issues with downspout drainage, service door and window threshold gaps as insects are attracted to moisture. The exterior of the structure can also attract unwanted critters; therefore, it is important to maintain the siding, trim, and gutters to prevent rotting wood, standing water, and areas near the roof where critters can get in.
5. Regularly declutter and clean the space. Critters can hide in small spaces, often unseen. Regularly sweeping out the space will both remove any leaves or debris brought in by the vehicles but can also help to spot animal droppings. Where there are droppings, there are critters and where there is one, there are more.

If your current garage has become a home to unwanted guests and is ready to be replaced, give HGB a call! For a FREE consultation and estimate, contact Heartland Garage Builders at HeartlandGarageBuilders.com or 224-326-2698.