If you’re a homeowner in Coquitlam and have been noticing some unwanted guests scurrying around your garage, you’re not alone. Mice infestations in garages are quite common and can quickly turn into a major headache if not addressed promptly. Not only can they damage your belongings, but they also pose health risks by contaminating your food and leaving behind droppings. The question on everyone’s mind is, “How do I get rid of mice in my garage?” But maybe you should be asking what is attracting them to your garage in the first place. 

In this article, our Skedaddle experts explore the reasons why mice might be drawn to your garage and provide you with tips on how to prevent an infestation from happening. From sealing up entry points to properly storing your belongings, we’ll cover all the basics of mice removal in Coquitlam and how you can keep these unwanted guests out of your garage for good.

Understanding the Mouse Attraction: Food and Shelter 

When it comes to deterring mice from your garage, it helps to first understand what might be luring them inside. The primary attractions are usually related to food and shelter. Mice are opportunistic creatures and your garage could be offering them exactly what they need to survive and thrive. 

Food Sources 

Mice are not particularly picky eaters and your garage might be an unintentional buffet for them. They can feed on a wide array of items including birdseed, pet food, gardening products, cardboard, and even some types of insulation. Many homeowners may unknowingly leave out these appealing food sources in their garages, attracting rodents and encouraging infestations. 

Shelter 

Besides food, your garage could provide the perfect shelter for mice. Garages often offer plenty of hiding spots, warmth, and protection from predators. Clutter, including stacked boxes and unused items, can offer rodents the perfect nesting locations. 

Tell-Tale Signs of a Mouse Infestation in Your Garage 

Recognizing the signs of a mouse infestation in your garage is the first step toward reclaiming your space. While some indicators are subtle, others are more noticeable. Watch out for these tell-tale signs: 

• Gnaw marks: Do you see bite marks on your cardboard boxes, stored foods, or wires? Mice have sharp, strong teeth that they use to gnaw on various materials, leaving distinguishable marks behind.
• Droppings: One of the most apparent signs of an infestation. Mouse droppings are small, dark, and rod-shaped, often found scattered around your garage.
• Nests: Mice build nests out of soft and warm materials. If you come across these tiny nests made out of fabric, paper, insulation, etc., chances are you have a mouse in your garage.
• Unusual smells: Mouse urine has a strong, musky odour that is unmistakable. If your garage has a persistent odd smell, it could be a sign of an infestation.
• Sounds: Listen out for scratching, squeaking, or rustling noises, particularly during the night when they are most active.

Mouse-Proofing Your Garage: Effective Prevention Techniques 

In order to prevent mice from turning your garage into their new home, there are several preventative measures that you can put into place. The goal is to make your garage less attractive to mice and more difficult for them to access. Here are some effective tactics to achieve that. 

Seal Up Gaps and Cracks 

Mice can fit through gaps as small as a ¼ inch or roughly the size of a dime. The first step in mouse-proofing your garage should be a thorough inspection for any potential entry points. Look around the garage doors, around windows, and in the corners. Even the smallest opening might be just enough for a mouse to squeeze through. Sealing these gaps and cracks reduces the likelihood of mice gaining easy entry into your garage. 

Properly Store Belongings 

Mice love clutter. Piles of stored items and cluttered spaces are like a paradise to them. In such environments, they find ideal hiding and nesting spaces. Regularly cleaning and organizing your garage can significantly help in discouraging mice infestation. Additionally, store items in sealed, sturdy plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes. These are less appealing to mice as they can’t chew through plastic, thus your belongings remain safe. 

Secure Food Sources 

If your garage houses food items – whether it’s for your pets, birds, or even for gardening – it’s crucial to store them properly. Mice can easily gnaw their way through bags and cardboard packaging. Consider transferring these items into sturdy, sealed containers which mice can’t chew through. Keeping these potential food sources secure can help deter mice from setting up camp in your garage. 

Maintenance 

Regular maintenance of your garage is key in keeping mice away. This includes fixing leaky pipes and faucets, cleaning spills immediately, and ensuring the garage is dry and well-ventilated. Mice are attracted to moist areas as these provide the perfect conditions for their survival, thus keeping your garage dry reduces the attraction. 

Use of Deterrents 

There are various scent-based deterrents available in the market that can help keep mice away. Mice use their keen sense of smell to navigate, and certain smells – like mint or ammonia – are said to be offensive to them. However, remember these are only temporary solutions and should be used alongside other preventive measures. 

Remember: Despite all your best efforts, if mice still seem to be making themselves right at home in your garage, it may be time to call in the professionals. A skilled wildlife control expert, like the teams at Skedaddle, can safely and humanely remove the mice, clean up the mess they’ve left behind, and help you mouse-proof your garage to prevent future infestations.

Call Skedaddle for Humane Mice Removal Coquitlam 

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we have over three decades of experience in dealing with mouse infestations. Our team is skilled, knowledgeable, and equipped with all the necessary tools to safely remove mice from your garage while ensuring the least possible harm to these animals. We understand that household mouse infestations present a significant inconvenience and potential health concern for homeowners, and our approach focuses on providing immediate solutions while also taking steps to prevent future issues. 

Why Choose Skedaddle? 

When it comes to mouse infestations, it is always advisable to trust the experts. Skedaddle brings a wealth of experience and a humane and environmentally-conscious approach to wildlife control right to your garage. Here’s why you should trust us with your mice infestation problem: 

• Humane Approach: We believe in treating all wildlife, including mice, with respect. Our methods focus on removing mice safely with minimal stress on the animals.
• Preventive Measures: Skedaddle does more than just remove mice from your garage. Our wildlife control experts also examine your garage for potential risk factors and provide you with a comprehensive plan for preventing future infestations.
• Experienced Technicians: Our team is composed of well-trained and experienced technicians who can deal reliably with any scale of mouse infestation.
• Customer Service: We value each of our customers and strive to provide excellent service at all times. From the moment you contact us until the job is done, you can expect professionalism, empathy, and respect from every member of our team.

Skedaddle Mice Control: How It Works 

We’ve honed our process to handle mouse infestations quickly, efficiently, and humanely. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of what to expect when you call Skedaddle for mice removal in Coquitlam: 

1. Initial Contact: When you reach out to us, whether via phone or our website, our team will gather the necessary details about your situation and schedule an appointment.
2. Assessment: Upon arrival, our trained technicians will conduct a thorough assessment of your garage, identifying signs of mouse activity, potential entry points, and food sources.
3. Removal: Using our tested humane methods such as one-way doors, we will safely remove mice from your garage.
4. Cleanup and Decontamination: Once all mice have been removed, our team will clean up mouse droppings and any damaged areas, then decontaminate the area to eliminate any health risks.
5. Prevention: Our team will seal all potential entry points identified during the assessment, and provide advice on how to keep your garage mouse-free in the future.

Conclusion: Mice infestations in the garage are a serious issue that requires a thorough, professional approach. While there are steps you can take to deter mice, sometimes the infestation can be overwhelming for homeowners to handle alone. Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a big problem. Call Skedaddle today for your humane mice removal needs in Coquitlam.