
Understanding The Common Rodents Found in Garages
Rodents find garages to be an optimum habitat - it's usually dry, relatively warm, and often filled with clutter that provides excellent hiding spaces. Here are the five most common types of rodents that you might find making themselves at home in your garage:1. House Mice
House Mice are small rodents with relatively large ears and small, black eyes. They vary in colour but are generally grey or brown. They are known for their incredible adaptability, which makes garages an ideal nesting site for them. These rodents can cause substantial damage by gnawing on structures and wires, potentially causing fire hazards.
2. Norway Rats
Norway Rats, also known as brown or sewer rats, are larger than house mice, have shaggy fur, and have blunt noses. They are highly aggressive and are likely to cause significant damage to your property. They are also vectors for various diseases, which can pose serious health risks.
3. Roof Rats
If you have fruit trees near your home, you may be inviting Roof Rats into your garage. These rats are smaller than Norway Rats and are excellent climbers. They often nest high up, which means they may be found in the rafters or eaves of your garage.
4. Deer Mice
Despite their name, Deer Mice aren't exclusive to woodland areas - they can also frequently be found in rural and suburban garages. Deer mice are distinguishable by their white bellies and large, white feet. They are also potential carriers of Hantavirus, which can be deadly to humans.
5. Voles
Similar in appearance to House Mice, Voles are distinctive for their shorter tails, smaller ears, and stocky build. While they are primarily burrowers and prefer to nest in gardens or lawns, they may also move into garages, especially during fall and winter months.
Recognizing the Signs of a Rodent Infestation
Spotting a rodent infestation at an early stage is key to keeping your garage and home safe from the damaging effects of these damaging creatures. Here are some telltale signs to look for.- Unusual Noises: Rodents often move around at night. If you hear scurrying or scratching sounds, particularly when it's dark, this could be a sign of rodents in your garage.
- Nesting Materials: Rodents often gather materials like paper and fabric to construct their nests. If you start finding these items shredded in the corners of your garage, you might be dealing with an infestation.
- Food Debris: Rodents need to eat, and they can often leave behind evidence of their meals. Finding gnawed food containers or scraps can suggest a rodent presence.
- Rodent Droppings: This is one of the most common signs of a rodent infestation. Small, dark pellets in hidden areas are a clear indication of a problem.
- Tracks or Paths: Rodents frequently follow the same trails when they move around. Over time, these trails can become visible. Look out for small tracks in dust, or worn areas along the walls or floor.
Prevention: Effective Strategies to Keep Rodents at Bay
As a pest control expert from Truly Nolen Canada, we understand that preventing these unwelcome guests can often be a lot more cost-effective and significantly less stressful than dealing with a full-blown infestation. There are a number of control measures and rodent deterrent tactics that can help keep your garage rodent-free.- Seal off Entry Points: A starting point in preventing rodent infestations is to ensure that your garage is sealed off adequately. Rodents can squeeze through very small openings due to the flexibility of their rib cage. Therefore, all potential entry points should be carefully sealed. Using materials such as steel wool or hardware cloth can be particularly effective as these are materials too tough for rodents to chew through.
- Regular Cleaning: Rodents are attracted to clutter and warmth. Regularly clean and declutter your garage. Avoid storing items directly on the floor, instead utilize shelves or hanging storage. This will help in minimizing the available spaces for rodents to hide or nest.

- Proper Waste Management: Food waste or open trash bins can be like magnets for rodents. Make sure to keep trash bins sealed and take out the garbage regularly. This will not only deter rodents but also other pests like insects.
- Professional Inspection: Lastly, don't underestimate the value of a professional inspection. Truly Nolen's pest control experts can identify potential rodent entry points and areas of concern that you might have missed. By conducting regular inspections, potential infestations can be caught early before they turn into major issues.