Telltale Signs That Mice Are Lurking In Your Garage

Have you been hearing strange noises coming from your garage? Or perhaps you've been noticing rub marks, holes, or musky odors? These could be signs that mice are lurking in your car's designated shelter. These pests can appear just about anywhere, even if the place is squeaky clean. They only need food and shelter; your garage most likely provides both. If you store food in your garage, that's like setting up a banquet for mice and other creatures. An unused car or an undisturbed corner gives them the perfect place to hide.

An even bigger problem is that mice can start mating at 10 weeks old and give birth to pups after just 20 days. If you don't spot them early on, you can have a pest infestation in no time. Luckily, there are some telltale signs you have mice in your garage. Watch out for them, and if anything seems off, take action immediately. For example, you could use peppermint, cayenne pepper, or onions to get rid of mice humanely. The scent can ward off mice. But if you're having a severe, pesky rodent problem, you may need to call the pros.

The most obvious signs of mice in your garage, attic, or home are droppings and odd sounds. If you find mouse droppings in the house, they'll likely be no bigger than a grain of rice, measuring around ¼ of an inch in length. They're black when fresh, but their color fades and turns dark brown over time. As they build up, you may notice a musty odor. Mouse urine smells even worse due to the presence of pheromones. It has a strong, acrid odor, so it's hard to miss. You might also notice small holes in food bags, carton boxes, and other items in your garage. Any gap as big as a writing utensil is enough for mice to get through. 

In some cases, the rodents can build nests under the floor, behind appliances, or in cavity walls. These are visible to the naked eye, but you must look for them. Other signs of a mouse infestation may include greasy rub marks along the walls, scuttling or scurrying sounds, scratch marks, or footprints. Moving forward, decide how you want to go about it. Poison isn't the best option if you have children or pets. Alternatively, you could use mouse traps — though these can inflict suffering. White vinegar is a pantry item that'll keep mice out of your home, too, but it takes time to work. You can try it out with other natural solutions before contacting a pest control company.