How to Protect Stored Items in Garages or Attics from Pests

 

Pests like mice, rats, insects, and spiders often invade garages and attics, damaging your belongings. To keep stored items safe, use sealed containers, control moisture, clean regularly, seal entry points, and avoid storing food or plants. Choose where you store items wisely and check them often for signs of pests.

 

Use Sealed Containers, Not Cardboard Boxes

 

• Avoid cardboard boxes—they're easy for pests to chew through and can soak up moisture, making them even more attractive to bugs and rodents.
• Choose plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. These keep out most insects and rodents, and limit moisture that attracts pests.
• Clear containers make it easier to see what's inside without opening, letting you check items quickly without disturbing stored areas.

 

Clean and Declutter Your Storage Spaces

 

• Dust, crumbs, and debris attract pests. Sweep and vacuum your garage or attic at least a few times a year, focusing on corners and behind storage items.
• Don’t leave piles of clutter. Stacks of paper, fabric, or cardboard invite rodents and insects to build nests.
• Remove unused items regularly. The more stuff you have stored, the more hiding spots for pests.

 

Seal Entry Points to Block Pests

 

• Check for small gaps or holes around windows, doors, pipes, or the roof. Even tiny cracks allow mice and insects inside.
• Seal holes with steel wool (for rodents) and caulking or expanding foam (for insects and small gaps). Use weather-stripping around doors.
• Repair damaged screens on vents or windows.

 

Control Moisture and Humidity

 

• Pests need water to survive. Garages and attics often get damp or humid, especially after rain or with poor ventilation.
• Use a dehumidifier in particularly damp areas, and fix leaks in the roof or pipes quickly.
• Store items on shelves or pallets, not directly on the floor, to improve airflow and keep them away from dampness and pests that travel along the floor.

 

Don’t Store Food or Plant Materials

 

• Forgetting just a small snack, bag of birdseed, or dried flowers can attract rodents, moths, and bugs.
• Keep all edible or plant-based items (including pet food, seeds, and even scented candles with plant oils) out of storage spaces.

 

Check Stored Items Regularly

 

• Inspect items and containers every few months for chewed corners, droppings, or insect webs.
• If you see any evidence of pests, remove affected items and clean the area thoroughly. Set traps or call professionals for larger problems.

 

Choose Storage Locations Wisely

 

• Store valuable or sensitive items away from areas near doors, vents, or holes in the structure, where pests are more likely to get in.
• Elevate storage off the floor, and leave space between items and the walls so you can inspect and clean behind them.

 

Optional: Use Pest Deterrents, but Safely

 

• You can place natural repellents like cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or peppermint oil, which may help keep some pests away.
• If you choose chemical traps or baits, use them only as labeled, and keep them away from pets or children.

 

In summary: Use sturdy sealed containers, keep the storage area clean and dry, block pest entry points, never store food, inspect regularly, and consider deterrents if needed. With these steps, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of pests damaging your stored belongings.