As the weather cools, garages become prime real estate for mice and other critters looking for warmth and shelter. It’s easy to overlook a small rodent problem in a corner of the garage, but there are some compelling reasons to take preventive action. Not only do mice carry potential health risks, but they also cause substantial damage to both your garage and, perhaps more surprisingly, your vehicle. Let’s dig into why keeping mice out of your garage is essential and how this will also protect your car from costly repairs.
- Mice Bring Health Hazards
One of the primary reasons to keep mice out of any space in your home is the health risks they pose. Mice can carry diseases like hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis, which can be harmful to humans and pets. They leave droppings, urine, and nesting materials scattered in corners, which can contaminate your belongings. And while garages are not typically living spaces, they’re still often used for storage and accessed regularly, creating plenty of opportunities to encounter harmful bacteria. - Mice Will Seek Shelter in Cars for Warmth and Protection
Mice are naturally drawn to warm, enclosed areas, making your car an ideal nesting spot, especially in winter. They can slip through remarkably small openings in car doors, hoods, or vents and burrow inside the engine, under the dashboard, or even in the trunk. By making their way into your car, they create a whole new world of problems, from gnawing on wires to damaging upholstery. Preventing them from entering your garage in the first place keeps them at bay and away from your car. - Mice Cause Expensive Car Damage
Once inside a car, mice can cause extensive and costly damage. They are notorious for chewing on wires, insulation, and hoses. Many modern vehicles use wiring that includes soy-based insulation, which is especially attractive to rodents. A single mouse can quickly chew through wiring, leading to electrical malfunctions, engine issues, and even safety hazards like faulty airbags. The cost of replacing damaged wiring alone can reach into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, making it essential to prevent mice from getting inside your garage in the first place. - Mice Can Impact Car Performance and Safety
The damage mice cause isn’t just costly—it can also be dangerous. Chewed wires can lead to shorts in essential systems like braking, lighting, or air conditioning. In some cases, damaged wiring can even result in fires or a complete shutdown of your vehicle’s systems. Given that mice can gnaw their way through electrical components in no time, keeping them out of the garage is a smart way to prevent any surprises that could compromise your car’s safety. - Keeping Mice Out of Your Garage Protects Stored Belongings
For many of us, the garage is more than just a parking spot; it’s also a storage area for everything from seasonal decorations to power tools and sporting equipment. Mice are notorious chewers and will happily nibble through boxes, bags, fabrics, and even plastic containers to create nests. They can destroy valuable items, leave messes, and create an unsanitary environment. Blocking them from entry is an effective way to preserve both your belongings and the garage’s cleanliness.
Practical Tips to Keep Mice Out of Your Garage (and Car)
Seal All Entry Points: Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, so inspect your garage for gaps in walls, doors, and windows. Use caulk or steel wool to seal small holes and install weather stripping on doors.
Organize and Clean Regularly: Keep the garage as clean and uncluttered as possible. Store items in sealed, mouse-proof containers, especially food-related items like birdseed or pet food. Mice are attracted to clutter because it offers places to hide and nest.
Store Your Car with Care: If you use your car infrequently, consider parking it away from walls or near any areas that might attract mice. Using deterrents like peppermint oil or commercially available rodent repellent inside the car can help keep mice out.
Use Mouse Traps and Baits Carefully: Place traps and baits near suspected entry points but be cautious of using these around pets and small children.
The Bottom Line
Preventing mice from setting up camp in your garage doesn’t just safeguard the space itself; it also serves as an essential first line of defense for your car. Keeping mice out of your garage can ultimately protect your health, save you from costly car repairs, and ensure that your home and belongings stay clean and secure.
