Keeping Bugs Out of Your Metal Garage
While metal garages are designed to provide no natural source of food or bedding for pests, shelters that only see occasional use and dark, moisture-rich spots can be a prime spot for insects, rodents, and unwanted guests.
In this blog, we’ll explore why bugs and pests find their way into your structure, and what you can do to keep them at bay so you can enjoy your metal building the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
Why Do Bugs Get into Garages?
There are countless reasons why pests and insects might seek refuge in your metal garage. Let’s break down some of the biggest reasons:
Shelter from the Elements
Garages offer protection from rain, wind, extreme heat, and cold, making them an ideal hiding spot for insects and rodents that need shelter from the elements.
Food Sources Inside
If you store pet food, birdseed, garbage, or snacks in your garage, it can attract ants, roaches, mice, and other scavengers looking for an easy meal.
Cracks, Gaps, or Improper Sealing
Small gaps around garage doors, windows, vents, and wall joints provide easy entry points for bugs and critters to sneak in undetected.
Stored Clutter and Cardboard
Stacked boxes, newspapers, and unused furniture can offer dark, undisturbed nesting spots for spiders, silverfish, and even rodents.
Heat During Cold Months
During colder seasons, the interior of a metal garage can trap enough warmth to attract pests seeking a more temperate environment.
Nearby Vegetation or Debris
Overgrown bushes, firewood, mulch, or compost piles near the garage can serve as launch points for insects and rodents to move indoors.
What Are Common Pests Found in Metal Garages?
If you have a metal structure that only sees occasional human-related activity, you could very likely see:
- Ants
- Spiders
- Roaches
- Silverfish
- Mice
- Bees
- And More
What Are Signs that You Have a Bug Problem in Your Metal Garage?
Some common signs of bug infestation can include:
Droppings
Small, pellet-like droppings are a clear sign of rodent activity. You might find them near food sources, along walls, or in dark corners where mice like to hide.
Dead Insects
Finding clusters of dead bugs around windows, doorways, or lights could mean there’s a larger infestation lurking somewhere out of sight.
Webs
Cobwebs in corners, behind stored items, or along the ceiling are a common sign of spider activity. An increase in webs may indicate a growing insect population, since spiders go where the food is.
Musty Odors
A stale, musty, or urine-like smell can signal the presence of rodents. These odors often come from nests or areas where animals are actively living.
Chewed Cardboard, Fabric, or Wiring
Rodents love to gnaw. If you notice shredded boxes, holes in stored clothing, or bite marks on electrical wires, you’re likely dealing with mice or rats
Direct Sightings
Whether it’s a scurrying mouse, a cockroach, or a trail of ants, a direct sighting is a sure sign it’s time to investigate further and take action.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Keeping Bugs Out of Your Garage
The process of clearing out your metal garage and keeping bugs and rodents at bay is fairly simple, but requires a thorough approach. Below, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to freeing your metal building from creepy crawlies:
Step 1: Seal All Entry Points
By sealing off gaps and holes in your structure, you can significantly reduce potential points of entry for insects and pests.
- Inspect gaps around doors, windows, and along wall panels.
- Use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps
- Install door sweeps and foam door fittings to seal any additional holes.
Step 2: Declutter Your Space
One of the quickest ways to show insects the door is by having an organized space.
- Keep your metal garage clean and organized to remove potential hiding spots.
- Sweep and vacuum regularly.
- Use sealed bins instead of paper and cardboard boxes for storage to prevent access to important items.
- Trim bushes and grass around the garage to reduce insect access points.
- Remove firewood and debris from garage walls.
- Keep trash bins sealed.
- Don’t leave pet food in the garage
- Use bug lights to reduce insect attraction.
Step 3: Manage Moisture
Moisture can be a pervasive issue that is just as damaging as the pests they bring along with them.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture and eliminate any pooled water.
- Use gutters and pipes to guarantee adequate water drainage.
Step 4: Use Repellents and Traps
There are several options to repel and trap insects and rodents.
- Use Cedar blocks, essential oils, and other fragrances to ward away insects and rodents.
- Set traps near corners and entry points.
Step 5: Inspect and Maintain
You’ll want to perform regular checks and tackle small repairs before they become larger issues.
- Perform seasonal checks for cracks, leaks, and pests.
- Add reinforced weather stripping, gutters, and window seals.
FAQs About Keeping Bugs Out of Garages
If you're hoping to rid your metal garage of four, six, and eight-legged friends, you may have a few questions about your best options. To help keep your structure free of vermin, we've put together some of the most valuable questions on the subject:
How can I keep bugs and rodents from getting into my metal garage in the first place?
Answer: Start by sealing all cracks, gaps, and openings around doors, windows, and vents. Install weather stripping on garage doors and keep the area clean, dry, and free from clutter to reduce hiding spots and food sources.
What kind of sealant should I use for gaps or cracks?
Answer: Use a high-quality silicone or polyurethane caulk for sealing small cracks. For larger gaps, expanding foam or steel wool can help block entry points.
Does lighting affect pest activity in garages?
Answer: Yes. Bright, white lights can attract flying insects at night. Consider switching to yellow “bug lights” or motion-sensor lighting to reduce the draw without sacrificing visibility or safety.
Should I store food or pet supplies in my garage?
Answer: If possible, avoid storing food of any kind in your garage. If you must, keep it in sealed, airtight containers made of plastic or metal to keep smells contained and pests out.
How often should I inspect my garage for pest activity?
Answer: A quarterly inspection is a good rule of thumb. Check for droppings, nests, webs, or chewed materials. Also, walk around the exterior to look for potential entry points or signs of burrowing near the foundation.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator
In most cases, DIY pest control will do the trick of keeping your metal garage free of the occasional mouse or bug. However, in some cases, you may be faced with a persistent infestation that can cause immense damage if left unchecked. For this, you need a pro. But how do you know?
You’ve Tried DIY Solutions with No Success
If you've sealed cracks, set traps, used sprays or repellents and pests keep coming back, it’s a strong indicator that there’s a bigger issue at play.
You’re Seeing Pests During the Day
Many pests are nocturnal, so if you’re spotting them in broad daylight, it usually means the infestation has grown large enough to force them out of hiding.
You Find Structural Damage
Chewed wires, damaged insulation, or shredded materials in your garage can point to a rodent problem that's more than a minor inconvenience—and potentially a fire hazard.
Keeping Pests at Bay Gives You the Time to Play
Whether you're using your steel structure to store away vehicles and equipment or creating a workshop or production space, keeping your environment pest-free is critical. Regular maintenance and a keen eye can go a long way toward reducing the presence of pests and rodents.
With a metal garage that’s free of insects and unwanted guests, you’ll be able to take advantage of durable framing and quality craftsmanship, and protect your most important items in the process.
