{"id":7730,"date":"2024-08-06T05:07:05","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T05:07:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/2024\/08\/06\/publishhow-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-basements000openopen\/"},"modified":"2026-05-23T05:41:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T05:41:23","slug":"how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep Mice out of the Garage and Basements"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>People don&#8217;t like mice. If you have ever had one in your home, you know how hard it is to get rid of them. Mice will take over your home if they have an opportunity to do so. They are smart, and they can fit through holes the size of a half-dollar. This can be unbearable for any homeowner to deal with.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/takecaretermite.com\/blog\/how-do-mice-get-in-the-house\/\">Mice and rats enter the house<\/a> through chimneys, foundation cracks, garage doors and corner posts. There are many methods that people can use to prevent mice from entering their garages and basement.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/#What_Attracts_Mice\" >What Attracts Mice?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/#How_to_Keep_Mice_out_of_the_Garage_and_Basements\" >How to Keep Mice out of the Garage and Basements<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/#1_Remove_all_food_sources\" >1. Remove all food sources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/#2_Get_rid_of_nesting_material\" >2. Get rid of nesting material<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/#3_Use_sound_and_Add_screens\" >3. Use sound and Add screens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/#4_Get_rid_of_cardboard\" >4. Get rid of cardboard<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/#5_Place_a_dehumidifier\" >5. Place a dehumidifier<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/#6_Keep_the_garage_door_closed_and_also_keep_exterior_doors_closed\" >6. Keep the garage door closed and also keep exterior doors closed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/#7_Keep_your_landscaping_neat\" >7. Keep your landscaping neat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/#8_Use_essential_oils_-_Spray_a_solution_of_peppermint_extract_and_water_around_the_perimeter\" >8. Use essential oils - Spray a solution of peppermint extract and water around the perimeter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/#9_Seal_openings_as_a_crack_in_the_garage_foundation_can_be_a_way_for_mice_to_get_in\" >9. Seal openings as a crack in the garage foundation can be a way for mice to get in<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-the-garage-and-basements\/#10_Store_firewood_outdoors_as_far_away_from_your_garage_and_house_as_possible\" >10. Store firewood outdoors, as far away from your garage and house as possible<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Attracts_Mice\"><\/span>What Attracts Mice?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Mice are attracted to garages and basements for two main reasons. The first is food. Mice find food in garage insulation, under shelving, and in other storage areas. They also like to nest in and around food sources, especially if they are pet food.<\/p>\n<p>The second reason mice are attracted to garages is because of their nesting habits. Mice like to live in the warmest, driest parts of a building, so they will often take up residence in garage insulation or under tarped ground covers. If a mouse discovers a warm area that is dry during the winter months, it might choose to make it its home year after year.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Keep_Mice_out_of_the_Garage_and_Basements\"><\/span>How to Keep Mice out of the Garage and Basements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Mice are very destructive creatures, and they can cause a lot of damage to your home. These <a href=\"https:\/\/takecaretermite.com\/blog\/protect-electrical-wiring-from-rodents\/\">rodents can chew through electrical wiring<\/a>, eat through insulation, and ruin your appliances. Hiring a mice exterminator can help you to get rid of mice without any trouble. However, if you want to do it yourself, the good news is that you can keep mice out of your garage or basement by following these steps:<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Remove_all_food_sources\"><\/span>1. Remove all food sources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Keep pet food and bird feed in a well-sealed metal container to prevent mice from getting into them. Mice like to chew through plastic, so keeping them out of the area where you store supplies is best.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Get_rid_of_nesting_material\"><\/span>2. Get rid of nesting material<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Mice need a place to make their nests, so remove any old boxes or other materials that could be used as nesting material. It&#8217;s best to do this before you see signs of mice activity in your garage or basement.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Use_sound_and_Add_screens\"><\/span>3. Use sound and Add screens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Sound deterrents are the most effective way to deter mice from your garage and basement. You can use squeaky toys, or make a squealing sound by rubbing sandpaper across the top of a board. You can also try adding screens to your garage door so that mice cannot get through.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Get_rid_of_cardboard\"><\/span>4. Get rid of cardboard<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Mice like cardboard boxes, so get rid of them. If you have a big cardboard box that&#8217;s been hiding out in your garage for years, you might be surprised to learn that mice are attracted to it. If you&#8217;re trying to keep mice out of your garage and basement, simply get rid of all the cardboard boxes that you can.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Place_a_dehumidifier\"><\/span>5. Place a dehumidifier<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>You can purchase a dehumidifier at any hardware store or home improvement store. It won&#8217;t take long for the device to reduce humidity levels enough to make it difficult for mice to survive in your garage or basement.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Keep_the_garage_door_closed_and_also_keep_exterior_doors_closed\"><\/span>6. Keep the garage door closed and also keep exterior doors closed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Keep garage doors closed, especially at night. Mice can squeeze through tiny openings in a garage door, so closing the door at night keeps them out of your garage. Also, keep exterior doors closed or covered with weather stripping to keep mice out of your home.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Keep_your_landscaping_neat\"><\/span>7. Keep your landscaping neat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Landscaping should be kept neat with no dead trees or shrubs. Mice like to burrow into dirt and wood piles, which can make them feel very warm and secure. Keep your landscaping neat by trimming back any overgrown shrubs or trees that might provide a hiding place for mice.<\/p>\n<h5>8. Use essential oils &#8211; Spray a solution of peppermint extract and water around the perimeter<\/h5>\n<p>Essential oils are very powerful and you can diffuse them or spray them directly onto surfaces where mice may be trying to enter your home. You can use peppermint oil or lavender oil \u2014 around the perimeter of your garage or basement. The scent will keep them away from the building&#8217;s walls and foundations.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Seal_openings_as_a_crack_in_the_garage_foundation_can_be_a_way_for_mice_to_get_in\"><\/span>9. Seal openings as a crack in the garage foundation can be a way for mice to get in<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Seal openings such as a crack in the garage foundation can be a way for mice to get in. If you have an area that is always open, such as an air vent or window, then seal these up tightly with caulk. The duct tape is meant for this purpose because it is waterproof and will not harm your insulation or drywall.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Store_firewood_outdoors_as_far_away_from_your_garage_and_house_as_possible\"><\/span>10. Store firewood outdoors, as far away from your garage and house as possible<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>The best way to keep mice out of your garage and basement is to store firewood outdoors, as far away from your garage and house as possible. While this may seem like a pain, it&#8217;s one of the most effective ways of keeping mice out of your home. Keeping your firewood in an area where it&#8217;s constantly exposed to rain will prevent them from getting a scent that will draw them in.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Call Take Care Termite and Pest Control to <a href=\"https:\/\/takecaretermite.com\/residential\/rodent-control-services\/\">exterminate mice and rats<\/a> from your garage and basements<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Start implementing an extermination plan to rid you of these rodents now so that they do not cause you any more trouble. Over time, you will be thankful to have taken the steps needed to banish this problem as it is a common frustration among many people and a good lesson in homeowner upkeep.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mice and rats enter the house through chimneys, foundation cracks, garage doors and corner posts. There are many methods that people can use to prevent mice from entering their garages and basement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7731,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7730","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7730","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7730"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7730\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13727,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7730\/revisions\/13727"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7731"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7730"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7730"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7730"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}