Common (and Not-so-Common) Garage Invaders in Illinois

 Posted on August 19, 2020 in Uncategorized

With the seasons changing and the weather proving to be persistent in its unpredictable shifting over the last several months, the likelihood of unwelcome visitors in your garage increases. It is important to know the types of creatures to be on the lookout for. This will not just prevent them from invading your garage now, but it will also help you determine whether a custom garage or garage remodeling project can help ensure that those uninvited guests do not make themselves at home in your garage.

Squirrels, and Termites, and Mice, Oh My!

A wide variety of pests, rodents, and other unsavory creatures can take up residence in your garage without you even realizing it, especially when the weather changes drastically. It is bad enough that many of them could do damage to your garage and what is in your garage, including your car. For example, rats and mice have been known to congregate under the hood of a parked car near the motor to help them stay warm in the winter. Some animals may even get more adventurous and brazen, attempting to break the barriers between your garage and home. Before long, you will have flies buzzing around your head in your kitchen or mice hiding under floorboards in your living room.

Here are 10 "garage invaders" to keep away from your garage, your home, and your family:

1. Termites and Ants-Both of these insects potentially present huge issues for the foundation and other structural elements of your garage, so if you notice them, take action immediately.
2. Mice and Rats-While many suburban homes face seemingly innocuous field mice more often than rats, be aware that both can carry serious diseases. Keep an eye out for their tiny pellet-like droppings as a telltale sign they have invaded your garage, as they tend to be sneaky and remain out of sight most of the time.
3. Opossums-While these odd animals are not as likely to show up inside your garage, be aware that they like to climb, and they could hide out in an attic or second level of your garage.
4. Skunks-Unless you do not use your garage much at all, skunks are more likely to get defensive enough to spray and leave rather than dwelling, "gifting" you with a lingering and unmistakable stench but no permanent residency.
5. Flies, Including Fruit Flies-If you keep your garbage in the garage, including your pets' waste and any spoiled food, flies are likely to enter your space. Your best bet is to keep all garage doors closed when not in use, including the entrance to the home, as well as keeping all refuse properly disposed of and sealed tightly.
6. Mosquitos-Make sure still water is at a minimum to prevent these disease-infested pests from taking over.
7. Crickets-These insects would be relatively harmless to your garage were it not for their obnoxious chirping. Fortunately, they do not exactly come in "packs" to infest your garage, but even one chirping insect can be very irritating.
8. Raccoons-If you do not keep your garbage cans tightly closed, or if your garbage is overflowing, these animals might get brave enough to follow the cans back into your garage, finding an unending supply of new garbage to forage through every night.
9. Wasps, Bees, and Hornets-In most cases, these insects' nests or hives tend to develop on the exterior of your house, but that will not prevent them from making use of your garage too.
10. Squirrels-Squirrels are curious. They scurry about everywhere in search of something to nibble on. Do not make it easy for them to satisfy their curiosity.

Contact a Chicago-Area Custom Garage Builder

If you are thinking of remodeling your garage or having a custom garage built, be sure to hire a Downers Grove garage specialist who knows exactly what materials to use and what construction methods to employ in making sure your garage is safe from all pests, rodents, and other creatures. Call Blue Sky Builders, Inc. at 630-852-8485 for more information.