Garage Insect and Rodent Checklist

Check for rodents and pest infestation by looking for droppings, dead insects, spider webs in corners, on garage floor sill plates, ceiling trusses or rafters and windows.

Depending on the findings, you may be able to solve the problem yourself, need to learn more about Insects and Rodents or require the help of a Pest Control Professional. Learn more about Pest Control Facts

Insect and Rodent Checklist - CARPENTER ANTS

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Is there any signs of small particles resembling sawdust along around any sill plates or studs.

YES ___  NO ___

RESPONSE:-->
Carpenter ants often nest inside walls, ceilings, outdoor siding, eaves, floors, window casings, etc.They prefer wet wood, and can often be found in rotting wood. Carpenter ants do not eat wood; however, they do nest in it. When chewing their way through wood they leave small particles resembling saw dust which they push out of their colony. The presence of this saw dust is an indication that a colony of Carpenter Ants could exist.

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To prevent a carpenter ant infestation, decayed wood should be removed from around and within your garage and home.

Firewood should not be stored indoors against or next to your home for long periods of time.

Wood used where dampness may occur should be treated with a preservative and insect repellant.

Food stuffs, such as sugar, should be stored in closed insect proof containers.

Chemical control of carpenter ants should be undertaken by a Qualified Pest Control Company.

Learn more about Pest Control Facts.

Insect and Rodent Checklist - SILVERFISH

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Are there any signs of silverfish in damp dark areas of the garage or other areas of your home?

YES ___  NO ___

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Silverfish are nocturnal and prefer damp dark areas. They appreciate warm temperatures and can often be found in furnace rooms. They feed on starchy materials such as wallpaper paste or sizing and glue.

Sometimes, they feed on paper or other wood by-products.

Old books, papers, et cetera, should not be left in unventilated areas for long periods of time are a prime target for silverfish.

SOLUTIONS:-->
While chemical treatment can be effective, non-chemical treatment also works. Proper vacuuming in areas where they are likely to hide is essential.

Small jars, partially filled with water can be used to trap silverfish. Once inside the jar they cannot crawl up the sides. The outside of the jar should be covered with masking tape to allow them to climb up easily.

Learn more about SilverFish and Pest Control Facts.

Insect and Rodent Checklist - COCKROACHES

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Are there any dark damp areas in your garage or home where cockroaches can thrive?

YES ___  NO ___

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Cockroaches eat many different things, including food, paper, plants, glue, etc. They prefer a damp dark environment.

Roaches can be a health hazard as they have been known to carry salmonella bacteria. Getting rid of cockroaches can be very difficult.

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Good housekeeping is a must. Spills and clutter should be cleaned up promptly.

Food and other cockroach attractions should be stored in insect proof containers.

If possible, repair any damp areas in the home.

Chemical treatment is a solution, but should be performed by a Pest Control Professional.

Learn more about Pest Control Facts.

Insect and Rodent Checklist - TERMITES

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Do you have any areas of direct wood/soil contact where termites can cause damage?

YES ___  NO ___

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Termites live on wood. While they prefer damp or decaying wood, they will also eat sound dry lumber. The damage to the wood is seldom noticeable as they eat through the interior.

If there is no direct wood/soil contact, termites must build shelter tubes or tunnels to get from the soil to the wood. It is the presence of these tubes which indicate an infestation. The tubes are typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch in width and are made of soil glued together by the termites.

Termites can cause extensive and costly damage.

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Correct any areas of direct soil/wood contact.

If shelter tubes are noticed, a Pest Control Professional should be contacted immediately.

Learn more about Pest Control Facts.

Insect and Rodent Checklist - MICE

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Are there any signs of mouse droppings in the garage.

YES ___  NO ___

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The typical life expectancy of a house mouse is approximately one year. During that time, a female mouse can bear up to eight litters of four or five mice.

While mice will eat virtually any type of food, they prefer grain and seed. They require very little water. Mice travel in a very limited territory, usually not much more than thirty feet from their nest.

Mice must gnaw on things to keep their teeth worn down. They are able to chew through wood, asphalt, soft mortar and even aluminum. They are nocturnal creatures.

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The best control for mice is proper sanitation. This includes the storage of food materials in mouse-proof containers and proper cleaning of spills.

Mice can easily be caught in spring traps using bait such as peanut butter, cheese, bacon, or bread. Dead mice should be removed promptly.

Poisons can also be used; however, they must be handled very carefully. Usually the poison has to be consumed over a period of several days to become effective.

Hire a Pest Control Professional.

But first learn more about Pest Control Facts.

If you have any questions about or suggestions to add to add to this Insect and Rodent Checklist please use our Garage Organizer Comments page.