🐜 Preventing Pests in the Garage: Tips for a Cleaner, Safer Space

Outdoor living is a way of life in South Africa and as such, the garage often becomes the go-to spot for everything from tools and bicycles to braai gear and camping kit. But while it’s a handy space for us, it can just as easily become a nice new home for unwanted pests.

With rodents, insects and even snakes seeking out dark, cluttered corners, it's essential to take proactive steps to keep your garage pest-free — not just for hygiene, but for peace of mind too.

We've done the hard work for you and below you will find some easy to implement ideas that might just keep your garage free from these unwanted visitors.

1. 🧱 Block Off Entry Points

Pests are experts at squeezing into the tiniest of gaps. Cracks in the walls, holes in the floor, spaces under doors or gaps around pipes – all are potential entry points for all manner of creepy crawlies so it's best not to give them the opportunity.

Top tip: Walk around your garage and inspect for signs of damage or wear. Seal up any holes or cracks with the appropriate filler or sealant, and install weather stripping to the bottom of doors to eliminate draughts (and pest access!).

2. 🧼 Keep the Garage Clean and Dry

South Africa’s warm climate – especially in coastal or subtropical areas – makes garages an ideal hiding spot for insects and rodents. Moisture and clutter are the perfect invitation to make themselves at home. Here's a few easy tips to stop that:

• Sweep and mop regularly to remove crumbs, cobwebs and spills.

• Fix any leaks promptly, especially around water heaters, washing machines or exposed pipes.

• Avoid leaving cardboard boxes on the floor — pests love to nest in them!

3. 🧰 Install a Wall-to-Wall Storage System

One of the easiest ways to reduce pest hiding spots is to get your storage off of the floor and instead install it on the wall. This reduces the number of places they can hide.

At MyGarage, our Panel Storage System offers a game-changing solution as it covers the whole wall or walls from floor to ceiling. This provides:

• Floor-to-ceiling: No exposed nooks or crannies left behind for pests to hide in.

• Wall-mounted: Lifts your storage off the ground which reduces clutter and makes cleaning easier.

• Fully customisable: Store everything from tools to sports equipment in an organised, elevated system with a range of hooks, shelves and racks.

By covering the entire wall surface, our panels make it much harder for pests to gain access or find places to nest.

4. 🧴 Avoid Attractants

Pests are usually looking for food or shelter so try to make your garage as unattractive as possible. Try these easy and simple ideas to deter them:

• Store pet food in sealed containers so that pests can't gain access

• Keep bird seed or compost well away from the garage area.

• Clean up oil spills or old paint tins – smells can attract rodents.

Our Panel Storage System provides a clean floor to ceiling finish which leaves no nooks or crannies for pests to hide in.

5. 🪟 Let the Light In

Dark spaces are a pest’s best friend. Make sure your garage has good lighting, both natural and artificial. Bright, well-ventilated spaces make it less appealing for pests to settle in and make themselves at home. Consider adding a motion-sensor light near your garage entrance too — it’ll help deter nocturnal visitors like mice or rats.

6. 🌱 Keep the Outside in Check

Often, pest problems start outside. Try keeping vegetation trimmed back from the garage walls and roof, and make sure rubbish bins are stored well away from entry points. A tidy exterior makes it harder for pests to bridge the gap into your space.

Final Thoughts: Make Pests Unwelcome with MyGarage

Preventing pests in the garage doesn’t have to mean harsh chemicals or expensive exterminators. With a thoughtful layout, smart storage and a commitment to cleanliness, you can make your garage a no-go zone for insects and rodents.

Our Panel Storage System is a practical, good-looking solution that covers up those tell-tale gaps where pests might sneak in — while giving you a more organised, usable garage space.

👉 Want to see how it works? Book a free consultation with MyGarage and let us help you create a pest-proof garage you’ll love spending time in.