Decluttering the Garage: Stop Rodents Before They Nest

Garages often serve as catch-all storage areas, especially during seasonal transitions. But this also makes them hotspots for pest activity—particularly for rats, mice, cockroaches, and spiders—who seek out dark, undisturbed places as the weather cools in Santa Clara. Taking the time now to organize and pest-proof your garage can prevent costly infestations later in the fall.

Why Garages Attract Pests:

• Low foot traffic gives pests free rein to nest without disruption.

• Dark corners and cluttered storage offer ideal hiding spots.

• Easy access through gaps, vents, or garage doors makes it a prime entryway.

3 Key Steps to Pest-Proof Your Garage:

1. Eliminate Clutter

Pests love clutter—it offers warmth, shelter, and nesting materials.

• Remove or recycle old cardboard boxes, newspapers, and unused furniture.

• Store seasonal items like camping gear, pool toys, and holiday decorations in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard, which rodents easily chew through.

• Label and consolidate bins to make regular cleaning easier.

2. Seal Entry Points

Rodents and insects can slip in through surprisingly small openings.

• Inspect the perimeter of your garage, especially where the garage door meets the ground.

• Seal gaps around:

  • Windows and door frames (use weather stripping or caulk)

  • Cracks in the foundation

  • Utility openings (pipe or cable entry points)

• Install rodent-proof door sweeps at the base of garage doors to block entry.

3. Elevate and Organize Storage

Reducing floor-level clutter helps eliminate shelter options and improves visibility.

• Use wall-mounted shelving or freestanding racks to keep bins and boxes at least 6–8 inches off the ground.

• Avoid stacking items directly against walls; leave a small gap to inspect for droppings, nests, or other signs of pest activity.

• Hang garden tools, sports equipment, and cords to keep floors clear and prevent pests from nesting inside them.

Tidy Up the Pantry: A Fresh Start for Fall Meal Planning

With back-to-school season in full swing, your pantry is about to see a lot more action. Between breakfast rushes, lunch prep, and family dinners, the uptick in food handling can create a magnet for pantry pests such as ants, Indian meal moths, and flour beetles. Keeping your pantry organized not only streamlines your routine—it also prevents infestations that could spoil your stored goods.

Why Fall Is the Right Time for a Pantry Reset:

• Increased food traffic means more chances for spills, crumbs, and opened packaging.

• Cooler temperatures drive pests indoors, including into your dry food storage.

• Holiday cooking season is approaching—make sure your ingredients are fresh and pest-free!

3 Smart Steps to Pest-Proof Your Pantry:

1. Inspect and Declutter Food Storage

Before restocking for the season, give your pantry a full audit.

• Check expiration dates and discard any expired or stale food items.

• Look for telltale signs of pests, including:

  • Webbing inside packages (common with pantry moths)

  • Tiny holes in bags or boxes (a sign of beetle or ant activity)

  • Powdery residue or droppings near packages

• Discard affected food items immediately and clean surrounding areas thoroughly.

2. Store Smarter with Airtight Containers

Pantry pests are experts at infiltrating soft packaging and thin plastic bags.

• Transfer dry goods like flour, rice, pasta, cereal, nuts, and snacks into airtight containers made of:

  • Hard plastic

  • Glass with sealing lids

  • Metal tins with locking mechanisms

• Label containers with purchase or expiration dates to ensure rotation and avoid waste.

• Avoid using original packaging for long-term storage—especially for bulk goods.

3. Deep Clean Pantry Surfaces and Corners

Even minor crumbs or sticky spills can attract an ant invasion or a beetle buffet.

• Remove all items from shelves and wipe down every surface with warm, soapy water or a vinegar-based cleaner.

• Pay special attention to:

  • Shelf corners where crumbs accumulate

  • Baseboards and flooring, especially where dry food or pet food is stored

  • Under baskets and storage bins

• Vacuum crevices with a nozzle attachment to remove any remaining debris or pests.

Address Hidden Hotspots: Closets, Utility Rooms, and Entryways

As the weather cools in Santa Clara, pests start looking for warm, hidden places to shelter—and low-traffic zones like closets, utility rooms, and mudrooms become prime targets. Because these areas often receive less attention during cleaning routines, they can become unnoticed entryways and nesting spots for insects and rodents.

Why These Areas Matter:

• Entryways and utility rooms often have direct access to the outside.

• Closets store fabric, paper, and cardboard—ideal nesting materials.

• Moisture and clutter in these zones create a welcoming environment for pests like earwigs, silverfish, spiders, and even rodents.

3 Steps to Pest-Proof Overlooked Spaces:

1. Control Moisture and Eliminate Water Sources

Pests love damp, dark environments—especially in cooler months.

• Inspect pipes and hoses in utility rooms and laundry areas for leaks or condensation.

• Fix drips and seal joints on exposed plumbing.

• Avoid hanging wet towels or clothes in enclosed spaces for extended periods.

• Consider using a dehumidifier or moisture absorber in closets, basements, or utility rooms prone to humidity.

• Ventilate with a fan or crack a window when possible to improve airflow.

2. Declutter and Organize Storage Areas

Cluttered spaces provide the perfect cover for pests to hide and breed.

• Rotate seasonal items such as shoes, coats, beach gear, and backpacks.

• Store out-of-season clothing and gear in sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes, which attract pests.

• Keep floors clear: use hanging organizers, shelves, or cubbies to keep items elevated and reduce dark, hidden areas.

• Shake out rarely-used items like boots or gym bags before use—they can become nesting spots for spiders or insects.

Western Way Termite & Pest Services proudly serves Santa Clara and surrounding communities with friendly, effective, and eco-conscious pest control. From targeted treatments to preventive maintenance, we’re here to make sure pests don’t disrupt your family’s fall.

Schedule your back-to-school pest inspection today and start the season protected.

👉 https://westernwayservices.com/