In Canton, Ohio, seasonal changes bring varying pest challenges, from rodents seeking warmth in the winter to insects finding refuge during rainy spring months.

Garages, sheds, and basements are especially prone to infestations, offering shelter, food sources, and ideal conditions for pests.

Whether you’re dealing with mice, spiders, or ants, a few proactive measures can help you maintain a pest-free environment in these often-overlooked areas of your home.

Why These Spaces Attract Pests

1. Garages:
   Garages often have gaps around doors, windows, or vents, making them easy entry points for pests. Stored items like cardboard boxes, pet food, or garden supplies provide ideal hiding spots.
2. Sheds:
   Outdoor sheds are exposed to the elements, creating moist conditions that attract insects. Stored firewood, gardening tools, or even old furniture can also serve as nesting materials for pests.
3. Basements:
   Basements are typically dark, damp, and full of clutter, providing the perfect environment for pests like spiders, silverfish, and rodents to thrive.

Tips to Keep Your Spaces Pest-Free

1. Inspect and Seal Entry Points

• Use weatherstripping around garage doors and windows to close gaps.
• Fill cracks in foundation walls with caulk or concrete filler to prevent pests from entering basements.
• Check sheds for holes or damaged siding and repair them promptly.

2. Declutter Regularly

• Keep storage areas tidy by organizing items in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes.
• Dispose of old furniture, unused items, or materials that could serve as nesting grounds.
• Sweep and vacuum these areas frequently to eliminate food crumbs and debris.

3. Control Moisture Levels

• Use dehumidifiers in basements to reduce humidity and discourage pests like silverfish and centipedes.
• Ensure proper drainage around sheds and garages to avoid standing water.
• Repair leaks in pipes, roofs, or gutters to eliminate water sources.

4. Properly Store Items

• Keep firewood, mulch, and compost piles at least 20 feet away from your home and shed.
• Store pet food, birdseed, and gardening supplies in airtight containers to prevent attracting pests.
• Hang tools and equipment on racks to reduce clutter and limit pest hiding spots.

5. Light It Up

• Pests are drawn to dark, undisturbed areas. Add motion-activated lights to your garage, shed, or basement to deter critters.
• Use yellow “bug lights” for outdoor areas to minimize insect attraction.

6. Maintain Landscaping

• Trim back trees and bushes near garages and sheds to prevent pests from using branches as bridges.
• Clear away leaves, grass clippings, and debris that could harbor insects.

7. Use Pest Deterrents

• Lay down diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of sheds and basements to deter crawling insects.
• Install traps or bait stations for rodents in areas prone to infestations.
• Consider using natural repellents, such as peppermint oil or cedar chips, in enclosed spaces.

When to Call a Professional

Despite your best efforts, some pest problems may require expert attention. If you notice signs of infestation—droppings, gnawed materials, or unusual noises—don’t hesitate to contact a pest control professional. They can provide targeted solutions to address existing pests and help prevent future issues.

Protect Your Home Year-Round

Canton’s changing seasons bring unique pest challenges, but by taking proactive steps, you can keep your garages, sheds, and basements pest-free. Routine maintenance, moisture control, and regular inspections are key to creating an environment that pests will find uninviting.