How to Pest-Proof Your Garage Cabinets Against Rodents and Insects

If you’ve ever opened your garage cabinets only to find shredded paper, droppings, or a live critter staring back at you, you know the horror firsthand. Garages are magnets for pests. They’re warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and packed with things like pet food, soil, or fabric, which are basically a buffet and a hotel rolled into one.

Rodents and insects do serious damage, chewing through wiring and ruining stored belongings, all while introducing allergens and diseases into your home. Over the years, I’ve seen just how fast a small pest problem in garage cabinets can turn into a full-on infestation. That’s why I take pest-proofing seriously. 

Here are some tips to keep your garage cabinets pest-free and your storage clean:

• Seal all cabinet gaps and openings
• Install door and drawer gaskets
• Elevate cabinets off the floor
• Store items in airtight containers
• Keep cabinets and surroundings clean
• Use natural pest deterrents
• Control garage environment
• Consider professional pest barriers

Let’s get into the strategies that will actually keep rodents and insects out for good.

Seal All Cabinet Gaps and Openings

One of the most common ways pests sneak into garage cabinets is through small openings you don’t even think about. I’ve seen mice squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. And insects can find even smaller paths.

Sealing those gaps is your first and best line of defense. I use clear caulk for tiny cracks around cabinet joints and expanding foam for wider areas where pipes or wiring come in. Don’t forget escutcheon plates, those round metal covers that seal around plumbing lines. They make a big difference.

Weatherstripping is also a simple yet smart investment, helping to close off gaps around doors, especially if your garage cabinets have swing doors or drawers that sit loosely. The trick is to do this seasonally. Materials expand and contract, breaking down over time, so I recheck every spring and fall.

Install Door and Drawer Gaskets

If sealing the cabinet itself is the first step, gaskets are the next level. They help eliminate the small gaps left around doors and drawers that even good weatherstripping can’t always close completely.

There are a few types I’ve used over the years. Rubber and vinyl gaskets are the most durable and effective for tight seals. Brush strip gaskets are great for doors you open often because they allow smoother movement while still keeping pests out. As a bonus, gaskets keep out dust too, which is a huge perk in a working garage.

Elevate Cabinets Off the Floor

Keeping your garage cabinets off the floor helps in more ways than one. First, it eliminates the dark, warm, hidden space that rodents love to nest in. Second, it makes cleaning underneath them fast and easy. If you’ve ever tried to vacuum or sweep under a flush cabinet, you know how annoying that is.

I aim for a clearance of at least 4 to 6 inches. It’s enough for airflow and for getting a broom or vacuum under there. Plus, it reduces the chance of moisture wicking into the cabinet base, especially if you’re dealing with concrete flooring.

• Legs or Risers: These give your cabinets a sturdy base and a sleek look while making it impossible for rodents to nest directly underneath. Go for powder-coated metal or treated plastic if you want durability and resistance to rust or rot.
• Wall-Mounted Cabinets: These are my go-to for premium garage designs. Nothing touches the floor, so cleaning is a breeze, and pests have no place to hide beneath. Plus, wall mounts give the garage a clean, modern feel that always impresses visitors.
• Metal Kick Plates: These not only block pests from squeezing into the toe-kick space but also add a high-end look. I usually install brushed aluminum or powder-coated steel for durability and style.

Store Items in Airtight Containers

Even the most well-built garage cabinets can’t protect your belongings if what’s inside attracts pests. I tell everyone: Don’t store anything edible, moist, or absorbent in cardboard.

I use plastic bins with gasket-sealed lids for things like pet food, soil-based supplies, or anything with scent. For soft goods like seasonal clothing, vacuum-sealed bags are perfect. I also rotate what’s stored every few months, especially if something hasn’t been touched in a while. This keeps things fresh and lets me check for signs of activity.

Keep Cabinets and Surroundings Clean

Cleaning sounds obvious, but you’d be amazed how often people skip this. Dust, crumbs, and cobwebs are all signals to pests that this space is empty and inviting. I wipe down cabinet shelves at least once a month, vacuum out drawers, and sweep underneath after yard work or project days. And definitely don’t store your household trash or recyclables right next to your garage cabinets. Even if the lids are closed, the smell will still attract critters.

Use Natural Pest Deterrents

There are plenty of homeowner-friendly options that help discourage pests without chemicals or traps. These aren’t solutions for full infestations, but they do help keep things under control.

• Cedar Blocks: I use these in the corners of my cabinets and drawers. The scent naturally repels moths and some rodents. They also help control musty smells. Just give them a light sanding every few months to refresh the aroma.
• Peppermint Oil: Mice hate it. I soak a few cotton balls in peppermint oil and tuck them into corners and behind bins. It smells great and keeps rodents from getting too comfortable.
• Bay Leaves: These are great for deterring cockroaches and silverfish. I toss a few into drawers where I keep paper or cloth materials. Just replace them every few months.
• Diatomaceous Earth: This fine powder isn’t a deterrent by smell, and it works mechanically by damaging insects’ exoskeletons. I sprinkle a light line behind my lower cabinets and refresh it seasonally.

Control Garage Environment

Pests thrive in garages that are dark, damp, and cluttered. When I upgraded my own garage, I added two simple things that made a huge difference: a compact dehumidifier and better lighting.

Ventilation is key. Even just opening the garage door for 15 minutes a day helps dry things out. If your space gets stuffy, a fan can move air around and keep moisture levels down. I also added overhead LED lights, which cut shadows where pests love to hide. Finally, I declutter every season: boxes, spare lumber, unused bags, and any other clutter. All of it gets sorted or tossed. Less clutter means fewer places for pests to go unnoticed.

Consider Professional Pest Barriers

If you’ve done all of the above and still see signs of pests, it’s time to step things up. I’m not shy about calling in help when I need it. A pest control pro can apply safe deterrent sprays around the perimeter, set up professional-grade bait stations, and install wire mesh over exterior vents.

Some of my clients have added garage door sweeps with integrated pest barriers, which block entry along the garage threshold. Others have gone as far as pouring new floors with integrated moisture and insect barriers. If your garage is part of your living space like mine is, it’s worth the investment.

Conclusion

You don’t have to live with mice in your drawers or ants crawling across your cabinet shelves. With the right combination of sealing, storage, elevation, and environment control, your garage cabinets can stay pest-free all year long. These small steps add up fast, especially if you stay consistent. If pests keep showing up despite your best efforts, bring in a professional. It’s your space, so make sure it stays clean, safe, and comfortable.