How to Stop Leaves and Pests Getting Into Your Garage

Autumn leaves, dust and small rodents are relentless invaders — sneaking under gaps in your door and making a mess for you to clear. If you’re searching for ways to stop leaves coming into garage spaces, you’ve come to the right place. This guide walks through targeted DIY fixes that complement your garage door seals and threshold seals. 

For more hands-on projects, see our Garage Maintenance & DIY Upgrades page.

1. Seal Every Gap

  • Door Perimeter: Replace worn rubber gaskets with BS EN 12365-3 certified garage door seals to seal side and top gaps.
  • Under-Door: Fit a threshold seal to block surface debris and tiny creatures, sealing gaps up to 50 mm high.

Pro Tip: Inspect after 100+ door cycles — abrasion from grit can create small gaps over time.

2. Add Draught-Proofing Accessories

A. Brush Strips

Application: Fit to the top and sides of your door frame to sweep away leaves and dust as the door closes.

DIY Link: See our DIY draught-proofing guide for step-by-step fitting.


B. Foam Tape

Use Case: Ideal for sealing uneven frame profiles and blocking very fine debris.

Tip: Choose EPDM foam rated for –40 °C to +100 °C for year-round resilience.

3. Install an Entrance Mat & Grating

  • Heavy-Duty Mat: Place a coarse PVC mat just inside the threshold to capture leaves and grit before they spread.
  • Debris Grille: A removable aluminium grille set flush outside the door catches bulk debris — sweep out weekly.

4. Routine Maintenance Routines

  • Weekly Sweeping: A quick sweep of the sill and mat prevents buildup that can undermine seals.
  • Monthly Inspections: Check for tears or gaps in seals and foam tape — replace inserts as needed (no new drilling required).
  • Pest Deterrents: Use non-toxic rodent repellents around the perimeter; traps only as a last resort to protect wildlife.

5. Further Reading

Conclusion

Stopping leaves and pests coming into your garage is all about layering defences: robust garage door seals, a quality threshold seal, draught-proofing strips and a simple mat or grille. With regular maintenance, you’ll spend less time sweeping and more time enjoying a tidy, well-protected space.

Up next, discover our top garage insulation tips to keep your garage warm and clean all year round.

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