How to Seal Your Garage Door Against Pests

Gaps around a garage door are essentially an open invitation for mice, spiders, and snakes to take up residence in your home. Over time, the rubber weatherstripping at the bottom of the door wears down, cracks, or loses its seal against the concrete, creating just enough room for a curious rodent to squeeze through. Sealing these gaps is a high-impact, low-effort project that pays for itself in peace of mind. Done well, your garage door should sit flush against the frame and the floor, creating a complete barrier that doesn't hinder the operation of the opener. If you can see daylight through the edges of your door, you have work to do.

1. Clear Every Speck Away. Sweep the concrete floor where the door meets the ground to remove grit and debris. Ensure the vertical tracks are clear of leaves and hardened mud so the door can close fully.
2. Pull Out the Old Guard. Locate the screws at the ends of the bottom track. Remove the fasteners and slide the old rubber seal out from the aluminum retainer channel.
3. Seat the New Barrier Tight. Slide your new rubber or vinyl seal through the track from one side to the other. Ensure the seal is centered and the ends are crimped or screwed to prevent it from sliding out.
4. Strip Away Side Gaps. Use a pry bar or screwdriver to pull the nails or screws holding the plastic and vinyl side strips in place. Be careful not to damage the garage door frame behind the trim.
5. Custom-Fit Your Strips. Measure the height of the door frame. Cut your new side weatherstripping to length using a hacksaw or heavy-duty snips, leaving just enough clearance for the floor.
6. Lock In the Side Guards. Position the new seal so the vinyl flap presses firmly against the door panel. Nail or screw the retainer strip into the frame, moving from the top down.