Home » Blog » How to Keep Mice Out of Storage Unit

Effective Tips: How to Keep Mice Out of Storage Unit

Published: 05 Jun, 2023

Last Updated: 22 Jun, 2023

Understanding how to keep mice out of storage unit is crucial for maintaining the integrity and cleanliness of your stored items. These pesky rodents can wreak havoc on your belongings, causing irreversible damage.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into identifying potential entry points that mice use to infiltrate storage units. We’ll also explore various repellents you can utilize in keeping pests at bay.

You’ll learn about strategic placement of mouse traps within the storage facility and why it’s essential not just for catching but also deterring these unwanted guests.

We will emphasize the importance of not storing food in your unit as this can attract unwanted pests like mice who love such treats. Lastly, we will discuss cleaning your storage unit regularly as a proactive measure against any pest problem.

Identify Potential Entry Points

Don’t let mice invade your storage unit. Tiny cracks and openings can provide an inroad for those pesky rodents. So, the first step is to inspect your unit for any potential entry points. Check for cracks in the walls, gaps under doors, or openings around pipes. If you find any, seal them up pronto.

Caulking: For small holes, use a waterproof filler and sealer like caulk. It’s an easy DIY task that can save you from a mouse invasion.
Steel Wool: For larger openings, stuff them with steel wool before sealing with caulk. Mice can’t chew through steel wool easily, making it an effective deterrent.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to pests like mice. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself or if there are too many potential entry points to handle, consider hiring professional pest control services who specialize in rodent proofing buildings.

Use Repellents

If you’re wondering how to keep mice out of your storage unit, using repellents is an effective strategy. These substances are unpleasant for mice and can deter them from entering your space.

Peppermint Oil

Mice dislike the strong scent of peppermint oil. You can soak cotton balls in this essential oil and place them around the perimeter of your storage unit. Remember to replace these every few weeks as the smell fades over time.

Ammonia

The smell of ammonia mimics that of predator urine, which scares off mice. Fill a small bowl with ammonia and place it near potential entry points but be careful not to spill it on any items stored in the unit due to its corrosive nature. Learn the necessary precautions when dealing with ammonia.

Cayenne Pepper

This hot spice irritates mouse senses, making it an excellent deterrent when sprinkled around areas where they might enter or hide.

No matter which repellent you choose, remember that consistency is key – reapply regularly for best results.

Place Traps

If you suspect mice have invaded your storage unit, it’s time to take action and set traps. This is an efficient technique to handle the issue and impede further infestation.

There are different types of traps available, including snap traps, live catch traps, and glue boards. The EPA provides helpful data regarding the various kinds of traps, so you can pick which one is most appropriate for your requirements.

Snap Traps: These traditional wooden or plastic devices quickly kill mice when they attempt to eat bait placed on the trigger mechanism.
Live Catch Traps: Also known as humane mouse traps, these allow for capturing and releasing mice without causing them harm.
Glue Boards: These sticky pads trap rodents in place but do not immediately kill them. They require regular checking to ensure trapped animals are removed promptly.

Baiting these traps with food items like peanut butter or cheese can make them more enticing for any unwanted guests in your storage unit. Remember to check the traps regularly and dispose of any caught mice responsibly – this means either releasing live-catch victims far away from human habitation or disposing of dead ones properly according to local regulations.

In addition to placing traps inside your storage unit, consider positioning some around its exterior too – especially near potential entry points identified earlier – as a preventative measure against future invasions.

Note: Always use gloves while handling rodent control equipment for safety reasons. Also, remember that if there’s a large-scale infestation at hand, professional pest control services might be necessary.

4. Keep Food Out

If you’re using your storage unit to store food items, it’s time to rethink that strategy. Mice are attracted to food sources and storing any type of food in your unit is like sending them an open invitation.

The smell of the stored food can easily attract mice from a distance, leading them straight into your storage space. Once inside, they not only consume the available food but also use the area as their nesting ground which can lead to a full-blown infestation.

To avoid this scenario, here are some steps you should follow:

Refrain From Storing Food: As much as possible, do not keep any kind of edible item in your storage unit including pet foods or bird seeds.
Pack Properly: If for some reason you must store certain non-perishable items, make sure they are packed properly in plastic containers with airtight lids.
Avoid Scented Items: Apart from actual edibles, scented items such as candles or soaps can also attract rodents due to their strong smell. Store these types of things carefully.

In addition to keeping out all forms of sustenance for pests from your storage unit, consider adding repellents and traps (as discussed earlier) for added protection against mice invasion.

Maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment within the storage facility will discourage mice activity while ensuring that all cracks and holes around the premises are sealed will limit their access points into the building.

Taking these precautions seriously will help maintain a rodent-free environment thus protecting both yours and other people’s belongings stored within the same facility from potential damage caused by these pesky creatures.

5. Keep Mice Out of Your Storage Unit with Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is key to keeping these pesky rodents away. Not only does it help maintain an organized space, but it also eliminates any food particles that may attract mice.

Here are some tips for cleaning your storage unit:

Sweep and mop: Start by sweeping the floor thoroughly with a broom, then mop with a disinfectant solution to get rid of any potential food sources and eliminate odors that might attract mice.
Vacuum corners and crevices: Mice often hide in dark corners and small spaces within your stored items. Use a vacuum cleaner with appropriate attachments to reach these spots.
Clean all surfaces: Wipe down shelves, cabinets, boxes, and furniture tops to remove dust and any hidden food that could accumulate over time.

By keeping your storage unit clean you can deter pests and mice and preserve the condition of your belongings. If you’re storing valuable items or sensitive documents, consider hiring professional cleaners every few months for extra care against potential damage from pest infestations.

FAQs in Relation to How to Keep Mice Out of Storage Unit

What can I put in my storage unit to keep mice away?

You can use natural repellents like peppermint oil, mothballs, and ultrasonic devices to deter mice from your storage unit.

Can mice survive in a storage unit?

Yes, mice can survive in a storage unit if they have access to food and nesting materials.

Should I put moth balls in my storage unit?

Mothballs are effective at repelling rodents but should be used with caution due to their toxic nature.

Do dryer sheets keep mice away?

Dryer sheets may deter some pests but are not guaranteed as an effective solution for keeping mice out of your storage space.

Conclusion

Don’t let pesky mice ruin your stored items – follow these simple steps to keep them out!

Identify potential entry points and seal them up tight.
Use natural repellents like peppermint oil or mothballs to deter mice.
Strategically place traps to catch any sneaky rodents.
Avoid storing food in your unit and clean regularly to eliminate any attractants.

By taking these precautions, you can rest easy knowing that your belongings are safe and secure from unwanted visitors.