What damage can rodents do?
Mice might be small (and cute), but the damage they can cause is anything but. Here are a few ways these unwelcome guests can wreak havoc on your stored items:
Chewing through materials
Mice and rats have strong teeth that can gnaw through wood, plastic, cardboard, and even some types of metal.
This means they can easily chew through your storage boxes, furniture, and other belongings, leaving them damaged and unusable.
Contamination
Mice droppings and urine can ruin food items and other sensitive materials. And that's not all. Rats and mice are known to spread up to 35 diseases.
This poses health risks to you and anyone else who handles the items. Always take the necessary precautions (like using rubber gloves) when dealing with an infestation.
Nesting
Mice build nests from any soft material they can find. This includes your upholstered furniture, clothing, and other fabric items. A mouse nest can destroy these items, making them unusable and unsanitary.
Foul odours
Rodents often bring unpleasant smells from their droppings, urine, and nesting materials. These odours can permeate your storage unit and its contents, making it unpleasant to retrieve your belongings.
Fire hazards
Rodents have been known to chew through electrical wiring, which can create a serious fire hazard. If your storage units contain any electrical items or wiring, you must be extra vigilant.
8 Practical Tips to Mice Proof Your Storage unit
Follow the tips below to mice-proof your storage unit and avoid an infestation.
1. Seal all entry points
Mice can squeeze through the tiniest of gaps, so it's crucial to seal any potential entry points. Use silicone caulk to seal cracks and holes in walls, around pipes, and near doors.
Check for gaps around windows and the floor as well. Ensuring your storage space is as airtight as possible will go a long way in keeping mice out.
2. Store items in plastic containers
Cardboard boxes might be convenient, but they're no match for a mouse's teeth. Instead, use sturdy plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
These containers are much harder for mice to chew through and will protect your belongings from contamination. Make sure the lids are secure to keep curious rodents at bay.
3. Don't store food items
It might seem obvious, but never store food in your storage unit. Even non-perishable items can attract mice.
If you must store food-related items, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and free from any food residue. Remember, even the faintest scent can lure a hungry mouse.
4. Use natural rodent deterrents
Peppermint oil is a natural mouse repellent. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around your storage unit, especially near doors and any suspected entry points.
The strong scent is unpleasant to mice and can help keep them away. Alternatively, you can use other natural deterrents like cedar blocks or cloves.
5. Set up mouse traps
For an added layer of protection, consider placing mouse traps in your storage unit. Position traps along walls and near potential entry points. Regularly check and reset the traps to ensure they remain effective. This proactive approach can help catch any adventurous mice before they cause significant damage.
6. Elevate your belongings
At HOLD, we're big fans of utilising vertical space. Keeping your items off the ground can deter mice from nesting in them. Use shelving units or pallets to raise boxes and furniture.
This makes it harder for mice to access your belongings and protects them from potential moisture damage.
7. Regularly inspect your storage unit
Make it a habit to visit your storage unit regularly. Look for signs of mouse droppings, gnaw marks, or shredded materials. Catching an infestation early can prevent extensive damage. If you notice any signs of rodents, take immediate action to address the issue.
8. Choose a reputable storage facility
Ensure the storage facility you choose takes pest control seriously. Ask about their pest management practices and look for reviews from other customers.
Self storage facilities like HOLD conduct routine inspections and have pest control measures. This will significantly reduce the risk of rodent infestations.
Conclusion
By following these practical tips, you can protect your storage unit from mice and keep your belongings safe. With a little effort and vigilance, your stored items will remain in pristine condition, free from the pesky intrusions of furry bliters!
HOLD guarantees clean, pest-free storage solutions
HOLD is a storage company that puts your needs first. Our storage facilities are maintained to the highest standards, ensuring they are clean, secure, and pest-free.
With regular pest control measures, 24/7 monitoring, and top-notch customer service, HOLD provides a storage solution you can trust. Whether you're seeking premium business storage solutions or moving house, you couldn't be in safer hands. HOLD provides a reliable and hassle-free storage experience, where your peace of mind is our top priority.
Reach out and get a free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I put in storage boxes to keep mice out?
Use natural deterrents like peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls or cedar blocks in your storage boxes to keep mice away.
What is the best pest deterrent for storage units?
Peppermint oil and regular use of mouse traps are highly effective pest deterrents for storage units.
What is the best thing to keep rodents away?
Using airtight plastic containers and natural repellents like peppermint oil or cedar blocks are the best ways to keep rodents away.
What containers can mice not chew through?
Mice cannot chew through thick plastic, metal, or glass containers.
Can mice get into vacuum-sealed bags?
Mice can potentially chew through vacuum-sealed bags, so it's best to place these bags inside sturdy plastic containers for extra protection.
What security measures does HOLD have in place for its storage units?
At HOLD, advanced security measures are essential for protecting our customer's business assets. The features we offer include:
- 24-hour CCTV
- All units fitted with intruder alarms
- Secure loading bay
- Robust security for individual units
- Personal pin codes
- Fire detection systems
These features not only provide peace of mind, but also protect your business assets from potential threats.
When can I access my HOLD storage unit?
At HOLD, we offer 24/7 access hours and round-the-clock customer assistance. These crucial features are included in all our storage solutions at HOLD. I
