No one wants to open up a storage space, whether it’s in your home, garage, basement, or business, only to find signs of rodents. Chewed boxes, droppings, and even nesting materials are all signs that mice or rats have made themselves at home in your stored belongings.
Whether you’re storing seasonal items, important documents, or inventory for your business, it’s important to rodent-proof your storage space before the damage is done.
Here at Phantom Pest Control in Vancouver, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses across Metro Vancouver deal with rodent issues of all shapes and sizes. Let’s walk through some simple, effective steps to help you keep your storage areas rodent-free.
1. Seal All Entry Points
Rodents can squeeze through incredibly small openings, mice only need a hole the size of a dime! Carefully inspect your storage area and seal any cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, doors, and foundations.
Look for:
- Gaps around pipes and vents
- Cracks near baseboards or in the floor
- Spaces under doors or garage entrances
Use materials like steel wool, caulking, or metal mesh to block these entry points. Avoid using foam sealant on its own, rodents can chew right through it.
2. Store Items in Plastic Bins, Not Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard is easy for rodents to chew through, and it also makes great nesting material. If you want to protect your belongings, switch to hard plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids.
Clear plastic bins are especially helpful because you can see what’s inside without opening them, reducing how often you need to move or shift things around.
3. Keep Food and Scented Items Out of Storage
Even small crumbs or pet food left behind can attract rodents. Avoid storing:
- Dry food
- Bird seed
- Pet food
- Scented candles
- Soap or hygiene products (rodents are drawn to strong smells!)
If you must store any of these items, make sure they’re in airtight containers and not accessible to pests.
4. Declutter and Keep the Space Clean
Rodents love clutter. Piles of paper, fabric, and old boxes create perfect hiding spots. Try to keep your storage area clean, organized, and off the ground. Use shelving to elevate items and avoid placing things directly against the walls, this makes it easier to spot signs of rodents and clean behind stored items.
Give the area a sweep or vacuum every once in a while to remove dust, crumbs, or signs of pests.
5. Install Door Sweeps and Weather Stripping
One of the most overlooked entry points for rodents is under doors. Installing door sweeps and sealing up garage or storage unit doors with weather stripping helps keep these sneaky pests out. Make sure any door leading into your storage area closes tightly without gaps.
6. Watch for Warning Signs
Keep an eye out for early warning signs of rodent activity:
- Droppings
- Chewed materials or packaging
- Strange smells
- Scratching or rustling sounds
- Nesting material like shredded paper or fabric
The sooner you catch a problem, the easier it is to deal with it before it grows into a full-blown infestation.
Need Help Rodent-Proofing? Call Phantom Pest Control in Vancouver Today
If you think you might have rodents in your storage space, or just want to be 100% sure they stay out, Phantom Pest Control in Vancouver is here to help.
We offer expert pest control services for homes, businesses, strata properties, and commercial buildings across Metro Vancouver. Our team will inspect your space, seal entry points, remove any rodents, and help you create a plan to prevent future problems.
Don’t Let Rodents Ruin Your Storage
Whether you’re storing family keepsakes or business inventory, we’ll help keep your space clean, safe, and rodent-free. Contact us today for a free consultation or inspection, and let’s make sure those mice and rats stay far away from your property.
Request a free quote or call us now to book your rodent control service!
