Are you looking for the best rodent-proof containers to keep the mice from making a mess in your storage areas? If you have a mouse or rat problem, finding ways to keep them from invading our storage containers is critical.
You need a container that is tough, chew-proof, and hard to open – for the critters anyway.
In this article, we’ll give you the easiest ways to keep the rodents out and list the important list the types of containers that work best in each area of your home.
Table of Contents
When storing items such in your garage, shed, or basement it is important to make sure they are protected from rats and mice.
What Makes a Good Rodent Proof Container?
Use this checklist when shopping for a storage container in an area where you know there could be mice or rats.
Chewproof. Look for materials that are impossible or difficult for a rodent to chew through. Metal and glass both do an excellent job at keeping mice out.
Raised Cabinets. Keeping your items off the floor is also important. Choose cabinets with legs instead of ones that sit directly on the floor.
Waterproof: Keeping moisture out is essential, depending on where you store your items. Water can damage the integrity of a storage container.
Tight Fitting Lids. Ensure all lids have a tight seal and cannot be easily pried open by critters.
Gap Free. There should be no gaps larger than 1/4 of an inch.
Scent Free. Ensure all containers are clean and don’t have lingering scents that attract mice. Perfumes, oils, and grease can all bring unwanted attention.
Air Tight. Air-tight containers are especially important for food storage. Some plastic containers are porous, so the scent of your food will be noticeable to rodents even when closed.
Sturdy. Make sure the containers you choose are strong enough to hold the items inside and crack or split.
Sized Correctly for the Contents. Don’t overpack your containers, or they may accidentally open over time.
Rodent Proof Storage in the Garage
Garages are prime targets for mice and rats due to their proximity to the outdoors. When storing items in the garage, it’s important to keep them off the floor where mice have easy access.
Making sure storage containers in the garage are waterproof is also recommended. Or garages can be exposed to humidity and temperature fluctuations that create moisture.
Examples of good mouse and rat proof garage storage solutions include:
- Metal Cabinets with Legs
- Hooks and shelves for hanging items off the floor
- Metal Trash Cans
- Heavy Duty Plastic Bins with Locking Seals
Check out our article on mouse-proof garage storage ideas with some of our favorite products and why they do the best job at keeping your stuff safe from mice.
Rodent Proof Containers For Your Kitchen and Pantry
Inside the house, our kitchens are a favorite place for mice. Storing food in airtight containers is especially important in the kitchen cupboard and pantry.
Food should also be kept in chew-proof containers. Boxes of rice or cereal are easy targets if you are prone to mouse problems.
Here are a few good recommendations for mouse-free kitchen storage.
- Glass containers with screw-on lids, like ball jars
- Hard plastic canisters with an airtight seal.
- Use metal containers to store bread, flour, and sugar
- Large zip lock bags can be used to wrap unopened boxes of food
- Use airtight containers for pet food
Rodent Proof Storage Solutions for the Attic or Basement
Our attics and basements are typically the most common location for storing our personal belongings like out-of-season clothes and holiday decorations. They are also unoccupied for the most part, so special attention should be given to the type of containers used.
Here are a few popular storage containers for the attic or basement.
- Large plastic tubs with locking handles
- Vacuum sealed storage bags for clothing, pillows, blanket, and sheet
Use Metal Storage Containers For Feed
If you are storing any type of food or edible items such as bird-seed, dog food, or livestock feed, metal is the best choice. Galvanized steel is the most commonly used material for storage containers because it is non-corrosive, rust-resistant, and lasts a long time.
Tall metal trash cans are a favorite for farm storage since both the material and height help to keep the mice out. Just make sure the lid attaches securely to the can. If it doesn’t, you can weigh it down with bricks or other heavy objects.
What Types Of Containers Should Be Avoided?
Any container that you can rip or poke a hole in with your fingers is definitely out. Plastic or paper bags and cardboard boxes are both very easy for mice to chew through. Mice and especially rats will spend hours gnawing at your containers, especially if they can smell something good inside.
Any container that doesn’t close properly is also out. Don’t overpack items in their containers, since that can pop the seal and give animals a chance to get them opened.
Inspect any container that you plan on using. Remember that rodents can squeeze in a hold as little as 1/4 inch. This is about the size of an eraser, so use that as a guideline.
Summary
Using strong air-tight containers should be an integral part of your overall plan to get rid of the mice in your home. And the harder you can make it for them to find a meal in your home, the more likely they will be to choose another nesting spot.
