If you're going to be renting a storage unit, you'll want to make sure that your belongings are protected against pest invasion – especially mice. An infestation of mice can ruin everything you have in storage, especially if they're allowed to remain in there long enough. Before you move your belongings into storage, take a few minutes to plan your defense against pest invasion. Here are three steps you can take to keep mice out of your storage unit.

Start at Home

One of the best ways to keep mice out of your storage unit is to be proactive at home. As you're packing your belongings for storage, watch for signs of rodent activity. This is particularly important if you're going to be storing clothing – mice often use clothing for their nesting material. Shake your clothing out before placing them in storage containers. Look for rodent dropping or signs that your clothing might have been chewed on by mice. Once you've determined the containers are free of rodents, seal the lids with duct tape. The duct tape will keep mice out of the containers should they find their way into your storage unit.

Use a Deterrent

Before you move any of your belongings into the storage unit, you should make it as rodent-proof as possible. One way to do that is by utilizing natural deterrents in your storage unit. These natural deterrents will keep rodents away and will reduce your need to resort to traps. Here are two natural deterrents you can use to keep mice away.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil is a natural deterrent that will keep mice – and spiders – away. Fill a bottle with water and add about 2 teaspoons of peppermint oil. Spray along the border of your storage unit. Once you move your belongings into the storage unit, spray your containers with the solution. For best results, you should saturate cotton balls with the essential oil and place them in the corners of your storage unit.

Cedar Oil

Cedar oil is another natural aroma that deters mice. To keep mice away using cedar oil, simply sprinkle a few drops of the oil along the edges of your storage unit. You can also place a few drops of the oil on cotton balls and place them throughout the storage unit.

Mice can be a big problem in storage units. To keep mice from becoming an issue, use the tips provided here to keep them away. To learn more, speak with a business like Route 37 Self-Storage.