How to Spot and Stop Mice in Your Storage Spaces

Is Your Attic, Garage, or Storage Space Vulnerable to Mice?

Where do you keep seldom used things, like the box of Halloween costumes and decorations, or your winter jackets during the warm season? Maybe you’ve got extra space around your home, or maybe you’re like the millions of Americans who rent extra storage space. No matter where you keep it, you should know that stored items are at increased risk of pest infestation and damage.

When it comes to attics, garages, and storage units, these spaces are prime real estate for mice. Packed with boxes, clutter, and often ignored for long periods, they create the perfect hiding spots for rodents to settle in. Left unchecked, rodent infestations can lead to serious damage—chewed wires, contaminated belongings, and potential health risks due to the diseases they can spread.

But don’t worry! By knowing the signs of infestation and taking proactive steps to mouse-proof your storage areas, you can keep your home rodent-free.

6 Signs Your Storage is at Risk of a Rodent Infestation

The first step to stopping mice in their tracks is recognizing the signs of an infestation. Here are six telltale indicators that rodents may have already moved in.

1. 1. Droppings and Urine Stains

   One of the most obvious signs of a mouse infestation is the presence of droppings and urine stains. Mouse droppings look like tiny, dark pellets, often found along walls, in corners, or around storage boxes. The urine stains may leave an unpleasant odor. Inspect these areas regularly, especially if you’re storing things in attics or garages.
   For more details on what to look for, check out this guide on identifying mouse poop.

2. 2. Gnawed Items and Chewed Wiring

   Mice love to chew—whether it’s electrical wiring, clothing, or containers. You might notice frayed wires or bite marks on your stored belongings. Rodents gnaw on things to sharpen their teeth, which never stop growing. This habit can not only ruin your possessions but also pose a fire hazard if they get to your electrical system.

3. 3. Nest Materials Found in Stored Items

   Mice use paper, fabric, insulation, and other soft materials to build their nests. If you see shredded materials around your stored items, it’s a red flag. Seasonal fabrics, formalwear, stuffing and cushions all make ideal nesting material. Attics and garages are especially attractive because they’re quiet, often undisturbed, and filled with insulation.

4. 4. Unusual Noises or Smells

   Scratching, scurrying, or squeaking noises—particularly at night—are a sign you might have unwanted visitors. Mice can also leave behind musky, foul odors – either from their accumulated urine, or dead, decomposing rodents.

5. 5. Holes and Entry Points

   Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime. Check for small holes along the walls, gaps under doors, or signs of gnawing around plumbing and utility lines. These are common entry points that give them access to your storage space. Sealing these gaps is a crucial step in keeping mice out.

6. 6. Cardboard boxes are like a dream

   Cardboard boxes are like a dream come true for mice. They’re easy to chew through and provide ample space for nesting. Stacked boxes increase the risk, as they offer multiple levels for mice to hide and multiply without drawing attention.

Why Storage Areas Are High-Risk for Mice

The places where we store our extra stuff are usually filled with clutter and seldom used, making them attractive hiding spots for rodents. Here’s why these locations are so vulnerable:

• Attics: Insulation and warmth attract mice, providing a cozy environment for nesting. Soffits, vents, eaves and gutters need regular maintenance, or they may provide easy access for unwanted guests.
• Garages: Garages often have several access points and lots of inaccessible or hard-to-reach spaces, offering plenty of shelter for mice. Learn more about mouse-proofing your garage here.
• Storage Units: Unprotected storage units are high-risk spaces for mice and other pest infestation, especially if they aren’t inspected regularly.

You can protect your belongings and keep mice out of storage areas and boxes with a few simple prevention strategies. Here’s how:

Choose the Best Storage Containers to Keep Rodents Out

When storing items in high-risk areas, opt for rodent-proof storage containers. Here are the best materials:

• Heavy-duty plastic bins with locking lids: These bins provide sturdy protection from mice.
• Metal containers: Excellent for long-term storage, especially for important documents or family heirlooms.
• Airtight containers: Ideal for storing food or fabric items, keeping out both mice and moisture.

Cardboard is a definite no-go, as mice can chew through it easily. When buying containers, look for those with locking lids and thick, durable materials.

Find out what surprising things a rat can chew through for more details.

Keep the Area Clean and Clutter-Free

Mice are drawn to food crumbs, clutter, and garbage. By regularly maintaining your storage areas, you minimize the attractants and hiding spots available to them. Organize your items and avoid storing food in these spaces.

Start with a thorough clean-up

Before storing anything, especially if you’re moving items into long-term storage, it’s important to do a full clean-up of the area. This means vacuuming and sweeping to get rid of dust, dirt, and—most importantly—any food crumbs or residues that could attract rodents. Even the smallest bits of food can be enough to entice a mouse into exploring further. Take time to wipe down surfaces, clear cobwebs, and ensure that everything starts off on a clean slate.

Declutter with intention

It’s easy for storage spaces like attics and garages to become catch-all areas for random items. But a cluttered space is a mouse’s dream! Try to organize your items in a way that minimizes the potential for rodent nests. Keep things up off the floor using shelving or pallets, and avoid stacking boxes too close together. Mice love tight, dark spaces where they can hide unnoticed, so by keeping your storage open and organized, you’re making it much harder for them to find a safe, cozy spot.

Don’t store food

This might seem like an obvious tip, but it’s worth repeating: avoid storing food in your attic, garage, or storage unit. Mice have an incredible sense of smell, and they can easily detect food, even if it’s sealed in a bag or box. Items like pet food, birdseed, and even holiday treats should be stored in airtight, rodent-proof containers if they must be kept in storage.

And it’s not just human or pet food that you should worry about—mice can be attracted to food-like smells in non-food items too! Anything that has a scent (like sugar scrubs, potpourri, or candles) should also be stored in airtight containers or taken out of storage entirely.

Additional Tips for Storage Units

If you’re renting a storage unit, choose one with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan in place. Elevate your boxes off the ground using pallets or shelves and opt for climate-controlled units to discourage rodent activity. You can read more about stopping infestations in storage units here.

• Use Clear Storage Bins – When possible, opt for clear storage bins rather than opaque ones. Clear bins let you see what’s inside without having to open the container and rummage through things—this way, you’re less likely to disturb any potential mouse nests or create new opportunities for mice to find hiding spots. Plus, seeing your items at a glance makes it easier to stay organized and rotate items as needed.
• Regularly Check for Signs of Infestation – Don’t wait for signs of mice before taking action. Instead, schedule regular inspections—especially during cooler months when mice are more likely to seek shelter indoors. A quick check every few months can go a long way in catching a potential issue before it escalates. Use this time to tidy up and re-organize, even if it’s just rotating stored items.
• Use Botanical Rodent Repellents – EarthKind’s Stay Away® Rodent pouches are a 100% money-back guaranteed solution for keeping mice out of storage areas. These plant-based repellents work by creating an environment that’s unpleasant for rodents, driving them away naturally.

Make organization part of your routine

Think of decluttering and organizing as a way to empower yourself in keeping rodents out—after all, it’s your space! By organizing items and keeping your storage clutter-free, you’re not only protecting your belongings from potential damage but also creating a more manageable, stress-free environment for yourself.

Consider creating zones within your storage space, grouping similar items together, and labeling bins so you know exactly where everything is. This makes it easier to find what you need when you need it, and also makes it more likely that you’ll keep things organized long-term.

By taking these small but important steps to keep your space clean and clutter-free, you’re doing more than just organizing—you’re actively keeping mice out and protecting your home. You’ve got the power to prevent infestations, and a little effort now will pay off in the long run, keeping your stored items safe and sound.

Shop EarthKind® products to safeguard your home and storage areas or find us at your nearest retailer here.