Let me tell you something you already know – finding mice droppings in your storage unit is about as fun as stepping on a Lego barefoot. I’ve been in the storage business for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that prevention beats extermination every single time.

At County Line Storage, we see it all. The family who stored grandma’s antique quilts only to find moth holes. The college kid whose textbooks got turned into mouse bedding. The holiday decorations that came out smelling like… well, let’s just say not like pine trees.

But here’s the good news – keeping pests out isn’t rocket science. It’s about being smarter than a rodent (which, let’s face it, isn’t setting the bar too high). Here’s exactly what works, straight from our experience.

Why Pests Move In? (And How to Make Them Regret It)

Pests are basically the worst kind of freeloaders. They want:

• Free rent (your cozy storage unit).
• Free food (even that single Cheerio stuck in your couch cushions).
• Free drinks (moisture from damp boxes or humidity).

Your job? Be the worst landlord ever.

The Golden Rules of Pest-Proof Packing

1. Clean Like You’re Hiding Evidence

I’m not kidding – you’d be shocked what counts as a five-star meal to a mouse.

• That “clean” blender? Wipe it down again.
• The couch cushions? Vacuum like your mother-in-law’s visiting.
• Those holiday decorations? That tinsel has last year’s cookie crumbs in it.

Pro tip from our maintenance guy: A 50/50 vinegar spray cuts grease better than most cleaners, and pests hate the smell.

2. Plastic Bins Are Worth Every Penny

Cardboard boxes might as well come with a “Welcome Mice!” sign.

• The good: Heavy-duty bins with locking lids.
• The bad: Those flimsy dollar store bins.
• The ugly: That Amazon box you’ve reused six times.

True story: We had a customer store baby clothes in cardboard. Found a mouse family nesting in them. The dry cleaning bill cost more than the bins would have.

3. The Food Rule (And Why People Break It)

“Just one bag of dog food won’t hurt,” said every customer who later called us about rodents.

• Absolutely never: Open food, pet food, bird seed.
• Maybe if you must: Canned goods in sealed plastic bins.
• What actually works: Take the food out of your storage unit.

Setting Up Your Unit Like a Pest-Proof Fortress

1. Get Everything Off the Floor

Concrete sweats. Moisture attracts. Pests follow.

• Best: Metal shelving.
• Good enough: Wooden pallets.
• Better than nothing: Even just 2x4s under your stuff.

2. Leave Breathing Room

Packing your unit like a game of Tetris? You’re making a pest paradise.

• Walkway space = easier pest checks.
• Air gaps prevent moisture buildup.
• Bonus: You won’t have to unload everything to find that one box.

3. Climate Control Isn’t Just for Fancy People

Humidity above 60%? You’re basically running a bug hotel.

Our climate-controlled units at County Line Storage keep:

• Temperature steady.
• Humidity low.
• Your stuff from becoming pest chow.

Fun fact: A single female moth can lay 400 eggs. Climate control stops that party before it starts.

The Maintenance Routine That Actually Works

1. Visit More Often Than Your In-Laws

Twice a year minimum. Look for:

• Tiny black specks (droppings).
• Shredded paper/insulation (nests).
• That weird smell you can’t place.

2. What We Do Behind the Scenes?

At County Line Storage, we’re not just collecting rent:

• Monthly pest control treatments (the real kind, not just spray and pray).
• Building inspections for gaps and cracks.
• Keeping the property cleaner than a hospital (because pests love trash).

3. When Prevention Fails (Because Life Happens)

Found evidence of pests? Here’s your action plan:

1. Don’t panic (we’ve seen worse).
2. Call us immediately – faster response = less damage.
3. Quarantine affected items in sealed plastic until treated.
4. Deep clean everything before returning it.

The Bottom Line

Pest-proofing comes down to:

1. Clean before you store (like, really clean).
2. Plastic over cardboard (every single time).
3. Stay dry (moisture is enemy #1).
4. Check regularly (out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind).

We’ve got your back with secure, pest-resistant units at County Line Storage, but remember – the best defense starts with how you pack.

Now go forth and store with confidence. And if you ever doubt whether to clean something before storing it? Just ask yourself: “Would I want a mouse to eat off this?” That usually clears things up.

Need more real-world storage tips? Let me know – I’ve got plenty of stories (and lessons learned the hard way) to share.