Autumn is the time when rats and mice are looking for shelter to stay protected from the cold weather outside. According to the experts, this is the right time to proof your storage habits before winter begin to sets in.
Storage expert Frederic de Ryckman de Betz, CEO of HOLD Self Storage, explained the way you store your belongings this autumn could be sending an open invitation to unwanted guests. He said: “Every year, we see a surge in people looking for storage solutions after discovering mice have destroyed their belongings. The irony is that most of these infestations could have been prevented with just a few simple changes to how items are stored.”
The expert highlighted that stacking cardboard boxes directly on floors is one of the biggest storage blunder that could invite mice to your home.
Cardboard boxes placed directly on concrete floors create the ideal conditions for rodent problems, he warned. The combination of moisture from the ground, the chewable cardboard material, and the dark spaces between boxes creates a habitat perfect for mice.
He said: “Damp cardboard becomes soft and easy to chew, while the gaps between boxes provide perfect hiding spots. I can’t count how many times we’ve encountered mice that have turned entire stacks of boxes into multi-level apartment complexes.”
According to the expert, it is advisable to always store boxes on metal shelving units, wooden pallets, or plastic shelving that keeps them at least six inches off the ground. This prevents moisture damage and makes it harder for mice to access and nest in your belongings. Regularly check stored items and rotate boxes to disturb any potential nesting attempts.
The expert has also advised against leaving clothes, duvets and blankets in unsealed boxes. Mice see soft fabrics as premium nesting material and will chew through everything from wool jumpers to down duvets to create cosy homes for their growing families.
He said: “I have seen families lose entire wardrobes because they stored their summer clothes in open boxes. Mice don’t just nibble, but shred fabric to line their nests, and once they’ve established a territory, they’re incredibly difficult to remove.
“The solution is simple: invest in airtight plastic storage containers with secure lids. These prevent mice from accessing your belongings, while also protecting against moisture and dust. For bulky items like duvets, vacuum storage bags work brilliantly and take up far less space.”