Can Mice Get Into Storage Bins? (Easy Ways to Stop Them

You’ve probably bought plastic storage bins to keep your belongings organized and protected. Maybe you use them to store holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, or sentimental items in your garage, attic, or basement. These bins seem secure with their snap-on lids and solid construction. But if you’re worried about mice, you need to know the truth. Can mice get into storage bins?

Yes, mice can get into most storage bins. They can chew through thin plastic in just a few hours, squeeze through gaps between lids and containers, and even climb into bins that aren’t properly sealed. Only heavy-duty metal or very thick plastic bins with secure lids can reliably keep mice out.

This means those regular plastic storage bins from discount stores probably won’t protect your stuff from mice. If you’re dealing with a mouse problem, you need to understand how mice get into bins and what you can do about it.

Why Mice Can Breach Most Storage Bins

Mice are incredibly resourceful rodents with physical abilities that make most standard storage bins easy to break into.

Their teeth are their biggest advantage. Like all rodents, mice have front teeth (incisors) that never stop growing throughout their lives. These teeth are incredibly strong and sharp, harder than iron on the hardness scale. Mice need to constantly gnaw on things to keep their teeth worn down, which means they’re basically chewing machines.

When a mouse encounters a plastic storage bin, it doesn’t see a secure container. It sees a chewable obstacle. The plastic that most storage bins are made from (usually polyethylene or polypropylene) is relatively soft compared to what mouse teeth can handle.

Mice can chew through thin plastic remarkably fast. A determined mouse can create a hole big enough to squeeze through in just a couple hours. If multiple mice are working on the same bin, they can breach it even faster.

Their flexible bodies help too. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, which is about the size of your pinky finger. If there’s even a small gap between a storage bin and its lid, a mouse can probably get through it.

Mice are excellent climbers. They can scale rough surfaces, jump surprisingly high, and balance on narrow edges. This means if your bins are stacked or sitting on shelves, mice can still reach them.

What Types of Storage Bins Are Most Vulnerable

Not all storage bins are equally easy for mice to get into. Some types practically invite mice in, while others provide at least some resistance.

Thin plastic bins from discount stores are the easiest targets. These bins flex when you squeeze them, and you can often see light through the plastic. Mice can chew through these in no time. If you paid less than ten dollars for a bin, it’s probably not going to stop mice.

Bins with loose-fitting lids are vulnerable even if the plastic is thick. If the lid doesn’t snap tightly onto the container, there will be gaps. Mice can squeeze through these gaps without even needing to chew through the plastic.

Clear or translucent bins show mice what’s inside. If they can see food items, fabric, or other attractive materials through the plastic, they’re more motivated to work on getting in. Opaque bins don’t provide this visual incentive.

Old, brittle bins

Plastic degrades over time, especially if it’s been exposed to temperature changes or sunlight. If your bins have been in storage for years, the plastic might have become more brittle and easier for mice to break through.

Bins stored directly on the floor are more accessible to mice. Mice prefer to stay close to walls and floors where they feel protected. Bins sitting on the ground are right in their comfort zone.

Cardboard boxes aren’t even worth mentioning for mouse protection. Mice can chew through cardboard in minutes. If you’re using cardboard boxes for storage in areas where mice might be present, you’re basically offering them gift-wrapped access to your stuff.

Signs That Mice Have Gotten Into Your Storage Bins

If mice have been working on your storage bins, they’ll leave evidence behind. Knowing what to look for helps you catch the problem early.

Chew marks on bin edges or corners are obvious signs. Look closely at the rim where the lid meets the container, and check the bottom corners. Fresh chew marks show lighter-colored plastic where mice have scraped away the outer layer. You’ll also see rough, torn edges rather than smooth plastic.

Small holes in bins are clear proof mice have gotten through. These holes are usually at corners or edges where mice can brace themselves while chewing. The holes might start small but will get bigger over time as mice work on them.

Plastic shavings or dust near bins indicate active chewing. When mice gnaw through plastic, they leave behind tiny bits and dust. You might find these on the floor around bins or even inside if mice have already breached the container.

Droppings on or around bins mean mice are investigating your storage. Mouse droppings are small, about the size of rice grains, and dark brown or black. Finding fresh droppings near your bins is a warning that mice are in the area and might try to get into the containers.

Disturbed contents inside bins tell you mice have definitely been there. If you open a bin and find items moved around, shredded, or chewed, mice have gotten inside. They might have also left droppings or urine in the bin.

A musky, unpleasant smell around your storage bins can indicate mouse activity. Mice have a distinctive odor that becomes noticeable if several of them have been in an area. If your storage space suddenly smells off, check your bins carefully.

Nesting materials pulled from bins are serious signs. If mice have gotten into bins containing fabric, paper, or soft items, they might use those materials to build nests nearby or inside the bin itself.

How to Store Items to Keep Mice Out

If you want to actually protect your belongings from mice, you need to use the right containers and storage methods.

Metal storage containers are the best option. Mice can’t chew through steel or aluminum. Metal bins with secure latching lids will keep mice out no matter how determined they are. Yes, metal containers cost more than plastic ones, but they actually work.

Heavy-duty plastic bins with thick walls might provide some protection. Look for containers made from extra-thick, rigid plastic. These won’t be foolproof, but they’ll hold up better than thin bins. Make sure the lids lock or snap tightly with no gaps.

Glass containers work well for smaller items. Large glass storage jars or containers with tight seals will keep mice out. The downside is that glass is heavy and breakable, so it’s not practical for all storage needs.

Hard plastic bins with metal latches offer better security than standard snap-lid bins. The metal latches create a tighter seal and give mice fewer gaps to exploit. These bins are more expensive but worth it if you’re storing valuable items.

Store bins off the floor when possible. Put bins on metal shelving units at least six inches above ground level. This doesn’t make bins mouse-proof, but it makes them less accessible. Make sure the shelving is metal, as mice can chew through wooden shelves.

Elevating bins also makes it easier to inspect them for signs of mouse activity. You can see underneath and around them better than when they’re sitting directly on the floor.

Don’t stack bins tightly against walls. Leave some space between your storage containers and walls so you can see signs of mouse activity like droppings or chew marks. This also gives you access to inspect all sides of the bins.

Use airtight containers for anything that might attract mice. Food items, pet supplies, fabric, and paper are all attractive to mice. These items deserve extra protection with truly sealed containers.

What to Put in Storage Bins to Deter Mice

While no scent or deterrent makes a storage bin completely mouse-proof, some things might help discourage mice from targeting your bins.

Strong-smelling deterrents might reduce mice interest. Some people have success placing dryer sheets, cotton balls soaked with peppermint oil, or sachets of strong herbs inside bins. The strong smell might make the contents less appealing to mice, though this isn’t a guarantee.

Cedar blocks or chips can help deter mice from fabric storage. Cedar has a strong scent that some rodents find unpleasant. Placing cedar blocks in bins with clothing or linens might provide some additional protection.

Steel wool around the outside of bins won’t stop mice from chewing the plastic, but if you stuff steel wool into any gaps between lids and containers, mice can’t easily push through. They hate the texture and can’t chew through it.

However, deterrents alone aren’t enough. If mice are hungry or desperate for nesting material, strong smells won’t stop them. You still need proper containers and other mouse prevention methods.

What to Do If Mice Have Damaged Your Storage Bins

Discovering that mice have gotten into your storage bins is frustrating. You need to act quickly to protect your remaining items and address the mouse problem.

Check all bins in the affected area thoroughly. If mice got into one bin, they’ve probably investigated others nearby. Look for chew marks, holes, and signs of entry even on bins that look intact.

Remove damaged items immediately. Anything that’s been chewed, nested in, or contaminated with droppings or urine needs to go. Mice carry diseases, and their waste can make you sick. Don’t risk keeping contaminated items.

Replace damaged bins with mouse-proof alternatives. Don’t put items back into bins that mice have chewed through, even if you patch the holes. Mice will smell their previous success and target those bins again.

Clean the entire storage area thoroughly. Mice leave behind droppings, urine, and scent markers that attract other mice. Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning. Use a disinfectant solution on all surfaces, including the floor, walls, and shelving.

Set traps to catch the mice. You can’t just seal up bins and hope for the best. You need to eliminate the mice that are already in your storage area. Use snap traps, live traps, or other effective methods placed along walls and in corners where mice travel.

Find and seal mouse entry points. Check your storage area for gaps, cracks, or holes where mice are getting in. Common entry points include gaps around pipes, cracks in foundations, damaged vents, and spaces under doors. Seal these openings with steel wool, metal mesh, or mouse-proof foam.

Preventing Mice From Targeting Your Storage Area

Getting mice out of your bins is only part of the solution. You also need to make your storage area less attractive to mice.

Keep storage areas clean and organized. Clutter gives mice places to hide and nest. Maintain clear pathways, keep items organized, and don’t let boxes or bins pile up haphazardly.

Remove food sources from storage areas. Don’t store food items, pet food, or bird seed in garages, sheds, attics, or basements where mice can access them. If you must store these items in these areas, use only metal containers with secure lids.

Eliminate water sources. Fix leaky pipes, eliminate standing water, and make sure your storage area stays dry. Mice need water to survive, and removing access makes your storage space less attractive.

Store fabric items properly. If you’re keeping clothing, blankets, or other fabric items in storage, wash them before packing, use airtight containers, and add cedar or other deterrents. Never store fabric in cardboard boxes or thin plastic bags.

Don’t store paper items loosely. Mice love to shred paper for nesting material. If you’re storing documents, books, or other paper items, use secure containers. Consider keeping important papers in a filing cabinet inside your home rather than in a garage or attic.

Inspect storage areas regularly. Make it a habit to check your storage space at least once a month for signs of mice. Look for droppings, chew marks, nesting materials, or any other indicators that mice are present. Early detection makes the problem much easier to solve.

Keep the perimeter of your storage area clear. Don’t let boxes or bins sit directly against walls. Leave some space so you can see signs of mouse activity and access all sides of your storage containers.

Conclusion

Mice can definitely get into most storage bins. Their powerful teeth let them chew through standard plastic containers, and their flexible bodies allow them to squeeze through even small gaps. Regular plastic storage bins from most stores won’t keep determined mice out of your belongings.

To truly protect your items from mice, you need to use metal containers, very heavy-duty plastic bins with secure lids, or glass containers. Even then, the best protection comes from combining proper storage containers with overall mouse prevention. Keep your storage areas clean, eliminate food and water sources, seal entry points, and monitor regularly for signs of mouse activity.

Don’t wait until mice have destroyed your stored items to take action. If you know you have mice or if you’re storing items in areas where mice are likely to be, invest in proper storage containers now. It’s much cheaper than replacing damaged belongings later.