Rodent proof square storage container
Posted by mrshortarms@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 37 comments
I have preps stored in an old warehouse. I don't own the building and it is virtually impossible to keep rodents out. Galvanized trash cans or steel barrels work, but they don't sit together nicely without a bunch of dead space. I'm considering steel shelves with hardware cloth sides and door. Would live to find a square steel.or aluminum bucket in the 1 -5 gallon range. Looking for suggestions.
Storing food in glass or metal works, but it's often easier to keep things in original sealed packages
A cat isn't an option as it's not at my house and I'm not there everyday. Yes traps work, until they get smart, then they don't. Poison works, but dead rodents hidden in corners stink and I can't piss off everyone else that has space in warehouse with dead rodent stink.
Greywolfuu@reddit
Heavy plastic containers w/ tight fittings
ToughPillToSwallow@reddit
No, rats will eventually chew through it
Oldenlame@reddit
I'd go with job boxes. Bonus, they are lockable.
DoubleVeterinarian74@reddit
Build wooden crates. They would be inconspicuous in a warehouse. Build them either small enough to be moves by hand, or big enough to need moved by pallet jack.
mrshortarms@reddit (OP)
& line with hardware cloth or sheet metal would work
Neoliberal_Boogeyman@reddit
A rolling toolbox from harbor freight would probably work for being slightly inconspicuous in a warehouse. You can occasionally find lockers on government surplus as well.
moldyjim@reddit
Nah, I have to throw out rat nests in my HF toolbox at the barn at least once a month. Hell, they even set up home in my Kennedy box a couple of times.
The only thing that seems to work is periodically putting mint oil in the drawers. It has to be replaced when it doesn't smell strong anymore or they come back.
Mice can fit through a dime size hole, rats need a quarter sized hole. The spaces between the drawers is enough for them to get into the nice, dry, rodent apartments.
AngryAccountant31@reddit
Another thing that seems to repel rodents is Irish Spring bar soap. I personally use diluted peppermint oil in a spray bottle to keep most pests out of my home.
Neoliberal_Boogeyman@reddit
That's fair and it wouldn't keep bugs out. I was still under the notion of using better containers inside the toolbox.
mrshortarms@reddit (OP)
Thanks
dittybopper_05H@reddit
Old wooden sailing ships used to have a special room lined with sheet tin for storing ships biscuit (ie., hard tack) to keep the rats from getting to it.
You need metal or glass to keep rodents out.
mrshortarms@reddit (OP)
Suggestions on square options?
Traditional_Neat_387@reddit
OP is this a scumlord storage unit (ie your paying for it/know the owner) or is this a random abandoned building you found? Because if it’s abandoned you really won’t know if they decide to bulldoze it. Honestly I wouldn’t use this place if it’s just abandoned and run down like that, I mean yeah keep your preps designed to withstand the elements and pests but actively storing your preps in a rodent infested area during “good times” isn’t a smart choice, honestly you’d be better off burying a cache somewhere at this point…I’d highly reevaluate your storage location over anything first because from what im understanding this place is terrible
mrshortarms@reddit (OP)
This is a large warehouse where the building owner primarily has storage and 3 other people have their shop/work space for somewhat specialized work. I have storage for tools and equipment I use to run my business. I already have cans and food in glass jars and medicine. I was hoping to find suggestions for something better than the metal 55 gallon drums I have dried goods, or things in plastic containers. They leave alot of dead space. Not that many pests in the space, but if they find food and no one is looking they will destroy it.
Unlikely-Ad3659@reddit
Storing preps in a shared space seems counter intuitive, if you ever really need them, they will be gone.
mrshortarms@reddit (OP)
I will stop prepping until I can buy my own shop/warehouse. Thanks for the insight
Traditional_Neat_387@reddit
OP vs the old sketchy warehouse that’s rodent infested have you considered anywhere else you might be able to store some supplies? I’m picturing you have some at home but your having this as a cache/fall back supply point. Like sit back and ask yourself these questions (don’t have to actually answer these if you don’t want just ask yourself) What kind of area do I live in (urban, suburban, rural, very rural)? What around me is close enough to actually access? What/who do I have to worry about easily finding the items? Ect. If you want I can help you search and try to find options just DM me
Unlikely-Ad3659@reddit
Well if you don't have control of your preps, you are just prepping for others anyway.
hope-luminescence@reddit
To some degree?
I usually wouldn't expect storage units to contain useful preps as opposed to people's old furniture.
Unlikely-Ad3659@reddit
The people they share the warehouse with will know. First sign of trouble, it will be looted.
Background_Ice_7568@reddit
This is the real issue. OP you are missing the forest for the trees here, imo.
Ok-Half6395@reddit
I had the same problem in the last house I lived in and I bought giant galvanised rectangular horse feed containers. You could fit 3 people seated in them and they are designed specifically to keep rodents out as horses live rurally and need a large amount of food stored close by.
mrshortarms@reddit (OP)
Yes! These are good ideas! I'll have to look up feed containers, I'm unfamiliar.
Ok-Half6395@reddit
this is the type I had...
mrshortarms@reddit (OP)
Awesome, Thank you
nerdstim@reddit
Glass Mason jars. Heavy, expensive but vermin can not cut through it!
mrshortarms@reddit (OP)
They make them square? I haven't seen those
nerdstim@reddit
It's not square but they have four fairly flat sides.
IlliniWarrior6@reddit
you do know that you can't be using any old POS containers you find laying around - you're storing food - you need clean uncontaminated food grade containers >>> even the atmosphere within that warehouse makes a difference - you'll land up with tainted food and possibly dangerously contaminated by what is also stored there ......
rodent & pests are only part of the concern in storing food ......
mrshortarms@reddit (OP)
All food is remaining in original packaging. I have no plan to store flour or granola loose in an old toolbox
wily_virus@reddit
Plastic packaging is moisture and air permeable. That's why the gold standard is mylar bags in sealable 5 gallon pails.
Interesting_Fan5846@reddit
I use milsurp metal containers and metal containers I find to keep rodents and vermin out
JL3Eleven@reddit
Used file cabinets?
mrshortarms@reddit (OP)
Good idea
longshortcyclist@reddit
It’s a little bigger than you’re looking for but recommend the old footlockers sold at military surplus stores at times. They’re about 3ish ft long about 18” deep and 18” high. Would allow you expansion and fits nicely in a corner
mrshortarms@reddit (OP)
Thanks
SunLillyFairy@reddit
My thought was also metal lockers. Buying cases of #10 cans might work for you too. They stack pretty well in original packaging.