Rats in Storage Units and Rented Godowns

When you store furniture, documents, clothes or stock in a rented storage unit or godown, you do not see it every day. That makes it an easy target for rats, which can nest in boxes, chew fabrics and paper, and ruin items before you notice anything.

This guide explains how to protect stored goods and what to do if rats get in.

The short answer

Before renting a storage unit or godown, inspect it for gaps, droppings and signs of rats, ask about pest control, and choose a clean, well-maintained facility. Pack goods in sealed rodent-resistant containers, avoid storing food, keep items off the floor and away from walls, leave an inspection gap, and check on your goods regularly. If you find rats, document the problem, tell the operator in writing, move or protect your goods and ask for treatment. Choose facilities with regular pest control programmes.

Before you rent

1. Inspect the unit for droppings, gnaw marks, nests, smells and gaps.
2. Look at the building: waste areas, drains, doors and the condition of walls.
3. Ask about the pest control schedule and records.
4. Check that doors close tightly and the floor and walls are sound.
5. Read the agreement on liability for damage.

Packing for storage

• Use sturdy plastic bins with tight lids, or metal containers, rather than cardboard.
• Wrap furniture and mattresses in plastic sheeting, and seal them well.
• Do not store food, pet food or anything with a food smell.
• Clean items before storing to remove food residue and smells.
• Avoid storing loose paper, cloth and cardboard that rats may use for nests.

Arranging the unit

1. Raise boxes off the floor on pallets or shelves.
2. Keep goods away from walls and leave a gap for inspection.
3. Leave a clear walkway.
4. Use tight stacking so rats cannot nest between items.

Monitoring

• Visit regularly, and look for droppings, gnawing and smell.
• Place a few monitoring traps or tracking patches at the entrance, if permitted.
• Check high-value or sensitive items first.

If you find rats

1. Take photos of the signs and the damage.
2. Tell the operator in writing, and ask for treatment and an inspection.
3. Check your agreement and insurance.
4. Move your goods to a clean unit if the problem is not addressed.
5. Clean and disinfect items, wearing gloves and a mask, and discard badly contaminated items.

For operators

Facility managers should maintain structures, manage waste, run regular pest control and respond quickly to customer reports.

When to call a professional

If you rent a godown for a business, hire a pest control provider to inspect and treat regularly and keep records.

Frequently asked questions

Can rats damage furniture in storage?

Yes, by gnawing wood, fabric and upholstery and nesting inside.

Is the operator liable?

It depends on your agreement. Read it carefully.

Are plastic bins safe?

Thick, tight-lidded ones are much better than cardboard.

Should I put poison in the unit?

Do not do so without the operator's permission. Use professional methods.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on rodent control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full rodent control guide for Bangalore.