How to pest-proof a storage unit

Vermin is a frequent issue that the owners or renters of storage facilities have to deal with. It is an unfortunate reality. Namely, this is because these spaces often go undisturbed for long periods. In case too much time passes between your visits, you are likely to find your sofa had become a food source for rodents and insects. However, the fact is, nobody wants to see their storage facility become a gathering place for pests. This brings us to the point. Finding a convenient and affordable space to store your belongings is not enough. You’ll want to do your best to additionally protect your stuff from potential pest damage as well. So, what is it that you can do to pest-proof a storage unit? Let’s find out.

A suitable, pest-proof storage unit

Renting storage space is a great way to keep your belongings safe and secure when you are moving, renovating, or away for the summer. However, finding one online and hoping that everything will be alright is not a way to go. Instead, you must go and see for yourself whether or not it is well maintained. There are particular steps that storage facilities take to ensure a pest-free environment for their customers. An integrated pest management approach includes:

• Regular pest control inspections. They help to identify the points pests could use to get inside, as well as the factors of their potential entry.
• Precautionary measures. Once the inspection reveals the vulnerabilities, the facilities contact pest control services. They perform structural maintenance to seal off the potential entry points.
• Dry conditions. The company should make sure the area surrounding the self-storage units is free from moisture.
• Pest control treatments. To pest-proof a storage unit, companies conduct regular treatments and employ the best pest control techniques.

If you are moving, know that a lot of relocation companies, such as Glenside Pa movers, offer a storage unit service. Therefore, upon arranging your relocation, make sure to ask whether you can take a tour of the storage area. It’s always best to see the space for yourself. Inspect the quality of their maintenance, and learn about the pest control techniques they employ to keep the situation under control. Only then can you decide if it is suitable for you.

Pack your items properly

Frequently, the way we pack items in storage may attract pests. If you want to pest-proof your storage unit, you’ll need to learn how to prepare your items for storage. This means choosing your packing supplies very carefully. It, truly, goes a long way. But, let’s be more specific. Our first tip is to avoid using cardboard boxes. This is the easiest thing that you can do to keep insects and rodents from making their way into your belongings. Our next advice is to use their more durable and chew-proof plastic counterparts. We recommend buying new plastic containers. Although it may be cheaper to buy cardboard boxes, plastic will do a great job in helping you on your way to a pests-free unit.

Adding layer is one step closer to a pest-proof storage unit

Still, there are some larger items, like furniture, that can’t be placed in plastic containers. But don’t worry about it. We’ve got you! For starters, make sure that everything that has a fabric is somehow covered. Some kind of breathable material is best for sofas and other fabric-covered furniture. A moving blanket or a quilt should do the job. Moths love to destroy fabric. However, such material will both allow your items to breathe and reduce the risk that mold will take root. Next, use a plastic wrap that is created to protect mattresses and non-upholstered furniture against pests.

Elevate your belongings

You are doing a great job so far! Keep reading, as we have more useful advice for you! To help you achieve your goal of a rodent-proof storage facility, we recommend keeping your objects a few inches above the ground. There are a couple of easy ways to do this. First, you can use open shelving for smaller items you plan on keeping in your unit. And second, you should think about placing your storing boxes and furniture on raised wood pallets.

Refrain from storing any perishables

This one is self-evident. Still, “no food allowed” is a life-saving policy and, therefore, worthy of a mention. Since people are aware that they shouldn’t store foodstuffs inside their storage units, we’ll go a bit beyond the obvious. For starters, check whether you’ve left some food in places where you did not intend to do so. Maybe there are crumbs left from previous tenants? Maybe you missed some food stain on your furniture? Or perhaps you forgot to check kitchen containers, pots, and pans for food residue on the surface? Secondly, if you have children, you’ll do well to remember their making of that macaroni picture frame in preschool or their carving of that pumpkin for Halloween. Lastly, things like plants and scented candles could also be the cause of a pest problem, so make sure that you don’t store these either.

Use deterrents to pest-proof your storage unit

Your storage facility should already have pest bait stations and traps installed. However, you should think about protecting your unit, too. Consider installing natural pest deterrents because they are quite useful, and they take into account your safety. Cotton balls drenched in peppermint oil or lavender is a natural pest deterrent. Also, the scent of cedar or any sort of chilly pepper is naturally irritating to most insects and rodents. Additionally, you can also use conventional bug sprays and set traps along the inside walls, in the corners and near the entrance.

Conduct regular check-ups

Rodent-free storage is every renter’s dream. Now you can confidently say: “I’ve managed to find a reliable, pest-free, climate controlled storage near me“. Therefore, give yourself peace of mind since you can rest assured that all of your belongings are not at risk of pest infestation. Oh, one last piece of advice! Make sure that you check your facility regularly. Pest and rodent problems are easy to address if detected and treated on time. Therefore, visit your warehouse every two months or so, and look for any signs for potential pests infestation, such as new holes, rodent droppings or bugs. If the clues are there, notify the management right away.