Keeping bugs and rodents out of your self-storage unit might not be the first thing on your mind when you start packing up boxes, but pest control is no joke. Even clean, secure, and climate-controlled storage facilities aren’t 100% impenetrable to unwanted insects or vermin. Luckily, with some proactive steps and good attention to detail, you can drastically reduce the risk of a pest infestation. To help, we’ve put together a few tips on how to keep mice and bugs out of a storage unit.<\/p>\n
Rather than relying on external pest control services from self-storage facilities, there are methods to keep your stored items safe and sound inside your unit. Some of the most impactful tips to prevent unwanted pests include the following.<\/p>\n
Before moving your things into your unit, take the time to prepare it properly. Clean out your unit<\/a> and look for any signs of potential pest entrances. Using bug spray or natural remedies like peppermint oil, you can create a barrier. Just make sure you adhere to all the rules and regulations regarding insecticides or sprays beforehand. You should also thoroughly clean the floors to remove any residue that could attract unwanted pests.<\/p>\n Not only is storing food typically against the rules<\/a> of any good storage facility, but it’s also a surefire way to attract pests. Often, it happens by accident. During a hectic move, you might put a few things in the wrong box instead of kitchen storage containers and find that you have created a feeding ground for rodents or pests. If this happens, remove the food, clean things up, vacuum any food remnants, repack boxes, and check back in a few days to ensure they haven’t returned. You may also be advised to talk to your storage facility if they need to employ routine professional pest control services to address the issue.<\/p>\n The smell of food isn’t the only trigger for bugs and mice. Several things that have strong odors can attract pests to your unit. Perfumes, detergents, candles, potpourri, and similar scented items can attract bugs like cockroaches. So keep those pungent items with you, or try to use them before you pack your storage unit.<\/p>\n Another way to help deter pests from causing too much damage is to keep your items off the floor. You can do this by getting some new (clean) pallets or investing in shelving units that you can place inside your storage unit. This will help promote airflow, which reduces the risk of mold, mildew, or any odors that may attract mice and insects. It also helps add another step for pests looking for a new home. While they can still climb onto the pallet, elevating things may help prevent pest damage.<\/p>\n One of the most effective pest management solutions is to ensure they can’t access your belongings. This means using the right storage containers<\/a> for your items. Airtight containers are a great way to help keep items within storage safe from pests, but they might not be the perfect solution for all your belongings. It’s important to store items correctly to avoid damage, but well-sealed containers should be prioritized whenever possible.<\/p>\n Cardboard boxes<\/a> can also be used for storage as long as they’re sturdy and don’t have any holes. The best option to maximize protection is to buy new boxes. You can use some hand-me-down boxes if they’re in good condition, but avoid using free cardboard boxes that are visibly damaged or worn down. They’re likely not strong enough to keep pests out and might not withstand the pressure caused by stacking within your unit. You should also never store your items in boxes you got from grocery stores, as they tend to have food residue that can attract even more pests and rodents.<\/p>\n Bed bugs are one of the most annoying types of pests, as they’re difficult to get rid of and breed quickly. Unfortunately, bed bugs can burrow into any furniture with upholstery<\/a>, mattresses, and couches. Keep items covered in plastic or fabric wraps to help reduce the risk of this happening. Storing mattresses should be done with care, and you should also choose a storage company that maintains cleanliness and takes a proactive approach to these types of issues.<\/p>\n Natural deterrents like peppermint oil, lavender, and cedar can effectively keep pests away. These substances are known for their strong scents, which can repel various insects and rodents. For instance, peppermint oil can deter mice and spiders, while lavender is effective against moths and fleas. Cedar, often used in closets and chests, is renowned for repelling moths and insects that can damage fabrics. To use these natural deterrents, place sachets filled with dried lavender or cedar chips around your storage unit or apply a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and distribute them throughout the space.<\/p>\n However, it\u2019s important to note that not all natural remedies are great for storage units. Mothballs, for example, are sometimes used as a natural pest control method, but they aren\u2019t typically recommended. The strong odor of mothballs can permeate clothing and other items, leaving an unpleasant smell that can be difficult to remove. Furthermore, the chemicals in mothballs can be harmful if inhaled over long periods.<\/p>\n Before using any natural pest deterrents, always check with your storage facility to ensure you abide by their rules and regulations. Some facilities may have specific guidelines about what can and cannot be used within the units to prevent damage to the property or to ensure the safety of all stored items. If natural remedies aren\u2019t proving effective, you can also consider using mechanical traps.<\/p>\n Many storage facilities require tenants to have self-storage insurance<\/a> for their belongings, but not all policies cover pest damage. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your self-storage insurance policy to see what is covered and what isn’t. If pest damage is not included, you may consider purchasing additional coverage to protect your belongings. If pests do cause damage to your items, having the right insurance coverage can help ease the financial burden of replacing or repairing your belongings.<\/p>\n Damp environments and fluctuating temperatures create ideal conditions for pests such as cockroaches, silverfish, and rodents. Climate-controlled<\/a> storage units mitigate these risks by maintaining consistent humidity and temperature levels. By keeping the air dry and temperatures stable, these units discourage pests from making your storage unit their home. Climate-controlled units are often better sealed and insulated, providing an extra barrier against pest entry. This proactive approach protects your belongings from environmental damage and significantly reduces the risk of attracting unwanted pests, ensuring your items remain safe and secure.<\/p>\n We recommend visiting your storage unit every other month to check on it to ensure things are going well. This way, if there are any signs of an issue (e.g., rodent droppings or holes in your boxes), you can get them taken care of before serious damage occurs.<\/p>\n Finally, choosing a reputable storage facility is crucial in preventing pest infestations and ensuring the safety of your belongings. High-quality storage facilities typically implement some type of pest control measures, reducing the risk of encountering bugs and rodents.<\/p>\n Partner with the Lock Up Self Storage to help with pest prevention in your storage solutions. Our climate-controlled self-storage units<\/a> are great for keeping your belongings in good condition while reducing the risk of insects and mice. We also offer self-storage units in varying sizes<\/a>, so you never pay for more space than you need. Our flexible leasing options will keep you covered whether you need short-term or long-term storage. The Lock Up Self Storage facilities have top-of-the-line security features like perimeter alarms, gated access codes, and 24\/7 CCTV. To learn more about our self-storage units at The Lock Up, call us today at 1-866-327-LOCK<\/a> or stop by one of our locations<\/a> for a tour.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Keeping bugs and rodents out of your self-storage unit might not be the first thing on your mind when you start packing up boxes, but pest control is no joke. Even clean, secure, and climate-controlled storage facilities aren’t 100% impenetrable to unwanted insects or vermin. Luckily, with some proactive steps and good attention to detail, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":8884,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8375","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-how-to","category-storage-tips"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t2. Never Store Food Items in Your Unit<\/h3>\n
3. Avoid Storing Strongly Scented Items<\/h3>\n
4. Place Bins and Boxes on Pallets<\/h3>\n
5. Use Well-Sealed Storage Containers<\/h3>\n
6. Get New Cardboard Boxes for Storage<\/h3>\n
7. Cover Anything Upholstered<\/h3>\n
8. Use Natural Pest Deterrents<\/h3>\n
9. Keep Your Storage Unit Insured<\/h3>\n
10. Opt for Climate-Controlled Storage<\/h3>\n
11. Visit Your Unit Regularly<\/h3>\n
12. Partner with Reputable Storage Facilities<\/h3>\n