Saving Your Storage Unit From Pest Infestation

Pests like rodents or insects are not only annoying, they can also be damaging to your items. When storing your things in a self-storage unit, it is important to take the time to safe guard them from pests and other damaging influences. While almost all storage facilities have pest control protocols, you should still be prepared to protect your things autonomously.

 Use these tips to keep pests out of your storage locker: 

• Thoroughly clean all the items you plan on storing in your storage unit prior to moving into the locker. 
•  Do not store any perishable food items in the storage unit. Canned or jarred food is OK to store however, released food items will attract ants. 
• Check to make sure that no bugs are in any of your boxes before storing them in your unit. 
• Moth balls and cedar blocks work well to keep moths from ruining your clothing. Do not store them in contact with your clothes because they can cause damage if left for a considerable amount of time.
• Store boxes on a pallet to prevent small pests from hiding underneath them. When boxes are in contact with the floor ants and silverfish will thrive underneath them. 
• Clean your unit regularly to maintain the cleanliness of your items and check for pests. 
• Do not store live plants in your storage locker. Leafs, soil and roots provide a prime breeding ground for small insects. 

 If you suspect there are pests in your storage area, you should notify the manager right away. Storage facilities offer pest control plans so the manager can contact their pest control service immediately. Depending on the storage facility you use and the pests you are having trouble with, the management team will decide what the best plan of action is. If there are open lockers, you should ask to move to a new unit.