Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your Storage Unit
There’s nothing worse than retrieving your possessions from your storage unit only to discover some things have been damaged due to mice, spiders, or other pests. While your storage facility may use a pest control service, there are numerous ways that pests can get into your unit, and it’s usually from neighboring unit owners who didn’t take any precautions. However, just a few simple steps can alleviate your concerns about pests. Next, we’ll outline some tips to keep your storage ship shape.
Plastic Instead of Cardboard
Anyone who has moved knows all about the great cardboard box hunts. You go from store to store asking for boxes. It is very economical getting free boxes, but you should be mindful of where you get them. Grocery stores and restaurants should be avoided entirely. These boxes can have residual food and odors that attract pests, especially mice. If you use cardboard, try to choose thick and sturdy boxes that won’t crumple down when stacked. Buying new boxes will ensure no food odors, and they will be much stronger.
Plastic totes make a fantastic alternative to cardboard. They come in assorted sizes and lids that create a good seal to keep out pests. Mice can’t chew through the plastic, and residual odors won’t escape enticing the critters to take up residence in your storage. Another feature of using plastic totes is that they stack nicely, so you don’t have to worry about crushed boxes or a stack falling over.
No Food
It should go without saying that you shouldn’t store food of any kind in a storage unit, but you would be surprised at the number of ways food makes its way in. Taking a break and eating a snack while you’re loading the storage is the easiest way to spread around crumbs. These crumbs will certainly attract pests. Never eat in the unit to avoid this problem.
Another way food gets in there is in the furniture itself. Always thoroughly vacuum couches and chairs. Be sure to clean the cushions on both sides. Use the crevice tool to get deep down in the in-between spaces where food crumbs love to collect. This helps reduce any uninvited guests munching on your leftovers.
Store Items Off the Floor
You might think it makes no difference because bugs and rodents can crawl upwards. While that is true, it is a proven pest deterrent to keep items from sitting directly on the ground. Shelving can be beneficial, but it can be as simple as placing wood pallets on the floor to stack boxes. Anything you can do to prevent an infestation should be a priority.
Traps, Chemicals, And Natural Deterrents
Always check your storage facility’s policy on using chemical poisons to control rodent or insect infestations.
Spraying the inside of your storage before you load it can help keep the pests away from your possessions if the property allows it. Insect traps and mouse traps can be placed around the storage before packing it and even in random areas after filling the space.
Natural deterrents are excellent alternatives to poisons and mothballs. Unfortunately, the odors from mothballs and poison can make their way into neighboring unit. Try essential oils on cotton balls for a fresher (and more pleasant) smell that won’t offend your neighbors. For example, Peppermint oil not only smells great, but it boasts an impressive list of pests it deters, including fleas, spiders, mosquitoes, mice, flies, and ants. Tea tree oil is another oil with the same qualities as peppermint oil. Just moisten cotton balls with the oil and strategically place them around your storage.
Following a few simple suggestions will keep your storage free of pests and give you peace of mind knowing all your valuable items are safe and sound and critter free.