Let’s be honest! Nobody wants to have a pest problem anywhere and you especially don’t want pests in your storage unit(s). This can be a major problem in the Kansas City area.
One main reason is that you probably aren’t there checking it as often as you would like. Not to mention that having a pest problem in your storage unit is pretty icky and they will cause a lot of damage to your possessions.
Fortunately, you have some options and great things you can do to protect your items from both rodents and insects. The ultimate goal is to keep all of the creepy critters out of your storage unit. So, let’s talk about how to keep pests and rodents out of your storage unit.
Follow These Tips To Keep Rodents And Bugs Out Of Your Storage Unit
1. Pick The Right Containers
When you are moving cardboard boxes are probably the best choice as they are the cheapest and usually the easiest solution. But, when storing your possessions in a storage unit cardboard boxes are an open invitation to rodents and bugs. If cardboard boxes are the only thing you can use be sure to properly seal all of the seams with heavy packing tape.
Using some sort of plastic container with airtight lids that seal is a better choice when storing your stuff long-term. Plastic containers cannot be chewed through and don’t have cracks and crevices that allow pests to find their way in. Not to mention they do make it easier to organize your storage unit.
2. Pick A Facility That Has A Pest Control Service
After making sure that your stuff is packed and protected, picking a storage facility that uses pest control is the next most important thing you can do to help keep bugs and rodents at bay.
This will take the worry of doing your own pest control away from you. It will also save you an expense that was probably going to be unexpected. This is an investment that is worthwhile, just like if you need a climate-controlled storage unit.
3. Do Not Store Your Stuff On The Floor
Another great way to deter pests is to make sure you are storing your items off of the floor. Some units will come with shelves that you can use and if not you can bring in your own form of elevation. Even using a small pallet can be enough elevation to deter pests.
4. Never Store Food In Your Storage Unit
This should go without saying, but we have to say it because a lot of people do this without thinking. We all know that food can attract unwanted pests. This also goes against the terms of most storage unit contracts.
Even if you have to move in a hurry be sure to make sure all of your kitchen items are thoroughly washed and wrapped in plastic. Remember when it comes to food we are also talking about all types of pet foods.
5. Make Sure Your Furniture Is Wrapped
Upholstered items, such as a sofa or other stuffed furniture are a safe haven for all types of pests. Many pests like to use those stuffed areas for nesting areas so be sure to find heavy plastic and wrap all of these items. These items include:
- Couches
- Arm Chairs
- Kitchen Chairs With Cushions
- Mattresses
- Pillows
- Rugs
- And More…
Remember to keep these items off of the floor as well. We know they will probably be heavier, but they still need to be lifted off of the floor to protect them from bugs.
6. Make Regular Visits To Your Storage Unit
If you are able to do it yourself, check in on your unit as often as possible. If for some reason you aren’t able to do it, try to find someone to do it for you. Look for signs that you might have rodents or pests like droppings, spider webs, holes that weren’t there before.
Make sure to replace any mouse traps if you have caught anything and if you are using peppermint oils, cedar blocks, cotton balls, and mothballs, be sure to replace them or make sure they are still good.
7. You Still Need To Insure Your Items
Even with all of the precautions that we talked about above, it can still be hard to keep your storage unit pest free including bugs and mice. That’s why it’s a good idea to purchase an insurance policy that covers pest damage.
Contact Gunter Pest & Lawn For More Pest Control Help
We hope that these tips on how to keep pests and rodents out of your storage unit help you if you find yourself using a storage unit. But, remember there is nothing better than contacting expert exterminators. Speak with a live Gunter representative today about any pest control problem, including for your storage unit.
You can call us at 816-444-2847 or use our contact form and we will help you with your pest control or rodent control needs.
Be Sure To Check Out Our Services:
Termites — Commercial Pest Control — Residential Pest Control — Bed Bugs — Sanitation
