While self-storage units often have measures put into place to protect your belongings from pest infestations, pests often have ways of somehow sneaking into a storage facility. To further protect your belongings, you will want to prepare them for storage to minimize the risk that they will be damaged.
Clean Your Belongings
Make sure your belongings are cleaned thoroughly so that they do not have debris that could attract pests. Toss clothing in a washing machine, wipe down all surfaces, polish any metal and remove any stains.
Never Store Food in Self-Storage
Food should never be stored in a self-storage facility, since food attracts pests the most. If you would like to store food, you should ask the self-storage company about whether they have food storage options and you should not store your food with your non-perishable belongings.
Repair Your Belongings
Repairing your belongings will reduce the risk that they can be infiltrated by pests. For example, if your couch has a tear, this will create an opening where a rodent may be able to enter and chew on the inside of the couch. If you aren't sure if you'd like to keep a particular possession, now is a good time to get rid of it.
Use Plastic Rather Than Cardboard Storage
One of the common pests that can be found in a storage unit are rodents. The rodents will chew on anything from furniture to electric wiring. Since rodents consume cardboard, and since rodents can chew through it to reach other possessions, you should use plastic containers only.
Ask the Self-Storage Company About the Treatments Performed Regularly
Ask the owner of the storage facility of whether they perform pest treatments and how often they do so. Ask about the specific pests the company performs treatments for, such as rodents, silverfish, and cockroaches. You can also purchase diatomaceous earth and sprinkle it outside of your boxes as your own form of pest control.
Look for Signs of Damage Caused by Pests
Common signs of an infestation include:
-
Unexplained damage
-
Pest feces and urine stains
-
Pest carcasses
-
Discoloration on your belongings
If you notice signs of a pest infestation in your self-storage, you will want to contact the manager and request that your belongings be moved to a different facility. While there is no way to guarantee that your belongings will not be damaged by pests, these steps will minimize the risk. Click here for more information about safe storage.