Whether living in a house or apartment building, all homeowners will eventually consider storage units. While great for storing valuables or items you don’t need all the time, any storage unit can attract bugs and mice. Not only does this lead to costly extermination, but pests can seriously damage anything in your storage unit.
Not sure whether you have rodent-proof storage? Don’t worry! To help prevent any property damage, Noah’s Ark Self Storage has compiled a list of many helpful tips. These tips include how to keep mice out of storage unit, as well as bugs, and extra measures just in case they do get in.
Storage Facilities That Have Pest Control
When choosing a storage facility, don’t go in blindly. Choosing a storage facility that maintains proper pest control increases the likelihood of bug and rodent-free experiences. This one decision is the biggest thing you can do to maintain rodent-proof storage.
Not only is this part rather easy, but it also takes away the worry over pest control. While pest-controlled units have to be paid for, they’re worth it as it means not calling the exterminator if you find evidence of intruders.
Make Wise Container Decisions
Behold cardboard boxes, the cheapest, and therefore best and easiest, solution for holding valuables in storage units!
Well, not exactly…
If we humans can rip cardboard with our bare hands, imagine what it looks like to bugs and mice. Most likely, when they see cardboard, these pests see a sign that says “eat me: lots of treasures inside!” When cardboard boxes are your only option, use heavy-duty packing tape to seal up the boxes’ seams for protection against mice and bugs.
However, when possible, stay away from cardboard and opt for plastic containers with airtight lids. Such storage is chew-proof and doesn’t have crevices that allow rodents and bugs to get in. A bonus…they’re perfect for stacking and organization.
Preparing Your Unit
Before setting everything up and being on your merry way, check on the empty unit. More specifically, look for any cracks and crevices that could serve as an open invitation for rodents and bugs.
To go one step further, make it clear that intruders aren’t welcome by spraying the unit with bug spray and setting up mousetraps.
Would you prefer to go the non-toxic route when keeping bugs away? We don’t blame you! Instead of bug spray, use peppermint oil, cotton balls on each side of the door and mothballs or cedar blocks.
Never Store Food
Aside from going against the terms of lease contracts, leaving food in storage units pretty much invites all the wrong kinds of guests. If you need to store kitchen items, vigorously wash them of all food debris and wrap them in plastic or store them in plastic bags.
Don’t think the lease contract for storage units stops at human food: don’t store pet food, bird seed or anything similar in there either.
Removing Items From The Floor
As these nasty pests are small, it’s easier for them to reach items that are on the floor than those touching the ceiling. To keep them away, store items off the floor, making use of shelves or racks if your unit has them. But what if it doesn’t? There’s an easy answer to that too: use small pallets to elevate any items slightly off the floor.
Wrapping Upholstered Items
Upholstery, such as stuffed furniture, is like a treasure chest for bugs and mice in need of a nest. If you have to store anything like this, including couches, stuffed chairs and mattresses, wrap them with heavy-duty plastic. Raising upholstery off the floor, even slightly, can help keep mice and bugs away.
Visit Units Frequently
Make sure your unit is pest-free by checking on it frequently or having someone else do so when you can’t. When there, check the mousetraps, dispose of anything they’ve caught and look for signs of mice or insects. Additionally, refresh the peppermint oil, moth balls or cedar chips.
Insurance
Sometimes, even pest-controlled storage units can have problems. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make sure any insurance policies you have cover mice or bug damage. If you lose anything during an infestation, this will help replace and pay for the items.
Contact Noah’s Ark Today (No Ship Building Required!)
Ready to have pest-free storage units? Keep watch for any signs that your unit might be starting to attract unwanted pests and make sure everything in there is protected. Bear in mind what shouldn’t be kept in your unit and carefully read the lease contracts.
Want to learn more about how to keep mice out of storage unit? Contact Noah’s Ark Self Storage today for tips or any available storage units.
