How to Protect Your Storage Spaces from Pest Infestations

Just like our homes and businesses, storage units require maintenance and pest prevention to keep our possessions safe. Often, these spaces, devoid of regular human presence, become breeding grounds for pests, making it critical to choose a self-storage provider committed to pest control.

So, whether you’re safeguarding items in your garage, a rental unit, or your trusty garden shed, let’s dive right into this post by pest control experts to see how to keep your storage pest-free and secure.

Inspect the storage space beforehand

Before utilising a storage unit, it’s vital to conduct a thorough inspection of the space. This primary assessment seeks out any signs of pest presence, functioning as a proactive measure against potential infestation. Utilise practical tools, such as a flashlight, to assist in this examination, specifically looking for indicators of pest activity.

Evidence of pest presence can range from droppings along the edges of walls to small gnaw marks on existing boxes or even a distinct musty odour suggestive of rodents. Don’t disregard any visible cracks and crevices; these small openings can act as entry points for pests. It’s equally important to evaluate the exterior environment surrounding your storage, which could potentially act as a pre-entry shelter for pests.

Keep shrubbery and bushes trimmed

Overgrown shrubbery and bushes around your storage space can inadvertently provide a sanctuary for pests. Rodents, in particular, appreciate the shelter of shrubs for concealment and multiplication. As much as you might admire the sight of ivy crawling up your storage unit’s wall, it’s advisable to trim it back. Proper vegetation management around your storage unit, typically provided by pest control services, significantly diminishes the chance of infestations.

Minimise moisture

Moist conditions attract certain pests, such as cockroaches, silverfish, and woodlice. Consequently, maintaining a dry storage environment becomes paramount in reducing its appeal to pests. Inspect the area for signs of water leakage, condensation, or poor ventilation, which could increase humidity levels. Investing in a dehumidifier or even placing silica gel packets around the storage space can help absorb excess moisture. Pest exterminators frequently recommend maintaining humidity levels below 50% to deter pests.

Store items in sealed bags or containers

While cardboard boxes are an affordable and easy choice for storage, their susceptibility to pest invasion, including rats, roaches, and moths, makes them less desirable. In contrast, plastic containers with sealable, airtight lids provide a more secure barrier to intruders and humidity combined. They not only deter pests but also maintain the longevity of your items inside and withstand long-term stacking and weight better.

Upholstered furniture can also become a prime target for pests like mice and roaches, who enjoy the nesting opportunities provided by cloth and padding. Some pests, such as moths and crickets, can directly damage the upholstery. To mitigate this risk, use protective plastic wraps or furniture covers. Frequent checks for small holes or tears in these wraps are also recommended, as they can act as entry points for pests.

Wash items before storing them

The presence of unwashed items in storage can usually create an inviting scent trail for pests. Certain insects, notably moths, are drawn to residues such as sweat and food stains, along with natural fibres. Therefore, meticulously cleaning items prior to storage helps to eliminate these potential lures, rendering your possessions less enticing to pests.

It’s universally advocated by pest control experts that every item, given its capacity to be cleaned, should undergo a thorough cleaning process prior to storage. This practice significantly enhances the efficacy of your preventive measures against potential pest infestations.

Avoid storing perishable food items or plants

Keeping perishable food items or plants in your storage area might be essential for you, but it’s also incredibly attractive to pests. Food sources and the shelter plants provide can lure pests in, creating an increased risk of infestations.

If storing food items is an unavoidable necessity, careful planning is essential. Make use of airtight, pest-resistant containers for any food products. This simple step can significantly limit pests’ access to food, thus making your storage space less enticing to them.

As for plants, they may enhance the aesthetic value of your storage area, but they can also be a magnet for insects. If you’re using your storage space to house plants, it might be wise to reassess. Consider alternative locations that don’t put your other stored items at risk of a pest invasion. After all, you want your storage space to be a safe zone for your belongings, not a haven for pests.

Store boxes on raised wood pallets

The practice of hoisting stored items above ground level, facilitated by the use of wooden pallets or shelving, can serve a dual purpose. Firstly, it allows for the air to circulate around your stored possessions, which can assist in maintaining a suitable storage climate.

Secondly, this practice acts as a preventive measure against pest infiltration. By making the stored items harder to access, it decreases the likelihood of pests attempting to invade them. This methodology is frequently endorsed by pest exterminators and is particularly prevalent in commercial storage facilities due to its efficacy in obstructing easy access for pests.

Inquire about the facility’s pest control policies

When utilising a rented storage facility, it’s crucial to not just ask but really understand their pest control policies. A reliable, well-managed facility should have detailed pest control measures in place. This involves regular pest control services and proactive steps to mitigate the risk of potential infestations.

As a customer, it’s not just your right but your responsibility to be fully informed about how the facility manages pest control. After all, the items you’re storing are important to you, and you want to ensure their protection. If a facility lacks a strong, proactive pest control plan, consider it a red flag. Such an oversight could compromise the safety of your belongings.

Contact the facility manager in case of an infestation

The discovery of an infestation in your storage unit is certainly an unwelcome surprise. However, in such instances, the adage ‘time is of the essence’ holds true. It’s imperative to alert the facility manager without delay. Swift communication is the first step in addressing the issue and can prevent the spread of the infestation to other storage units.

Immediate action is not only beneficial in the context of the wider facility but can also limit the damage to your own possessions. Remember, effective pest control involves a combination of prevention, prompt detection, and rapid response. This collaborative approach between you and the facility can save your valuable items from the destructive impact of pests.

Conclusion

Maintaining a pest-free storage space can often seem like a daunting task, but with vigilance and the right preventive measures, it becomes a feasible objective. By conducting a comprehensive pre-storage inspection, creating a dry environment, and selecting pest-resistant storage methods, you contribute to an effective pest management strategy. If uncertain, professional pest control services are readily available. Their expertise, combined with your preventive measures, can transform your storage space from a potential pest harbour to a secure fortress for your possessions.