Three Mistakes That Can Attract Insects To Your Storage Unit
A self storage facility is an excellent option if you need to free up room in your home but don't want to get rid of any of your belongings. You can use it for short term storage, long term storage, or simply to store seasonal items. You will want to avoid the following mistakes so pests don't become an issue at your unit.
#1: Not treating for pests
Although most facilities take efforts to minimize pest problems, there is no way for them to treat the inside of your unit. Before moving any of your belongings into the facility, sweep thoroughly to remove anything left behind by the previous tenants. Then, spray the interior perimeter of the unit with a broad-spectrum insecticide. Follow this up with treatment of the corners, ceiling, and anywhere where two pieces of wood join together. This way you are less likely to have any insects coming through from adjacent units.
#2: Storing food items
It shouldn't come as a surprise that it isn't a good idea to keep any type of food in your storage facility, but sometimes it can sneak in if you aren't careful. First and foremost, make sure anything that has held food is completely clean, such as refrigerators and dishware. Upholstered items, like sofas, should be cleaned and shampooed to ensure there are no crumbs lurking between the cushions. All clothing must be washed before it is placed into storage. Toys are another concern — wash these thoroughly — since they are often sticky from children's messy hands. Other sources of insect food may not be on your radar. For example, glue and paste, as well as items held together with glue and paste, provide a welcome food source for many insects.
#3: Skipping storage containers
Although cardboard boxes can work for some items, you don't want to store anything that could be damaged by insects in cardboard. This includes items that contain paste, often seen as a food source, such as books and art projects. Instead, store these items in plastic tubs with tight fitting lids. Clothing and any type of paperwork should be stored in this manner since these items are most likely to be damaged by insects. If you can't do tubs, at least line your cardboard boxes with a strong garbage bag to provide some type of barrier.
For more help, talk to a storage facility in your area.