Pests,
such as cockroaches and rats, can ruin your items in storage if you
don't take measures to prevent pest infestation. The next time you
want to keep things in self-storage, use the following measures to
reduce the risk of pest damage.
Choose
the Right Unit
The
first step is to choose a unit that is not already infested with
pests and has a low risk of pest infestation. Here are some ways to
confirm:
- Talk to the
management about their pest-prevention measures.
- Look for an
airtight and watertight unit.
- Ensure your chosen
unit doesn't leak.
- Ensure landscaping
around the unit is well kept.
- Ensure the unit
doesn't have pools of water or moisture around it.
The
above measures will ensure your items don't get damaged by pests that
are already in the storage unit. A well-maintained facility takes
measures to prevent pest infestation in their units.
Disinfect
Before Storage
If
you suspect your items are already infested with pests, disinfect
them before you take them to storage. Even only a couple of pests can
quickly breed and damage your items so don't take any chances if you
even spot a few roaches or ants in your storage boxes.
Clean
and Dry Before Storage
Many
pests thrive in moist places, especially moist organic matter.
Therefore, clean and dry your items before you take them into the
storage unit. Do the same to your storage boxes because they can also
attract pests even if the items inside the boxes are clean and dry.
Seal
Organic Items
If
you have organic materials that attracts pests, seal them up in
plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Many pests quickly chew
through cardboard or paper boxes, which are organic. Plastic is a
little bit hard and also inorganic, so it offers some resistance to
pest damage. Therefore, keep your clothes and books in plastic bins
to keep pests away.
Don't
Store Food
Self-storage
facilities typically restrict storage of food in their units. Respect
this rule because it is also for your benefit. When you sneak in
food, the food attracts pests which will destroy even your non-food
items. The pests may even cross into nearby units and damage other
people's properties.
Keep
Stored Items on Raised Pallets
Pests
don't like to stay out in the open; they tend to hide in cracks, dark
places or hidden places in general. Raise your stored items above the
floor to deny potential pests places to hide. For example, you can
keep your storage boxes on wooden pallets to create space between the
boxes and the floor where pests can't hide.
Use
Pest Deterrents
Use
pest deterrents to repel pests that do make it into your storage
unit. You can use chemicals or scented soaps as natural pest
repellents or chemical repellents such as mothballs. The higher the
risk of pest infestation the more preventive measures you should
take. Take extra care to prevent pest infestations if you store
clothes and books since they are highly susceptible to pest damage.
Buy
Insurance Coverage
Despite
your best intentions and precautions, you can't be a hundred percent
certain that pests won't damage your items. Even if you use a pest
free facility, a few pests may sneak into your storage boxes before
you take them to the storage facility.
Buy
insurance coverage for your stored items so that you can claim
damages in case pest infestation does occur. Not all storage
insurance policies offer pest damage coverage. Confirm and
specifically ask for pest damage coverage before you buy insurance.
Choose
Tysons Self Storage as your first step towards pest-free storage. We
maintain our storage units and not only guard against pest damage,
but also all other forms of damage such as water or fire risks. Call
us today
for
more information on how we will keep your things safe in storage.
