Tips to Prevent Pest Damage to Items in Storage Units #1

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.