How to Properly Store Things in Long-Term Storage to Avoid Pests
Proper preparation is key when storing your belongings for the long term. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep bugs out of a storage unit, the tips below will help make sure your items stay safe and pest-free.
Keep Your Belongings Pest-Free
One of the main things that can cause pest issues to spread is when areas are in close proximity to each other. For example college dorms, apartment complexes, commercial properties close together like strip malls, and, of course, storage units.
A common factor with all of these things is that even if you don’t have pest problems, your neighbors might. This leaves you susceptible to pests easily moving to your things and causing issues for you.
Many long-term storage units don’t focus on pest control for their customers and that burden often falls on you. That means that if you aren’t doing it, many other people with units probably aren’t either.
This could lead to pest issues spreading quickly from unit to unit. Again, this leads into why it’s so important for you to take personal responsibility for keeping your unit pest free and to protect your belongings for long-term storage.
Don’t Store Food in Long-Term Storage To Avoid Pests
Most people probably don’t store food in long-storage units, but it can certainly happen from time to time. It could also happen unknowingly if you are moving.
Food can often end up in moving boxes and can get missed and end up in your long-term storage unit without you realizing it. This could lead to plenty of pest issues as the food will attract pests.
If you do decide to store food in long-term storage, use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes to reduce the risk of pests getting in. If you’re wondering what to put in a storage unit to keep bugs away, consider using items like cedar blocks, pest-repellent sachets, or even vacuum-sealed bags for fabrics and clothing.
Make Sure Your Clothes and Beds Are Cleaned and Properly Sealed
Another area that you might not have thought about is making sure that any clothes, beds, or furniture are properly cleaned and sealed in storage. Soiled clothes and furniture or beds can be a big attraction factor for pests.
- Inspect items before moving them into storage. Check for signs of pest activity before storing anything, and again before bringing it back into your home.
- Clean all fabrics before storing. Dirty clothes and furniture can attract pests through smells and as a food source. Various pests will feed on dead skin cells, oils, and hair, among other things.
- Even lightly used items can be a risk. These items don’t necessarily need to be extensively dirty, just a few skin cells or oils from your skin can be enough to attract bugs.
- Wrap upholstered furniture and mattresses tightly in plastic. Be especially cautious when storing mattresses or cushioned furniture, as these can attract pests, especially bed bugs.
- Use a bed bug-proof mattress cover. Bed bugs and storage units don’t mix well, and these pests are known to travel from unit to unit. A tight-fitting mattress encasement can help prevent infestations and protect your items.
Follow these pest control tips and you can better protect your belongings in long-term storage units.
Protect Your Storage Unit From Pests With Rove Pest Control
Keeping your storage unit pest-free starts with the right packing and cleaning steps, but sometimes bugs still find a way in. If you notice signs of pests in your storage unit, don’t wait! Rove Pest Control can help get rid of unwanted bugs to keep you at ease. Our experts know how to handle pest problems quickly and effectively. Call or contact Rove Pest Control online today to protect your storage items and stop pests in their tracks!