This is the best option to make sure that rodents and bugs are kept out of your storage unit. Choosing a storage facility that performs routine pest control increases your chances of having a bug- and rodent-free experience, and it takes the fear and expense of pest control off your shoulders.
Choose your containers wisely.
Making use of Cardboard boxes may seem like the cheapest, easiest storage solution, but they are an open invitation for bugs and mice. If you decide to use cardboard boxes, carefully seal up the seams with heavy-duty packing tape. Making use of plastic containers with airtight lids is definitely a better choice. They are chew-proof and don’t have crevices that will allow creepy-crawlies into your stuff. Plus, they are perfect for stacking!
Prepare your unit
Check for any cracks and crevices that might allow bugs and rodents in. Remove spider webs. You can spray the unit down with bug spray to create a barrier. Plug any holes or crevices with cotton. Also, place a cotton ball on each side of the door. You can set mousetraps as a protective measure, and you can place mothballs or cedar blocks around the unit as well.
Never, ever store food in your unit
This is like hanging a Welcome sign up for hungry critters! Make sure all kitchen items are thoroughly washed before storing them in your storage unit. Storing them wrapped in plastic or in plastic bags can help provide even more protection. Also, think beyond human food — don’t store pet food, birdseed, or similar items in your unit. They’re an all-you-can-eat buffet to pests.
Get items up off the floor
If your unit has shelves or racks to hang things from, make use of them. You can also use small pallets to elevate items slightly off the floor.
Wrap your upholstered items
Upholstered items, especially stuffed furniture, are a goldmine for pests looking for nesting space and nesting material. Mattresses should be well-wrapped as well. If you can raise these items up off the floor even slightly, this will also help keep the bugs and rodents away.
Visit your unit often
Check-in on your unit often, or have someone do so for you if you are unable to. Check the mousetraps and dispose of anything they’ve caught. Look for signs of rodents or bugs — droppings, webs, and the like.
Insure your items
Even the best-kept storage unit can have a pest problem sometimes. It’s a good idea to make sure that your insurance policy covers pest damage, just in case the unthinkable happens and you lose items to the local crawling and nibbling population.