Self-storage facility managers typically put forth substantial effort to keep bugs and rodents out of units. However, the actions of tenants can lead to problems. As you plan to put belongings in storage, follow some specific pest control strategies to keep these critters out of your unit and to avoid causing headaches for other renters as well.
Ask About the Facility's Pest Control
During your decision-making process about where you want to rent storage, ask a company representative about the facility's pest control strategies. You'll want to be sure the facility has services such as:
Keep in mind that even a storage facility in excellent condition needs employees to stay vigilant about property cleanliness and maintenance. Ants, silverfish and other bugs can crawl into the tiniest of cracks, and mice can get through surprisingly small flaws in buildings.
Avoid Storing Certain Items
By keeping certain items out of your unit, you can avoid attracting insects and other critters. Storage units are not good places for food in containers that mice can chew through -- and those containers include plastic totes. It may be tempting to buy 50-lb bags of sunflower seeds for birds or 50-lb bags of pet food when they're on sale and store them in plastic totes in your storage unit. Unfortunately, that's asking for trouble.
Also don't store plants, even for a few days. They attract insects.
Store Your Boxes on Pallets
Pallets are very cheap. Put several in your unit and store your cardboard boxes on top of them. That way, the boxes don't create a secluded, dark environment for silverfish and centipedes.
Place Pest-Repellent Items in Your Unit
Cedar repels insects, which is why builders often construct clothing closets of cedar wood. A small open container or two of original-scent Pine Sol also may keep mice away, as they seem to hate the aroma.
Some people swear by moth balls for repelling bugs and mice, but moth balls have an unpleasant odor that can linger on your fabric and paper items. In addition, some storage facilities don't allow these products because of that aroma.
Concluding Thoughts
You can help yourself and all the other tenants by using some smart strategies to help keep critters out. Use these methods and feel confident about the unit you've chosen to store your belongings.
For more information, contact Epic Group Inc. or a similar company.
Share13 March 2015
Hello, I'm John Kemp. I would like to share my observations about packing, loading and unloading furniture and belongings during the moving process. There are a variety of ways to pack up and load your belongings to keep them safe during transport. Unfortunately, if you perform this task the wrong way, your belongings could end up smashed and tattered. You can either study the best ways to accomplish this task or hire professionals to perform the work for you. My site will explore the packing, loading and unloading process from beginning to end. Please feel free to visit my site often to learn all you can about this subject. Thank you for coming by site.