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Protect Your Items From Pests in Storage

Feb 23, 2019

Putting Box In Storage Unit — Brownsburg, IN — Brownsburg Self Storage Locker Inc

When you put your household belongings into a storage unit, you want to know those items will be in the same condition when you remove them. One of the things you need to be concerned about is not allowing pests to infiltrate your personal belongings. The information here will provide you with solid advice on how to pest-proof your storage unit.

Don't Bring Pests Into the Storage Unit

The first thing to do is make sure you aren't putting your items in the storage unit with pests already in them. If you are moving items from your garage or storage shed into the storage unit, spiders, mice, and other pests may be already hiding in your things. Make sure to clean your things out before moving them into the storage unit.

You can also use certain storage bins to deter pest growth. Although they are more expensive, plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids are great alternatives to cardboard boxes that allow pests to crawl in the boxes through small spaces. Rodents can also chew through the cardboard much easier.

Repack your boxes into new boxes to ensure no pests are making the trip with your things. Before repacking, shake out all blankets and other fabrics that may be harboring pests, randomly flip through books to make sure silverfish aren't going to be taking the journey, and use an air compressor to blow any cobwebs and pests from hidden areas inside furniture such as dressers and desks.

Ask About the Storage Facility's Pest Control Procedures

Different storage facilities will handle things like pest control in the way they find best for their facility. If the facility doesn't take proactive pest control measures, then you should spray the borders and entrances of your unit before you move your belongings in. If the facility handles pest control, then you are set and can simply move in.

Don't Store Food Items

While you'll be safe storing canned goods in your storage unit, you want to avoid storing boxed foods and foods in plastic wrappers. Some pests, such as rodents, have a very good sense of smell and these foods will be like calling cards to the pests, causing them to be drawn right to your storage unit.

Clean Your Appliances

Your appliances, such as your refrigerator and stove, will have crumbs and other food stains that pests can smell. Avoid pest issues by thoroughly cleaning your appliances before moving them into the storage unit.

Use Peppermint Oil as a Deterrent

Peppermint oil works as a good deterrent for pests like mice and spiders. An added benefit of using peppermint oil is your belongings will have a nice smell to them. You can put the peppermint oil on cotton balls and set the cotton balls around the storage unit, especially in areas you feel pests may be more attracted to.

Protect Fabric Items

While mothballs can help to protect your fabric items, they also contain chemicals that are bad for your health and, therefore, should be avoided. A safer way to protect your fabric items from moths and other pests is to wrap the items in drop cloths. Make sure the drop cloths are fully covering the items, and tape the drop cloth so there are no spaces where pests can get through to the fabric items.

If you are looking for a storage unit to store your household belongings in, you want to visit us at Brownsburg Self Storage Locker Inc. We have a variety of storage units available, so you can go with the one that is going to meet your storage needs. We also have storage available for your boat or RV. If you need a rental truck to transport your belongings, we can also rent you one of our rental trucks.

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