Nobody enjoys unwelcome visitors like rodents and bugs in their home. The same goes for your storage unit. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping pests out of your storage unit. Here are some simple steps you can do to protect your items and keep critters out of your unit.

Choose Containers Wisely

Using cardboard boxes may be the cheapest and easiest option, but they can be an invitation for bugs and mice to set up camp. Choosing your containers wisely can help prevent pests in your belongings while you’re away.

Plastic containers with air-tight lids are the best choice. They are chew proof and don’t have crevices that allow creepy-crawlies to get into your stuff. If you choose to use cardboard boxes, buy them new and carefully seal up all seams with heavy-duty packing tape. Newer boxes will be stronger, and less likely to have gaps or punctures that pests could enter.

Wrap Your Upholstery

Your couches and mattresses in your storage unit might seem safe, but they can be a goldmine for pests looking for nesting material or nesting space. Keep your upholstered items and anything with fabric safe by wrapping them correctly. This means wrapping your mattresses in plastic and wrapping your couches and fabric-covered chairs with breathable fabric.

As much as you want to keep pests out, remember that your furniture needs to able to breathe, too. Wrapping your furniture too tightly in plastic or cloth can cause moisture and mildew to build up and ruin your furniture.

Prep Your Unit

You’ve packed up your items for your storage unit and you’re ready to rock and roll. But before you start loading up your car and dropping things off in your storage unit, take some time to check it out.

Walk around your unit and check for any cracks or crevices that might allow bugs or rodents to get in. Remove any spider webs from the corners. As a preventative measure, you can spray the unit down with bug spray to create a barrier. You can also set up mouse traps if you feel inclined, but just remember that you’ll have to stop by your unit regularly to check the traps and empty them.

If you’d rather go the non-toxic (and non-mouse trap) route, peppermint oil is a great option. Peppermint oil is a natural deterrent to spiders and mice, and will leave your unit smelling minty fresh! To use, place a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them in the corners of your unit or at any crevice you think a pest could enter through. You can also take a spray bottle and fill it with two teaspoons of peppermint oil and one cup of water. Close the lid, shake well, and spray along the walls. Pests will be sure to steer clear of your unit!

Never Store food

This point can’t be stressed enough. Storing food is like hanging a Welcome sign up for any hungry critters.

Make sure all kitchen items you put in your storage unit are thoroughly washed. Look beyond the obvious, too. Vacuum underneath and between couch cushions as crumbs like to hide there. Sweep the unit to ensure there are no crumbs from your previous tenants or the snack you had there on moving day. And don’t just stop at human food – don’t store pet food, birdseed, or anything similar in your unit.

Get Items off Floor

Since bugs and rodents can crawl, a good idea is to keep your items up off the ground. An easy way to achieve this is by placing clean pallets on the ground or by using open shelving and storing your items there. It not only will help to deter pests, but it will also keep your items organized and protect your belongings from any moisture.

Visit Often

Fixing a bug or rodent problem is easier to do when you catch it and address it right away. If you’re able to, try to visit your storage unit every month or so. When you visit, make sure you inspect for any signs of pest damage, like new holes, rodent droppings, or presence of bugs. If you do notice any of these things, contact management immediately.

Choose to Store at Bay Street Storage

Now with the knowledge of how to keep pests out of your storage unit, your items in your unit will stay safe! If you’re looking for a self-storage unit in Post Falls, Bay Street Storage is your go-to storage provider. We have two convenient locations for you to choose from, and we’ve got all your storage needs covered.