If you are going to be placing items in a self storage facility, you will want to do whatever it takes to keep pests from invading your space. Mice and insects can cause havoc to items in storage as they can be present for a long period if someone is not checking on the contents inside to remove them. To avoid the worry of your belongings getting ruined, use the following precautions when you place your items inside the unit.
Pack In Plastic
Instead of using cardboard boxes to pack your belongings into, opt for plastic storage bins. Insects tend to harbor themselves in between the layers of corrugation in cardboard, making them invisible as you bring your boxes in to your unit. Since insects like termites and roaches feed upon cellulose-based substances like cardboard, the boxes will keep them satiated for a long time inside your unit.
Prepare Each Item
When you pack, start with an empty bin and check over each item before you place it inside. Rodents or insects may be hiding inside containers full of your belongings, so it is best to dump the containers out and make sure you aren't bringing unwanted guests. Wipe down each item before you place it in the container to help eliminate dirt and possible food particles that would attract pests.
Check For Entryways
Before you start placing your belongings into storage, check the door to make sure the seal is sufficient for keeping out small intruders. Test it by bringing along a bottle of water and dump it out right up against the gasket against the bottom of the doorway. When you open the door, quickly look down at the floor to see if the water had seeped through. If it had, ask the self storage facility manager for a different unit. If you see any cracks or holes in the door or walls of your unit, fill them with some caulk to keep critters on the outside.
Add Deterrents
It does not hurt to place a few deterrents within your storage unit to help keep pests from wanting to gain entry. Mice tend to stay away from the scent of peppermint, so placing a few cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil around your storage unit will keep them outdoors while giving you the extra benefit of a nice-smelling storage space. Ants stay away from talcum powder, so sprinkling a line of it across the bottom of your doorway will keep them from coming inside and will add to the fragrance as well.
Contact a local facility, like University Self Storage, to see what measures against pests they have in place.
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