There’s nothing worse than opening up your storage unit, only to find a slew of creepy crawlers. Unfortunately, it can be hard to know how to keep bugs out. They seem to find their way into every nook and cranny, no matter how good you are at keeping things clean and sealed up. So how exactly can you keep bugs out of your storage unit?
If you’re tired of bugs crawling inside your boxes and burrowing their way into your stored furniture, then you need to know the right way to handle bugs. This blog will be sharing tips and tricks to keep bugs out of your belongings.
1. Make Sure the Storage Unit is Kept Clean
Whether you’re just moving in or have had your storage unit for quite some time, it’s essential to keep it clean. Critters of all varieties love a big mess. If they see your storage unit riddled with stuff, trash, dirt, and everything else, then they will love to make it home.
When it comes to your storage unit, don’t store your stuff and forget about it. Even if you won’t be needing your stowed items for many years, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care about it. While it might be safe from the elements, it isn’t exactly safe from bugs. Check on your storage unit often and give it a good cleaning here and there to cut down on bug problems.
2. Keep Food Out
It’s simple – don’t store food inside of your storage unit. Stay away from eating in the storage unit altogether. Even the slightest amount of crumbs can easily attract bugs. So, that said, keep the following in mind:
- Don’t store food. Unless the items are securely tightened and meant for storing, such as canned goods, it’s best to ditch storing food altogether.
- Don’t eat inside the unit. Leave the breakfast burrito in the car. Crumbs and other leftovers that make their way onto the floor can attract bugs.
- Clean items before storing them. Your stored items should be clear of any food particles. This is especially true for things that tend to have crannies for crumbs, such as furniture and clothing.
3. Store Items Properly
Most people are aware that they should be storing their items in a sealed box. However, many people aren’t aware that they should be covering things that don’t fit in a box. Covering your furniture in a layer of tight plastic is a must. Also, ditch free grocery boxes that are prone to bug infestation.
If you can, use airtight and waterproof boxes for your goods. It’s also recommended to keep your boxes of items off the ground. A bug will have a much easier time finding its way into a container held on the floor than the one that’s raised. To raise your boxes, simply use a few wood pallets tossed on the floor or cinder blocks.
It’s essential to take extra precautions when it comes to clothing, too. Using vacuum storage bags will keep your clothing and towels secure. A vacuum storage bag will leave no access or space for bugs to find their way inside.
4. Consider Natural Deterrents
You can use bug sprays in your storage unit to keep bugs out. It’s the simplest solution to the problem. However, the drawback of using a bug spray is that they can be dangerous to your health when inhaled. They also leave behind a distinct and harsh odor that is easily absorbed by clothing and furniture.
To safely take care of a bug problem in your storage unit, it’s best to stick with the natural basics. Here are three ways to handle bugs naturally.
- Use peppermint oil. Bugs (and mice) don’t like the smell of peppermint. It is the most commonly used natural deterrent. To use peppermint oil, simply dab it on a cotton ball and place it near cracks and other areas that bugs can enter. You can also put peppermint oil and water in a spray bottle and spray the unit as you regularly would.
- Consider cedar blocks. Cedar blocks are another odor that bugs do not like. Place a few cedar blocks inside of a bowl and leave them throughout the storage unit.
- Sage, lavender, cayenne, and clove oil. These oils are also highly recommended oils that keep bugs out of a storage unit. You can dab the oils onto a cotton ball and place them strategically throughout the unit.
5. Ditch Scents and Smells
Did you know that bugs enjoy smells, just like a human does? Be careful when storing things that have a scent. These include items like candles, mouthwashes, lotions, and shampoos. Bugs can be attracted to delicious scents and will try to find it.
6. Make Sure There is No Moisture Inside of the Storage Unit
One more vital factor to consider is moisture. Plenty of pests, such as cockroaches and ants, will gravitate towards a wet environment. More than likely, this is because they are thirsty. So what can a storage unit owner do? The best thing to do is to ensure that there is no moisture inside the storage unit.
Check your storage unit regularly for leaks. Fix areas where there are cracks where moisture can find its way inside. Also, make sure to avoid storing items that have moisture that can lead to leakage.
Extra Tips for Storage Unit Renters
If you’re renting a storage unit, there are a few extra steps you can take to ensure your items are free of pesky bugs.
- Make sure that the company is strict on bug control. Most companies will make sure that their storage units are taken care of and sprayed on the outside regularly. They should have a plan of action if storage units become infested with ornery bugs like cockroaches.
- Consider getting insurance. Many companies will also demand, or at least recommend, that their storage unit renters have insurance. This is beneficial to your and your items. It’s typically cheap, so don’t be afraid to spend a few extra dollars. It is well worth it in the long run.
- Ask for help. If you’re having an issue in your storage unit, contact the manager. They will more than likely want to help you with the bug issue instead of trying to figure it out on your own. They may also have special boxes or containers for your items and remedies they can offer you to help in the future.
Can You Bug Bomb a Storage Unit?
Yes, you can bug bomb a storage unit. However, it is essential to note that while a bug bomb is incredibly effective against a wide range of bugs, they are not effective against cockroaches. If you’re having a cockroach problem, you will need to stick to other handling situations.
Another essential thing to remember is that you will need to double-check with your rental unit if you’re renting a storage unit. Not every rental storage company will allow bug bombs. This is simply because they are somewhat dangerous, considering all of the fumes necessary to effectively use the bug bomb.
Finally, you should be aware that a bug bomb will leave a residue on items left inside the storage unit. Before a bug bomb is used, everything should be removed from the storage unit.
It can be rather time-consuming to have to remove all of your things to perform a bug bomb. That is why bug bombs are typically used as a last resort. However, some circumstances call for them. It is recommended to try other options first and foremost.
Final Thoughts
Nobody wants to suffer from a bug-infested storage unit. Luckily, there are easy ways to keep bugs out. The most important thing to remember is that your items should be stored appropriately, and the unit be kept clean. Consider using natural bug deterrents, such as peppermint oil or cedar blocks. If all else fails, a bug bomb may be necessary.
