The Proper Use of Storage Facilities

Three Tips for Keeping Your Storage Unit Free of Bugs

by Sofia Martin

Regardless of whether you depend on the extra space in your storage facility to keep your home organized or are a college student storing extra items nearby because you live in a dorm, it is important to be aware of how easy it is for bugs to infiltrate the unit. That is especially problematic due to the proximity of your neighbors, since bugs can often be transported accidentally from their home to their unit. Fortunately, the following tips can help you keep your storage facility clean and as free of bugs as possible.

#1: Plan Ahead and Treat the Unit Before Moving In

Since storage facilities are a known haven for bugs, it is a good idea to assume that there are a lot of bugs immediately surrounding your unit. Therefore, before you place so much as a box or blanket in the unit, you should spray the entire area down with a bug spray. 

If you are sensitive to the fumes of bug spray and would have a problem standing there while the can releases the chemical spray, you can use a bug bomb instead. However, if you do so, you should verify with the management of the facility that bug bombs are acceptable and be sure to check that the bug bomb is the right size for your unit.

You can follow up with some bug gel, which is likely to be in the store near the insecticides. Use it like a caulk for any corners and imperfections that bugs could eventually use to access the room. After allowing the sufficient amount of time for the sprays and bombs to dissipate and for the gel to dry, you can start to move your belongings in.

#2: Be a Responsible Packer

When packing items in your storage unit, it is important to close and seal all of your boxes. They should all have lids, and if there are any areas that do not fully close, you should tape them shut.

In addition, do not put any food items or cleaning agents in the unit. Even if those cleaners could kill bugs, you do not want live ones being attracted to your unit, and you certainly do not want to clean up dead bugs when you no longer need the storage room.

#3: Use Pallets to Keep Things off of the Floor

If you can, use pallets or something similar to keep your boxes and other items from touching the floor. By doing so, it is more likely that you will be able to protect your items from accidental spills from adjacent storage units. Even though you will not have food or other items likely to attract bugs in your unit, your neighbors easily could.

In that instance, you could find that their spilled wine or other sticky problem could encourage their bugs to explore your belongings. By placing most of your items off of the floor, you can help keep your items from becoming contaminated. If you clean up spills and otherwise maintain a clean storage unit, bugs are much less likely to find a new home in your favorite sweater or your antique clock collection.

In conclusion, due to the close quarters and temporary nature of storage facilities, bugs are a common problem. As a result, it is a good idea to be aware of the advice listed above so that you can maintain a hygienic unit.

Look at sites such as http://redondovanandstorage.com for more information about storage units. 

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