When your house or business premises cannot contain all your belongings, furniture, or inventory, an offsite storage unit often makes a great deal of sense. But when items are stored for a long period, they become vulnerable to damage or infestation by pests. Although the ideal solution is to choose a self-storage company that’s vigilant about pest control, there are some steps you can take yourself to keep critters out of your storage unit.

How to Keep Bugs & Rodents Out of Your Storage Unit

Choose Plastic Containers

Plastic containers present more of a challenge to pests than do cardboard boxes. They are much more difficult to chew through and they often have lids that snap shut and leave no gaps for access. Plastic also better locks away the smell of any items that might otherwise draw pests' attention. However, if you do use cardboard boxes, never use boxes you've nabbed from a grocery store. They could contain food remnants that will attract every pest in the neighborhood.

Wash Bedding Before Storage

Be sure pests aren’t hitching a ride with you into the storage facility. Inspect the hidden areas and corners of all mattresses and bedsprings for bed bugs, and wash and dry all sheets and bedding in the hottest temperature your machines allow. This should enable you to start your storage unit off pest-free.

Use Rodent Repellent

In addition to warding off moths, mothballs also make a terrific rodent repellent. Drop a few into each box or container you pack and on the floor of the storage unit. If you do not like the potent smell of mothballs, another solution is to dip cotton balls in peppermint oil. This has a dissuasive effect on rodents as well.

Spread Roach Powder

To repel ants and roaches, spread a layer of powdered pesticide around the inside perimeter of your storage unit before packing it full of your belongings. If you don't like the idea of spreading poison, sodium borate (or borax detergent booster) works well, too.

The information above should help you keep bugs and rodents out of your unit. For a secure and clean storage facility that puts pest control at the top of the priority list, contact Exit 42 Self Storage in Troutman, NC. They've been serving businesses and individuals throughout Iredell County for more than 15 years and offer customers 24/7 access to their belongings. Visit their website to view directions and office hours or call (704) 528-0300 to inquire about unit availability and pricing.