Keep pests out of your storage rental by using natural repellents.
If you think that little mouse who lives in the attic is cute, you might want to think again when you hear how much damage rodents and insects can cause to your belongings. Not only can they infest materials with feces and eggs, but they can also chew electrical wires, and in some cases, cause health issues such as allergic reactions. Find out what types of objects and why certain materials attract pests, and how to prevent them from invading your items when packing them in your storage rental or home storage space.
What Pests and People Have in Common
It may be a hard pill to swallow, but according to home improvement site Bob Vila, pests and people are attracted to the same things: namely food, warmth, water, and a cozy place to raise our young. That’s why we often find ants digging away at the leftover crumbs in our kitchen and rodents hiding away in our attics. They’re just trying to survive, the same as us.
What Materials, Besides Food, Attract Pests?
While food, water, and heat sources are an obvious attraction for insects and rodents, so are certain materials that we place in storage, including:
- Paper: Books, magazines, documents, and cardboard are a big draw for insects such as cockroaches and silverfish, as they feast on the starches and glues found in paper. Roaches are also attracted to the smell of cardboard.
- Fabrics: Pests such as carpet beetles and moths are attracted to animal-based and natural fabrics such as wool and silk and synthetic materials. They not only use these materials for food but to lay their eggs on. Also, dust mites and bedbugs feed on residue left on mattresses and linens.
- Wood: Beetles, ants and termites are attracted to wood as a food source, while rodents often use wood products as nesting materials.
- Electrical wires: Even vehicles in storage and are not safe from rodents. Mice and rats often use electrical cables in cars and RV storage and wires found in appliances to sharpen and grind their teeth from overgrowing.
How to Prevent Pests from Invading Your Storage Space
There are several ways you can keep pests at bay from your local storage unit or home storage area. Try some of these preventative measures:
- Look for pest-controlled storage.
- Pack items in airtight containers that have a secure seal.
- Use natural essential oils (lavender, cloves, peppermint, and eucalyptus) to repel insects. Use dried in a sachet or spray cotton balls and place in wardrobe boxes.
- Cover your mattresses and wooden furniture for storage in plastic wrap.
- Raise your items from the ground using blocks or bricks
- Never store food inside your storage unit.
- Check your storage often, including your RV, boat, and vehicle storage for any signs of pest damage.
Get more storage solutions by reading Why Should You Declutter This Winter.
Looking for pest controlled Kelowna storage facilities? Space Centre Storage offers secure, affordable, convenient and pest-controlled self-storage in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. Contact us for a free quote and tour of our facility.