How to Prevent Mold and Pests in Your Storage Unit
Renting a self-storage unit is a great way to keep your belongings safe and secure, but without proper care, your unit could become a breeding ground for mold and pests. These unwelcome invaders can cost you both time and money. Fortunately, with the right preventive measures, you can protect your items from mold growth and pest infestations. Here’s how to keep your self-storage unit clean, dry, and pest-free.
Mold thrives in a damp environment, this means it is crucial to make sure all of your items are clean and dry before putting them in your storage unit. Wash and dry clothing, linens, and other fabrics before storing them, and wipe down furniture, appliances, and other items to remove dirt, grime, and moisture. Any leftover moisture can lead to mold growth, especially when items are packed closely together in an enclosed space.
For added protection, consider using moisture absorbers, such as silica gel packs or charcoal, in your storage unit. These can help absorb excess moisture in the air, keeping your items dry and reducing the risk of mold.
The way that you pack your items can make a huge difference when it comes to mold and pests. Use airtight plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes for storing clothes, linens, and other fabric items. Cardboard can attract pests and easily absorb moisture, making it more susceptible to mold growth. Plastic containers, on the other hand, provide a more secure barrier against both moisture and pests.
If you must use cardboard boxes, reinforce them with packing tape and consider using plastic liners inside the boxes. Be sure to keep the boxes off the ground by placing them on wooden pallets or shelves. This will create airflow underneath and reduce the risk of moisture buildup, which can attract pests and lead to mold growth.
Never store food, plants, or any perishable items in your storage unit. Even canned goods and sealed packages can attract pests. Food items, particularly, attract lots of bugs and insects, it is not smart to put anything food-wise in your storage unit.
If you’re storing kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators or microwaves, be sure they are thoroughly cleaned and completely free of food residue. Any crumbs or lingering odors can attract pests, so take the extra time to clean these items thoroughly before storage.
Even with all of these protective measures, it would be a good idea to add another barrier by using pest deterrents. Consider placing rodent traps, mothballs, or pest-repellent sprays around the perimeter of your storage unit. You can also use natural pest deterrents like cedar blocks or sachets filled with lavender, which can help keep moths and other pests at bay.
Many self-storage facilities offer pest control services, but it’s still a good idea to take your own precautions. Regularly inspect your storage unit for signs of pests, such as droppings, chewed materials, or nests, and report any issues to the facility management immediately.
One of the best things you can do to prevent pests and mold, is to check in on your storage unit frequently. Periodically visit your unit to inspect your belongings, look for signs of moisture, and check for any evidence of pests. Early detection can help you address potential problems before they escalate and cause significant damage.
If you notice any issues, such as water leaks, mold, or pests, contact your storage facility’s management immediately. Most reputable storage facilities will address these issues promptly to protect your belongings and ensure their facility remains in good condition.
In conclusion, when you have a storage unit it is super important to take care of it. You want to avoid getting mold and pests in your unit. Here out our Storage Units Lafayette CO we want to do everything in our power to prevent your storage unit from being invaded by mold or pests.
