When you rent a storage unit, the last thing you want to worry about is pests damaging your belongings. Unfortunately, rodents and insects are attracted to dark, quiet spaces, especially if food, fabric, or cardboard is around. That’s why pest prevention is such an important part of keeping your storage unit clean and secure.
At Arborstone Storage, located across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas, we take pest control seriously. Our facilities are well-maintained and regularly treated to protect your belongings. Still, a few simple steps on your end can make a big difference in keeping unwanted visitors out of your storage unit. Here are our top pest prevention tips for storage units.
1. Start with a Clean Slate
Before you move anything into your storage unit, make sure every item is clean and dry. Food crumbs, grease stains, and even scented candles can attract pests. Wash and dry fabrics completely to prevent moisture buildup, which can also draw bugs and rodents.
If you’re storing appliances like refrigerators or microwaves, clean them thoroughly inside and out and leave the doors slightly ajar to allow air circulation. A clean start is the best way to avoid future infestations.
2. Use Plastic Containers Instead of Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are easy for pests to chew through and can quickly absorb moisture. Instead, use plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids. These containers create a solid barrier against insects and rodents while protecting your belongings from dust and humidity.
If you must use cardboard, make sure it’s new, sturdy, and placed on shelves or pallets instead of directly on the floor.
3. Never Store Food or Perishables
It might seem obvious, but one of the biggest mistakes people make is storing food in their unit. Even sealed snacks or dry goods can attract mice, ants, or cockroaches. Avoid storing pet food, birdseed, or anything edible.
If you’re moving and have pantry items you can’t take with you right away, it’s better to donate them or store them temporarily in your home instead of your storage unit.
4. Seal Everything Tightly
Pests love small hiding spots. Seal all boxes and containers securely, and wrap furniture or mattresses in plastic covers or shrink wrap. Pay special attention to upholstered furniture, as fabric can attract insects like moths.
You can also place silica gel packs or moisture absorbers inside containers to reduce humidity, which helps deter pests and prevent mold.
5. Inspect Regularly and Stay Proactive
Even if you’re not accessing your unit often, try to check in every few months. Look for signs of pests such as droppings, shredded paper, or small holes in boxes. The earlier you catch an issue, the easier it is to fix.
At Arborstone Storage, we recommend inspecting your unit seasonally, especially during the warmer months when pests are more active in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas.
6. Choose a Well-Maintained Storage Facility
Not all storage facilities are created equal. When choosing a place to store your belongings, look for a company that prioritizes cleanliness, maintenance, and pest control. Ask if they schedule regular pest prevention treatments and how they handle reports of pest activity.
7. Wrap and Protect Furniture and Mattresses
Large furniture items can be easy targets for pests, especially if they contain soft materials or wood. Wrap couches, mattresses, and chairs in fitted plastic covers or moving blankets. For wooden items, consider using a furniture polish or sealant to add a protective barrier.
This simple step can go a long way in keeping pests and dust away.
Protect Your Belongings with Arborstone Storage
Keeping your storage unit pest-free starts with smart preparation and choosing the right facility. At Arborstone Storage, we take pride in offering clean, pest-controlled, and climate-controlled storage units across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas.
Our team maintains each property to the highest standards, with regular inspections and treatments designed to protect your belongings. Whether you need short-term or long-term storage, you can count on us to keep your items safe, dry, and pest-free.
Don’t leave your belongings to chance; store smarter with Arborstone Storage. Visit one of our locations today to learn more about our storage options and discover why customers throughout the region trust us for secure, reliable storage solutions.
When you rent a storage unit, the last thing you want to worry about is pests damaging your belongings. Unfortunately, rodents and insects are attracted to dark, quiet spaces, especially if food, fabric, or cardboard is around. That’s why pest prevention is such an important part of keeping your storage unit clean and secure.
At Arborstone Storage, located across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas, we take pest control seriously. Our facilities are well-maintained and regularly treated to protect your belongings. Still, a few simple steps on your end can make a big difference in keeping unwanted visitors out of your storage unit. Here are our top pest prevention tips for storage units.
1. Start with a Clean Slate
Before you move anything into your storage unit, make sure every item is clean and dry. Food crumbs, grease stains, and even scented candles can attract pests. Wash and dry fabrics completely to prevent moisture buildup, which can also draw bugs and rodents.
If you’re storing appliances like refrigerators or microwaves, clean them thoroughly inside and out and leave the doors slightly ajar to allow air circulation. A clean start is the best way to avoid future infestations.
2. Use Plastic Containers Instead of Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are easy for pests to chew through and can quickly absorb moisture. Instead, use plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids. These containers create a solid barrier against insects and rodents while protecting your belongings from dust and humidity.
If you must use cardboard, make sure it’s new, sturdy, and placed on shelves or pallets instead of directly on the floor.
3. Never Store Food or Perishables
It might seem obvious, but one of the biggest mistakes people make is storing food in their unit. Even sealed snacks or dry goods can attract mice, ants, or cockroaches. Avoid storing pet food, birdseed, or anything edible.
If you’re moving and have pantry items you can’t take with you right away, it’s better to donate them or store them temporarily in your home instead of your storage unit.
4. Seal Everything Tightly
Pests love small hiding spots. Seal all boxes and containers securely, and wrap furniture or mattresses in plastic covers or shrink wrap. Pay special attention to upholstered furniture, as fabric can attract insects like moths.
You can also place silica gel packs or moisture absorbers inside containers to reduce humidity, which helps deter pests and prevent mold.
5. Inspect Regularly and Stay Proactive
Even if you’re not accessing your unit often, try to check in every few months. Look for signs of pests such as droppings, shredded paper, or small holes in boxes. The earlier you catch an issue, the easier it is to fix.
At Arborstone Storage, we recommend inspecting your unit seasonally, especially during the warmer months when pests are more active in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas.
6. Choose a Well-Maintained Storage Facility
Not all storage facilities are created equal. When choosing a place to store your belongings, look for a company that prioritizes cleanliness, maintenance, and pest control. Ask if they schedule regular pest prevention treatments and how they handle reports of pest activity.
7. Wrap and Protect Furniture and Mattresses
Large furniture items can be easy targets for pests, especially if they contain soft materials or wood. Wrap couches, mattresses, and chairs in fitted plastic covers or moving blankets. For wooden items, consider using a furniture polish or sealant to add a protective barrier.
This simple step can go a long way in keeping pests and dust away.
Protect Your Belongings with Arborstone Storage
Keeping your storage unit pest-free starts with smart preparation and choosing the right facility. At Arborstone Storage, we take pride in offering clean, pest-controlled, and climate-controlled storage units across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas.
Our team maintains each property to the highest standards, with regular inspections and treatments designed to protect your belongings. Whether you need short-term or long-term storage, you can count on us to keep your items safe, dry, and pest-free.
Don’t leave your belongings to chance; store smarter with Arborstone Storage. Visit one of our locations today to learn more about our storage options and discover why customers throughout the region trust us for secure, reliable storage solutions.