Picture this – you open your storage unit eager to check on your goods or perhaps even start moving into your new place after a few months. But you discover insects crawling all over your stuff – gross!

From cockroaches to bed bugs, moths, ants, and more, these pesky pests are nasty. They can harm your goods, too. That’s why you need to know how to keep bugs out of storage unit.

We’re here to share some of our best tips on how to prevent bugs in storage unit, from what to put in storage unit to keep bugs away to tips on choosing among the best storage unit companies that are known for clean, secure storage solutions.

You’ll also learn how to get rid of bugs in storage unit if you end up encountering them after all.

You can put all the stress and fear of finding insects infiltrating your storage unit in the past by storing your goods with WheeKeep, the #1 choice for self storage in Saudi Arabia. Learn more about our solutions today!

The Problem With Pests in Storage Units

Finding pests in your storage unit isn’t just a nuisance for those who are terrified of creepy crawlers. Certain bugs native to Saudi Arabia can actually pose health risks and damage your goods while in storage. Here’s why you need to take measures to keep bugs out of storage unit.

Potential Damage Caused by Pests

Rodents are known to gnaw through boxes, furniture, and even wiring, potentially ruining valuable possessions and creating fire hazards.

Meanwhile, insects like moths and beetles can destroy textiles, clothing, and important documents, leaving behind a trail of destruction that is often costly to repair.

Health Risks Associated with Pests

Beyond physical damage, pests in storage units can pose serious health risks. Rodents, for instance, are carriers of various diseases such as hantavirus and leptospirosis, which can be transmitted through their droppings and urine.

Cockroaches, another common pest, are known to exacerbate asthma and allergies and carry pathogens like E. coli and salmonella. The presence of these pests in a confined storage unit can increase the risk of such health issues for anyone accessing the space.

They’re Just Gross!

Let’s be honest…even if they didn’t have any harmful implications, finding bugs crawling on your stuff is deeply unsettling! Discovering that your personal belongings have been infested or damaged by pests can be distressing and evoke a strong feeling of disgust.

Don’t worry, though. We’ll show you how to prevent bugs in storage unit below with our top tips on what to put in storage unit to keep bugs away.

How to Keep Bugs Out of Storage Unit: What to Put in Storage Unit to Keep Bugs Away and Other Tips

Whether you’re storing items for the long haul to free up space in your home or you’re simply putting things in storage while you prepare for an upcoming move, there are a few ways you can prevent bugs in storage unit.

The most effective solution is choosing a reliable provider known for clean units. So, let’s talk about picking the right storage partner first.

Choosing the Right Storage Provider

There are so many places you can store your goods, but as you may already realize, not all storage unit providers are created equal.

Some go above and beyond to maintain clean, tidy units. They also offer secure, airtight, climate-controlled units that bugs cannot infiltrate – unless you bring them in yourself, of course.

So, do your due diligence in researching your options and ask potential storage providers about their pest control policies and practices. This will offer a bit of assurance that you aren’t bringing your items into an area that may be easily compromised.

We’ll talk more about this later on, but your search for clean, pest-free storage units ends here at WheeKeep. You can enjoy peace of mind by partnering with us knowing your goods are safe and sound.

Initial Unit Inspection

Before you move anything into your storage unit, inspect it thoroughly for any signs of pest activity. Look for droppings, signs of nesting, or existing damage to the unit such as holes or cracks that could serve as entry points for pests.

Check the unit for damp areas as well, as moisture can attract pests. If any issues are found, request repairs or a different unit. We talk about this in our guide to maintaining humidity in a storage unit.

Natural Repellents

As far as what to put in storage unit to keep bugs away, you have a variety of options at your disposal. Here are some of the most effective pest-prevention strategies you can try:

• Cedar Blocks or Chips: The natural oils in cedar are effective at repelling moths and other insects. Place these in the corners of your unit or hang cedar sachets near entry points.
• Lavender: Besides its pleasant scent, lavender deters moths and other insects. Use dried lavender in sachets or sprinkle lavender oil on cotton balls.
• Peppermint Oil: Known to repel spiders and rodents, peppermint oil can be an effective perimeter deterrent. Apply it along the edges of your unit and near potential entry points.

It may be worth setting up insect and rodent traps as well so that if any unwanted visitors do make their way into your storage unit, they won’t have the chance to wreak havoc or reproduce.

Storage Best Practices

Understanding how to pack a self storage unit can make a world of difference in protecting your goods against insects and other pests. From knowing what can you store in a storage unit safely to proper preparation, here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Proper Packaging: Store items in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids rather than cardboard boxes, which can attract pests and provide material for nesting.
• Clean Items Before Storing: Ensure that all items, especially fabrics and furniture, are clean and dry. Avoid storing anything containing food residues or stains.
• Clean the Storage Unit Before Storing: Similarly, give the unit a thorough sweeping before you bring anything into it. When you choose a reliable storage provider you shouldn’t have to worry about this as it should be done for you.
• Furniture Covers: Use breathable covers for furniture to protect against dust and pests, and to prevent upholstery from becoming a nesting ground.
• Don’t Store Food: Even if you use airtight packaging as a means of storing non-perishable food items, we don’t suggest storing these in your unit. In fact, some facilities will explicitly ban these items out of fear of infestations.
• Avoid Storing Items on the Floor: If possible place your items up off the floor so that it’s harder for bugs to find places to hide. You can stack items on pallets.

You can find additional tips on how to store furniture in storage units, how to store clothes in a storage unit, storage unit organization ideas, how to store washer and dryer in storage unit, and more in our blog as you prepare to store your goods.

Routine Checks

If for no other reason but to calm your mind knowing your storage unit isn’t overrun with pests, visit it regularly and check on its condition. This will offer peace of mind when you open the doors and discover nothing inside.

However, if you do find something, the good news is that regular checks help you catch problems before they can spiral into full-blown infestations. We’ll talk about what to do if you find something of concern in a moment.

In every visit you should consider refreshing repellents if necessary, taking note of temperature and humidity, and assessing the condition of your items.

How to Get Rid of Bugs in Storage Unit if You Experience an Infestation

Hopefully, our tips above on how to prevent bugs in storage unit never fail you – but what if you DO discover bugs in your storage unit?

First, don’t freak out. Now is not the time to be emotional, you need to be quick and calculated in your next steps. Here is how to get rid of bugs in storage unit.

• Identify the Pests: Different pests require different removal strategies. For instance, the approach for dealing with ants will differ from that for moths or rodents.
• Notify the Facility Management: Most facilities have pest control policies in place and will take immediate action to address the infestation. They might also investigate to determine if other units are affected.
• Remove and Inspect Your Items: Carefully remove your belongings from the unit to inspect each item for signs of pest activity. This will also prevent further damage and help in assessing the extent of the infestation. Check for any nests, droppings, damages to items, or live pests.
• Clean Your Belongings: Vacuum-sealed items can generally just be wiped down, but fabrics might need laundering or professional cleaning. Solid surfaces should be cleaned with appropriate cleaners to remove any eggs or residues.
• Use Appropriate Treatments: For insects, insecticidal sprays or powders can be effective. If the infestation includes rodents, traps might be necessary. Always use treatments that are safe for the types of items you have stored.
• Repack and Protect Your Items: Once your belongings are cleaned and treated, repack them using sturdy, pest-resistant containers like plastic bins with secure lids. Consider using natural repellents like lavender or cedar blocks when repacking to prevent future infestations.

Just remember, this frustrating experience can be avoided altogether by picking a storage provider that puts measures in place to keep bugs out of storage unit. Look no further than WheeKeep!

Put the Stress of Insects and Other Pests in the Past With Clean, Secure Storage Solutions at WheeKeep!

Whether you’re looking for moving storage units, on-site storage units, or portable storage units, we’re a partner you can count on for clean units free from all concerns of pests. So, how safe are storage units at WheeKeep?

Our state-of-the-art facility isn’t just monitored 24/7 and equipped with CCTV to protect your goods from theft – we also work diligently on pest control to maintain high standards of cleanliness in and around all our storage units. They’re climate-controlled, too, which further reduces the likelihood of an infestation.

You’ll also love how effortless the experience of partnering with us is. So, how does self storage work with WheeKeep? Simple. Pick your storage unit size and determine how you want your items stored. Either way, we deliver a unit to you for easy packing at your leisure.

Once it’s filled, you can choose to have us haul it back to our facility for secure storage, move it to your next destination, or leave it on-site for easy access to goods when you need them.

No matter your choice, you can trust that you’re getting the reliable service you deserve. Wondering what size storage unit do I need? Use our intuitive storage space calculator! Or, get in touch with our experts for a personalized recommendation and more information on our service.

Stop stressing about bugs in storage unit knowing your items are protected with the most dependable partner in Saudi Arabia – take the next step today!

Final Thoughts on How to Prevent Bugs in Storage Unit

There you have it, how to keep bugs out of storage unit and how to get rid of bugs in storage unit if you end up experiencing an outbreak despite your preventative measures. We hope this guide has eased your fears of finding storage unit bugs.

From smart storage practices and careful research on your partner to what to put in storage unit to keep bugs away, we’ve covered everything you need to know.

Our blog has more insights on storing a motorcycle in a storage unit, how much do moving companies charge for storage, how to close a storage unit, how much is a portable storage unit, and more.

But at this point, the only thing left to do is reach out to WheeKeep to choose your unit and pick your start date. Experience seamless, safe storage with Saudi Arabia’s #1 provider and keep your unit bug-free for the entire duration of your rental!