Protecting Against Pests: Storage Packing Best Practices

Whether long-term or short-term, protecting stored items against pests is something we all have to consider. While traditional storage units always offer some protection, steel shipping containers are resistant to infestation; you will still need to take steps to pest-proof your stored items.

Pests can cause significant damage to stored belongings through contamination, feeding, and nesting habits. Common pests that invade poorly protected storage containers include beetles, moths, rodents, and ants. When you practise smart storage and packing techniques, you make your container inhospitable to these critters. They may explore the area but eventually move on to more hospitable environments. 

Common Storage Pests

Storage units and containers can attract various pests, so identifying the most common risks can help you avoid dealing with the most common invasive species. 

Rodents

Mice and rats are attracted to dark, undisturbed places, making your infrequently visited storage container the perfect location for them to nest and breed. 

Rodents typically cause damage through: 

• Gnawing on materials like cardboard, wood, and electrical wiring
• Contaminating items with droppings and urine
• Building nests using shredded materials from your items
• Spreading diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus

The average rat can squeeze through a hole as small as an inch (2.54 cm), and mice through a hole less than 2 cm in diameter. This is why choosing a company that offers rodent proof Units is a must. 

Cockroaches

Cockroaches thrive in moist, dark environments and will cause damage by:

• Carrying pathogens like E.coli
• Triggering allergies and asthma
• Leaving behind droppings and shed skins that contaminate your items

Silverfish

These small, wingless insects love cardboard, paper, and fabrics, and can damage: 

• Books and important documents
• Clothing and textiles
• Wallpaper and cardboard boxes

Moths

Clothes moths and pantry moths will take advantage of textiles or food items not properly stored. They cause damage by reproducing, leaving behind larvae that feed on natural textiles like silk, cotton, and wool, and infesting stored food products. 

Bed Bugs

Fortunately, bed bugs are less common, but these hard-to-spot bugs can infest storage units by hitching a ride on furniture and bedding. Bed bugs are tricky to detect until the infestation grows significantly. They can also survive for months without feeding, providing plenty of opportunities to spread. 

Best Practices for Pest Proof Storage

There are many different strategies for preventing pests from damaging your stored items. Here are a few to remember the next time you declutter or need extra storage space.

Use airtight plastic containers: Tightly sealed plastic containers are the most effective pest prevention measure. Airtight lids prevent odours from attracting wandering pests, and those pests that do explore won’t be able to sniff out anything useful.

Cover mattresses and upholstered furniture: Plastic mattress covers will prevent gnawing pests from having their way with your bedding. Protect upholstered furniture with breathable covers to prevent moisture build-up and a possible mould or mildew outbreak. 

Use natural pest deterrents: Pests will steer clear of strategically placed cotton balls dipped in essential oils like peppermint or lavender. Cedar blocks can also be effective. 

Regular inspections: Regularly visiting your unit can nip potential pest infestations in the bud. Check for signs of disturbance, such as holes, stains, or smells. 

Proper cleaning: Thoroughly clean all items, like kitchen appliances, before placing them in storage. This will eliminate odours that could warrant an inspection from wandering pests. 

Avoid storing food items: Don’t store food, pet food, or bird food in your container, as the odours will attract any nearby pests. 

Seal entry points: Inspect the unit for any gaps or cracks in doors or walls. Notify management if you notice potential entry points. 

Protecting your stored items from pests will save you from the disappointment of retrieving damaged items and money from not needing to purchase a replacement. Using the best practice outlined above will significantly reduce the chance that you lose precious heirlooms, inventory, or essential documents to destructive pests. 

1800 We Store It are Melbourne storage professionals offering a pest-proof solution to your long-term or short-term storage needs. When you are ready to learn more about how we can protect your belongings, get in touch today or visit our website for a quick quote.