Whether you’re planning to move to another country, or don’t have the space to keep your extra items at home, long-term storage solutions are a great option. However, what happens when you start noticing pest infestation during the time your essential items are in the storage? Pest infestations can be extremely harmful to your cherished belongings and valuable objects. Since pest infestations can happen silently, it’s essential to be aware of what you can do to prevent them.
In today’s blog, we’re going to explore some common signs of pest infestations during long-term storage and some simple but effective ways to prevent it early on.
Signs Of Pest Infestation During Long-Term Storage
Pest infestations can be hard to detect until they’ve taken over the entire space. If you see any of the following signs, it might be time to look at the damage and find ways to make the infestation go away:
Rodent Droppings
If you find any rodent or cockroach droppings in your storage unit or near your belongings, it might be time to do a thorough inspection of the area and clean it out. Usually, insect droppings can be found scattered across the floor and are round and dark in color.
Musty Odors And Noises
Another common sign of pest infestation is the presence of musty odors in your storage space. Rodents usually leave an unpleasant odor behind. You may also hear scratching or scurrying sounds if rodents or other pests have made their nests in the storage units. All of these are obvious signs of pest infestation.
Damaged Goods
Chances are, if you’ve got a serious pest infestation, your belongings or the boxes and containers that they’re stored in will be covered in gnaw marks or will be partially chewed. If you notice these signs, it’s likely that your storage unit has been infested by larger pests, such as cockroaches or rodents.
Insect Parts
Last but not least, if you find any insect parts or group of live insects in your storage unit, it is time for you to find professional pest control services to protect your valuable belongings from further damage. Usually, insect parts like cockroach skin or insect wings can be found in the dark corners of your storage unit.
5 Tips To Prevent Pest Infestations During Long-Term Storage
Using proper pest infestation techniques can be the most effective and resourceful way to protect your precious belongings while you’re storing them for the long term. Here are five quick tips that can help you set the tone for protecting your valuables from pests:
Pick The Right Storage Solutions
The best thing that you can do for your stored items when moving from New York to Chicago or Phoenix is to keep them in a storage unit that offers long-term storage. If you’re storing them at home, it’s essential for you to find high-quality, airtight plastic storage containers to prevent pests from damaging your belongings.
Before storing your valuables away for an unprecedented amount of time, ensure that both your items and the storage space is clean and clutter free. It might be worth it to place natural pest deterrents in the same space as well. Keep an eye out for any signs of moisture and dry all items properly before storing them for the long haul.
Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Since prevention is better than cure, implementing integrated pest management (IPM) practices before you store your valuable belongings in a storage space can make it easier for the items to be cared for, even in your absence. IPM uses a combination of biological, cultural, and chemical solutions to reduce the risk of pest infestations while keeping sustainability and ecological practices in mind.
In cases where infestations persist despite preventive measures, professional intervention may be necessary. Certain pests, like rodents and termites, can be particularly challenging to manage in storage spaces. In such situations, incorporating targeted pest treatment as part of your IPM strategy can help eliminate infestations efficiently while minimizing risks to stored belongings.
However, in most cases, instead of using pesticides that may harm the environment, IPM relies on biological methods such as natural predators and parasites to control pests. For example, spiders may be introduced to an environment with a large number of insects as they prey on these pests depleting their population. It also comprises the use of natural pesticides, and as a last resort, can also use insecticides and pesticides with strong chemical content.
Invest In Natural Pest Deterrent
Since climate conditions can be a contributing factor in pest infestations, it is important to invest in natural pest deterrent solutions all year round, especially if you’re storing your belongings in a hot and humid environment like when you move to Florida. Plants such as basil, marigold, and garlic are often used to repel pests like insects and spiders.
If you’re storing things at home, say, in an attic or basement, you must use neem, peppermint or lemon eucalyptus oil that can keep the area free from a variety of pests. Alternatively, you can use dried lavender, cedar blocks, and strong smelling spices to keep pest infestations at bay.
Schedule Regular Checkups
The best way to prevent pest infestation is by regularly checking your storage units for any signs of pests. However, you must be acutely aware of what you’re looking for when conducting seasonal audits. Apart from maintaining the optimal temperature and humidity levels in your storage unit, you must periodically check if everything is in order.
If you plan to store your items for a long time, it’s always best to find a storage facility that offers automatic climate control units. Learn more about pest infestation and if you’re storing your valuables in a storage unit, ask the concerned parties to give you details about how they prevent pest infestation, and if they offer proper sealing and maintenance.In addition to regular checkups, proactive measures like Integrated Pest Management can further reduce the risk of infestations.
Ensure Proper Ventilation While Sealing Entrances And Exits
While it is integral to make sure that all the containers that you’ve stored your belongings in, as well as the storage unit itself is properly sealed along any entry and exit points, it’s also important for the place to have enough ventilation to avoid foul smell, growth of bacteria, or mold when stored for long periods of time. To ensure that there’s adequate ventilation and air circulation in your storage unit, you must invest in raised pallets or shelving while storing your items, irrespective of whether they’re in airtight containers or not.
The elevation offers ample storage and space between items. Since overcrowding of goods in storage spaces can lead to ignorance of first signs of pest infestation, this simple trick can help you monitor the state of your valuables from time to time. It can also make it easier to clean the space and dispose of any spider webs, dust and garbage that may accumulate over time.
It’s A Wrap
In conclusion, pest infestations can be common during long-term storage. There are many signs that can help you catch these infestations at an early level and prevent them. Taking proactive steps—such as choosing the right storage solutions, using natural deterrents, scheduling regular checkups, and implementing IPM—can help you prevent infestations before they cause damage.
We hope you found this blog post on Preventing Pest Infestations During Long-Term Storage, useful. Be sure to check out Hire a Disinfection Service Before Moving Into a New House for more great tips!
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