Bug-Free Storage Tips

Storage units might seem like a fortress for our extra stuff, but they can quickly become a haven for uninvited guests—pests that squeeze into the smallest cracks and make themselves right at home. Whether it's seasonal decorations, furniture, or boxes of keepsakes, how you store these items can determine whether they stay in good shape or end up chewed, stained, or crawling with bugs. And the worst part? Most folks don’t realize there’s a problem until long after it starts.

If you've got a unit filled with belongings, or you’re thinking of renting one soon, it’s worth giving some thought to how pests could get in and what you can do to make your unit less appealing to them. A little planning goes a long way—especially when it keeps you from hauling out a box of mouse-damaged holiday ornaments or opening a bin that smells like it’s been colonized by roaches.

Understanding What Attracts Pests In The First Place

Pests don’t just show up without a reason. They're looking for what every creature craves—food, moisture, and shelter. The trouble is, they’re not picky about how they get it. Even a tiny spill in a box or a few crumbs left behind in a storage bin can be a feast to a rodent or an army of ants.

Cardboard is a common culprit. Not only is it a magnet for moisture, but pests like cockroaches and silverfish can feed on the glue that holds it together. Once it starts to break down from dampness, it's even more attractive. And then there are fabrics and paper—moths, beetles, and mice all love to burrow into soft materials for nesting. If you've got blankets, clothing, or important documents stored without proper sealing, you may unknowingly be offering pests a five-star resort.

Humidity is another sneaky contributor. Units without climate control can trap moisture, creating the perfect conditions for mold, mildew, and the pests that come with it. Some insects, like silverfish and certain spiders, thrive in dark, damp spaces. If your storage unit isn’t properly ventilated or you're storing items that naturally hold moisture—think leather goods, paperbacks, or anything fabric-based—you could be setting up a pest-friendly microclimate.

Materials Matter More Than You Think

It’s tempting to grab a bunch of free boxes from the local grocery store and call it a day. But those boxes may carry more than just your belongings—they could already have pest eggs or microscopic invaders clinging to their surfaces. Used cardboard is like an open door to infestation. Instead, investing in heavy-duty plastic bins with tight-fitting lids creates a solid first line of defense. They're harder for pests to chew through, and they provide a barrier against moisture.

Cleanliness is key, too. Before anything goes into storage, it should be spotless. Furniture should be vacuumed, wiped down, and, if possible, wrapped in plastic or specialized covers. Fabric items benefit from being laundered and sealed in vacuum bags. Appliances? Make sure they’re not just unplugged, but scrubbed of any food residue. Even something as small as a breadcrumb in a toaster can be a beacon for pests.

If you’re storing books, papers, or photographs, steer clear of boxes unless they’re acid-free and sealed inside something more robust. The smallest paper-munching pest doesn’t need much to start doing damage, and once they’ve made a nest in one box, they’ll quickly move on to others. Plastic bins again come to the rescue here—airtight ones offer double protection.

Wooden furniture can be especially vulnerable. To keep it from absorbing moisture and attracting bugs like termites or wood-boring beetles, consider applying a protective sealant before storage. It’s a little effort upfront that can save you from major heartbreak later.

Environment Inside The Unit

The unit itself plays a huge role. Choosing a facility with good maintenance and climate control can make a big difference. Pests love inconsistent environments—warm one day, cold and damp the next—so the steadier the climate, the less appealing it is to them. If your storage unit isn’t climate-controlled, consider placing desiccant packs or moisture absorbers throughout the space to help control humidity.

It’s also wise to elevate everything off the floor. Wooden pallets or shelving can help you avoid condensation damage and make it harder for crawling pests to get inside containers. Plus, being able to spot pest activity early—droppings, shredded bits of material, or dead insects—can help you act before it gets out of hand.

And don’t forget about how you arrange your items. Shoving everything together in a tight space creates dark, cramped areas that pests adore. Leave a little room for airflow and give yourself space to inspect your belongings every so often. The easier it is to see what’s going on, the better chance you have of spotting a problem early.

Avoid storing food—this one’s obvious, but even sealed snacks or canned goods can be problematic. The smell alone is often enough to draw pests in. And while pet food may seem harmless if it’s in a bag or bin, pests can chew through surprisingly tough materials. It’s better not to take the chance.

When Prevention Isn’t Enough

Despite your best efforts, pests can still find their way in. Units can become infested from adjacent ones, and not all neighbors are as cautious with their storage habits. That’s why it’s important to check your belongings regularly and look for early signs of trouble—droppings, gnawed items, insect wings, or that telltale musty smell.

If you notice anything suspicious, don’t try to handle it on your own with a can of bug spray and a prayer. Many DIY pest control methods are ineffective in storage settings because they only treat surface-level symptoms. The real problem often lies deep inside items or cracks in the structure. And if there are rodents involved, things can escalate quickly—what starts with one mouse can multiply fast, and you might not even see them until the damage is done.

That’s where a professional touch makes all the difference. A trained pest control technician can identify entry points, set the right traps, and apply treatments that don’t just push the pests to the next unit over—they eliminate them at the source. Prevention paired with periodic expert inspection creates a far more reliable shield than just sealing up your stuff and hoping for the best.

At Rosenbloom Pest Control, we understand how important it is to keep your stored belongings in good condition—not just physically, but for your peace of mind. Whether you're storing valuables, furniture, or just that overflow from home, we’re here to help make sure pests don’t find a way in.

If you've got a storage unit and you’re concerned about pest prevention, or if you’ve already spotted signs of something unwanted moving in, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact our team today. We offer expert solutions designed to target the specific issues storage units face. We’ll work with you to make sure your space stays protected, clean, and pest-free. Let’s take care of the problem before it becomes a problem.