Managing a self-storage facility can be a challenge. With little control over what enters and leaves the property and the condition in which those goods are packaged, your site may be a prime location. port against unwanted pests like rodents, ants, cockroaches and many others.
In addition to the damage and health risks caused by this vermin, a simple report can spread almost instantly on social media, with mentions, or even photos, of your business and the location of your facilities, leading to reactions negative for your brand and loss of revenue. Consider these three tips to better protect your self-storage property, your reputation, and your income from the damaging impact of pest infestations.
Tip #1: Be on the lookout
Whether it’s a four-legged creature lurking in the ceiling, a winged insect attached to personal belongings, or a creepy crawly hidden in a box, storage facilities are susceptible to a variety of infestations. By simply knowing and understanding some of the common pests that could be lurking in your establishment, you will be better prepared to deal with situations if and when they arise.
Rodents. Rats and mice are adaptive creatures that hide from humans and seek out quiet, dark spaces to nest. As nocturnal animals, they are most active from dusk to dawn. Although they are often seen scrambling along the ground, rodents are also excellent climbers. They can move quickly and easily in elevated spaces.
Fabric insects. Moths, beetles and silverfish are just some of the pests you are likely to encounter in and around stored produce. Similar to rodents, they seek cool, dark places to hide, and it is easy for them to go unnoticed without careful routine inspections.
Moths attach themselves to clothing and other fabrics. There are several hundred species of beetles and weevils that infest stored products, but one of the most common is the carpet beetle. They feed on proteins and keratin, making carpets, furniture or other objects likely to be covered in pet hair or dandruff a prime target. Silverfish like old organic materials such as boots and cardboard.
Cockroaches. Cockroaches often seek out cardboard boxes, bins, and storage containers as nesting and hiding places to breed. They carry their eggs in a sac called an ootheca, which can hold up to 50 nymphs. A cockroach will carry the ootheca and find a safe place to deposit it so that the nymphs continue to incubate until hatching time.
Tip #2: Take Proactive Actions
One of the most effective ways to prevent pests from entering a self-storage facility is to work from the outside in. Maintaining the landscaping that surrounds the building and ensuring that all holes, gaps and cracks in exterior walls are filled will help ensure that pests cannot enter. Even a micro-opening can be an access route, so spend plenty of time and pay attention to detail when examining the building.
To prevent pests from entering storage units, conduct a thorough walk-through of the facility and address potential issues, including:
- Entries: Install weather stripping around exterior doors. Rodents can squeeze into spaces as small as a quarter, and insects can squeeze into much smaller spaces.
- Gaps in exterior walls: Fill holes or small openings around electrical cables or pipes with stainless steel wire wool, caulk or concrete. Steel or aluminum plating can also be used.
- Rooftops : Repair any damage and use wire mesh to seal gaps. Rats have been known to enter through broken tiles or under eaves.
- Vegetation: Cut foliage away from the building. Overgrown shrubs or trees can provide a route of entry.
- Drains and sewer lines: Ensure all damages are repaired in a timely manner. Rodents have been known to swim in damaged sewer pipes and toilets. Additionally, use tight-fitting metal grates or grates to cover drains and make sure all drain pipes are in good working order.
Another way to proactively protect a self-storage facility is to work with a trusted pest control expert who can assess your property’s unique needs and provide specific recommendations. Some general rules are to make sure all items coming into the facility are tightly closed or stored in containers with secure lids, and to keep as many items off the floor as possible. Also convey this important information to your tenants and post reminder signs throughout the property.
Tip #3: Know When to Call for Help
The third step to avoiding an invasion is knowing when to call for help. Do-it-yourself solutions, like infusing the space with lemongrass or all-natural tea tree oil and properly maintaining the building’s exterior, can help keep pests away, but DIY efforts will not prevent an infestation from spreading once started. .
The phrase “see something, say something” applies perfectly to sightings of pests inside storage facilities. Pests are experts at hiding and work hard to avoid being seen. Once a creature or insect is spotted, it is likely not the first time it has wandered into the facility, and a more serious problem may be at hand. Learn to identify droppings, skin shedding, gnaw marks and other common indicators of an infestation. As soon as you suspect a problem, contact a pest control professional to resolve the problem. If ignored, a small colony can quickly multiply, putting your self-storage property, your employees, your guests and your brand reputation at risk.
Every self-storage facility is different. Size, location, climate and environment all play a role in the unique makeup of each property and the types of pests that may be attracted to it. Working with a reputable pest control company is the best way to ensure that your property, reputation and income are protected from the harmful effects of pest infestations.
Robert Lockwood is an Associate Certified Entomologist and Director of Technical Services for Terminix. With over 19 years of experience, he has a variety of knowledge in the pest control industry for logistics, warehousing and facilities, pharmaceutical and grocery. For more information contact 855.832.5949.