Storage units are meant to keep belongings safe, not become a home for rodents and insects. But storage facilities are one of the most common places for pest problems. Units are often dark, quiet, and filled with cardboard, fabric, and hidden corners, which makes them ideal for nesting.
For storage facility owners and managers, a pest issue isn’t just about bugs or rodents. It can lead to damaged customer property, complaints, bad reviews, lost clients, and even business disruptions. Prevention is key, and professional pest control plays a major role.
Here are practical steps that help reduce risk, but remember, prevention works best when combined with professional service.
1. Avoid Using Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard attracts pests. Insects can hide in it, and rodents chew through it easily. Encourage tenants to use plastic bins with sealed lids instead. This reduces nesting materials and makes units less inviting to pests.
2. Keep Stored Items Clean
Food smells and residue attract pests quickly. Even small crumbs can lead to a problem that spreads from one unit to others.
- Clean kitchenware before storing
- Wash fabrics and clothing
- Empty and wipe down appliances
A clean storage unit is far less appealing to pests.
3. Never Allow Food Storage
Food inside units is one of the main causes of infestations in storage facilities. Once pests find a food source, they move between units.
Clear rules about no food storage help reduce risk, but enforcement and monitoring are just as important.
4. Use Wood Pallets or Shelving
Using pallets or shelving makes it harder for pests to access belongings and improves airflow. This also helps staff spot pest activity earlier during inspections.
5. Use Protective Covers
Plastic covers protect furniture and mattresses better than cloth. Cloth materials can trap moisture and be used by rodents for nesting.
6. Keep Units Organized and Visible
Clutter creates hiding spots. When units are organized, signs of pests like droppings, damage, or nesting materials are easier to detect early.
7. Ask Your Storage Facility About Pest Control
Tenants should feel comfortable asking what pest control measures are in place. Facility owners should be prepared with a professional pest management plan. Without one, a small issue can turn into a large infestation affecting multiple units.
Relying on occasional DIY sprays or traps is not enough in commercial environments.
8. Regular Inspections Matter
Routine checks help catch issues early. But spotting a problem and solving it are different. Commercial pest control professionals know where pests hide and how to stop activity before it spreads.
Why DIY Pest Control Isn’t Enough for Commercial Spaces?
In a storage facility, pests don’t stay in one unit. Rodents and insects move through walls, ceilings, and hallways. DIY methods may temporarily reduce activity in one spot, but they rarely eliminate the source.
This can lead to:
- Ongoing infestations
- Customer complaints
- Negative online reviews
- Property damage claims
- Loss of trust and clients
In serious cases, health and safety concerns can even affect business operations.
Professional Pest Control Protects Your Business
Professional pest control isn’t just about removing pests, it protects your reputation. A proactive plan helps detect activity early, prevent spread between units, and maintain a clean, safe environment for customers.
Commercial Pest Control for Storage Facilities in Vancouver
At Phantom Pest Control Vancouver, we provide professional pest control services for commercial units, including storage facilities and other commercial properties. Our team works to prevent infestations, control existing issues, and help protect your business from costly damage and negative reviews.
If you manage a storage facility or commercial property, don’t wait for complaints to appear. Request a free quote from Phantom Pest Control to keep your space protected and pest-free.
