When storing goods for any lengthy period, there is always a possibility that they could be damaged while in storage. Whatever the place of storage, be it in a cupboard, basement, garage, or attic, there are always chances that they will not be safe from damage.

External factors like dampness in the storage space could cause mould, while the presence of pests such as ants or moths is more than likely to ruin stored items. These are considerations to bear in mind when storing goods, and steps to avoid this kind of damage should be taken.

Dark places like attics, basements, and cupboards which are often used for storage are spaces that are attractive to various pests, providing a perfect environment for them to flourish.

However, if the storage space is well maintained and pest control is observed, the chances of this happening are far less. At Stop & Store Penrith our storage facility is managed in such a way as to keep our clients’ goods not only physically secure but also protect them from possible damage while they are in our safekeeping.

This is why when you choose a unit at Stop & Store Penrith you will benefit from the modern pest control methods we use. We also provide a secure, dry storage facility for our clients. In addition to this, our security controls are of the highest standard, and we have measures in place to guard stored goods against possible damage from any source.

Protecting Against Damage from Pests

Ensuring a pest-free environment is the concern of every storage facility, and strict pest control measures are put in place. There is always the possibility that the hirer of the storage unit could bring pests with them in the load coming to the self storage unit.

However, self storage units are separate from each other at a storage facility, presenting very little chance of pests moving between units.

There are some ways clients can safeguard their belongings from the damage pests can cause. It is important to know and understand the consequences of this happening so that you can be aware of these dangers when you are packing.

A self storage facility is suitable for the storage of most goods and although we cannot prescribe, you should prepare well for storage in our units. Let’s help by making you aware of which items are more susceptible to introducing unwanted pests.

Unfortunately, pests like ants and cockroaches are attracted not only to warm dark places, but thrive where there is food, paper, cardboard, or plants. When plants, food, or paper are brought into a storage unit, their presence of them adds to the attraction of pests.

We also thought it important to explain the ramifications of bringing in something already containing pests or their eggs, and how to prevent this from happening at the stage of preparing them for storage.

Pests and Their Damage during Self-Storage

These are some of the pests most likely to cause damage to your stored items:

  • Mice and other rodents: These troublesome creatures can cause a lot of damage in a short time. Not only are they prolific breeders, but their chewing through anything also including electric cables, results in a lot of damage.
  • Gypsy moths originate outdoors in the surrounding vegetation, especially trees, are known to lay their eggs in spring and their larvae often find their way indoors through cracks and into your belongings. They can cause a great deal of mess in your storage environment if they manage to enter with your packed belongings.
  • The frayed edges of books and photos that are found in storage situations are likely to be from fish moths. They just love dark places and are a real pest in the storage environment as they cause damage to books, papers, and photos.
  • Ants nest in dark places, are messy, and are known to chew wood, so could cause damage to any furniture stored away.
  • Mattresses and clothes could contain bed bugs which are known to breed in storage and become a real problem. It could just be a few to start and end up a major infestation as they need little to survive and breed.

The physical structure of the self-storage units is important to ensure that these pests are controlled. Our self-storage units are clean, cool, and dry, and are constructed of steel. We know the danger that moisture and heat pose to stored goods, so we provide our clients with a secure environment for the safe self-storage of their possessions.

Importance of Packaging

The way goods are prepared for storage and packed is key to successful storage. Here are some guidelines to follow.

  • All appliances should be clean and clear of food particles, while furniture must be dusted and clothes clean and dry.
  • It’s recommended that a hot wash of clothing or linen materials should be done before being stored to ensure no live pests are in the items. All these items must be dry to avoid mould forming on them. This also applies to shoes to be stored.
  • Pack the goods you intend to store into an inner plastic bag before putting them in a box or plastic crate.
  • Mothballs, cinnamon sticks, citrus peels, or even soap powder are a good deterrent for pests such as fish moths and other moths.

Stop & Store Penrith recommends the following packaging for keeping your belongings safe.

  • Use packaging such as bubble wrap and good-quality sealing tape. Take care to pack clothes in plastic covers, while mattresses are best stored in covers designed for the purpose.
  • Avoid using cardboard boxes such as the ones from the grocery store. They could be too weak for successful long-term storage as they may collapse or even have pests in them without you noticing.
  • If you want to use cardboard boxes, we recommend new double-walled corrugated boxes as being much stronger than the used ones.
  • Plastic bins on wheels make moving and stacking boxes easier, as well as being pest-proof.
  • For storage of documents, clothes, photographs, or paintings, use archival boxes as a secure way of storing these items.

If you are looking for a storage rental, please contact us on 01768 800291 or visit our website https://www.stopandstore.co.uk/penrith-storage/