Seeing a cockroach in your clean storage unit can be enough to make anyone scream. After all, who knows how many are hiding in there and which of your belongings they’ve gotten into?
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on what to do if you spot a roach in your storage unit.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Determine How Many Roaches You’re Dealing With
After you’ve spotted at least one roach, the next step is to figure out the magnitude of your cockroach problem at your storage unit.
Cockroaches are typically active at night, so if you notice signs of roaches during the day, you likely have a cockroach problem. Cockroaches like to hide in dark, moist places, so look for signs of cockroaches, such as shedding skins, egg cases, and droppings. You can also check for water leaks or moisture problems, which can attract cockroaches.
If you only see a few roaches and no other significant signs, then it’s likely that there isn’t an infestation, and you can probably get rid of it yourself using some DIY methods (more on that later). But if you see multiple roaches, then it’s time to call in reinforcements in the form of a professional pest control company that will be able to eliminate the infested area quickly and effectively.
Step 2: Take Steps to Remove Roaches from the Storage Facility
1. Remove all Food Sources
Like most pests, roaches attract and feed off food, so the first step is eliminating anything that might attract them. To do this, throw away any food left out, and ensure all food is sealed adequately before storing it in your unit.
2. Clean Up any Clutter
Roaches love hiding in dark, cluttered areas, so the cleaner you can keep your unit, the better. First, remove any loose belongings, including newspapers or clothes, and try to keep boxes and containers off the floor.
3. Use Traps or Bait Stations
Various traps and bait stations are available that can effectively eliminate roaches. Place these around your unit, paying particular attention to areas where you’ve previously seen roaches.
4. Call a Professional
If you’re still seeing roaches after taking these steps, it’s time to call in a professional pest control company. They will be able to identify the source of the infestation and eliminate it quickly and effectively.
Step 3. Prevent Roaches in Storage Units
Inspect cardboard boxes, furniture, and other stored stuff before bringing them into your unit. Cockroaches can easily hide in cracks and crevices, so checking for signs of infestation before storing anything is essential.
As mentioned, keep your unit clean and free of food debris. Cockroaches are attracted to food, so keeping your storage facility clean and free of crumbs or other food particles is essential.
Prevent moisture buildup by fixing any leaks and using a dehumidifier if needed. Moisture is another attractant for roaches, so keeping your unit as dry as possible is also critical.
Regularly monitor your unit for signs of roach activity and take action immediately if you find any. Following these steps can help prevent cockroaches from making their way into your self-storage unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do roaches get inside storage units?
Roaches can get inside storage units by crawling through cracks and crevices in the doors and walls. They can also be carried inside in boxes and other items that are brought into the unit.
How long can roaches survive in storage units?
Generally speaking, roaches can live for up to six months in a storage unit. Roaches need food and water to survive. In storage units, they will likely have access to both, so they could potentially live for long periods of time.
Can you put a fogger in storage units?
Yes, you can put a fogger in self-storage units.
The benefit of doing so is that it will kill all the roaches in the unit. The downside is that it will also affect any other living thing in the unit, including any plants or animals.
Can you get bed bugs in storage units?
Yes, storage units can get bed bugs.
Like many other pests, they can hitch a ride on clothing or furniture boxes that are being stored and then set up shop in storage units.
Are storage facilities responsible for a roach infestation?
No, storage facilities are typically not responsible for a roach infestation.
Does renters insurance cover property in self-storage units?
Yes, renters insurance typically does cover property that is stored in self-storage units. However, reviewing your specific policy with your insurance company is vital to ensure that your belongings are covered in the event of a loss or damage caused by pests.