Every self-storage facility owner understands the damage pests can do to personal belongings. On that same note, prospective clients tend to shop around when searching for the best self-storage facility. Not only do they compare prices, security, and location, but they also look for cleanliness — meaning pest-free. Here are a few tips to help keep pests at bay.
Understand the Risk
No one knows better the harm pests cause than the former tenants of an Armuchee, Georgia self-storage facility. Not only was its sudden closure partially due to damage caused by a barrage of rats, but tenants only had weeks to remove their belongings.
Unfortunately, pests cause hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage to homes and self-storage facilities alike. Battling these nuisances requires an understanding of why they want to invade buildings in the first place — and then spread the words to tenants.
Educate Tenants
Pests tend to rely on the vulnerability of paper to fulfill their appetite for destruction. Rats, bugs, and a slew of other annoyances can chew straight through cardboard boxes or paper bags. Using plastic totes helps to ward off pests, especially when storage bins are stacked or up off the floor.
Additionally, clean cooking items thoroughly and avoid storing any food altogether. Even candles and potpourri can attract pests. But it’s not enough knowing the ins and outs of successful pest-free storage.
Educating tenants takes effort. Include these tips in the contract. Leave helpful pamphlets in your main office area. Make beneficial information available for your tenants to help their self-storage experience a positive one.
Hire a Pest Control Professional
If rats, mice, or other varmints make it past your frontlines, it’s time to hire a pest control professional. Keep in mind that not all professionals are created equal, so do your due diligence in hiring one.
Choose a licensed pest control professional, and be sure they’re bonded and insured. Ask for referrals and use word of mouth to find the best professional for your needs. Aside from confirming their certifications, make sure they know their stuff. Do they answer all your questions in detail? Are they willing to contract for ongoing service? What chemicals or traps do they use?
Remember, all of this information is useful and practical. But keep in mind, the cheapest isn’t always the best. Be willing to get a “guaranteed satisfaction” agreement and expect documentation for the services provided.
Protecting your self-storage facility from pests is a hefty task. If you don’t call the shots, though, the pests will undoubtedly win this battle.