Beat the Bugs: Summer Storage Tips to Keep Pests Out

Published on 6/13/2025
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1. Choose the Right Storage Containers

When it comes to keeping pests out, cardboard boxes just won’t cut it. Bugs love the easy access and moisture retention that comes with paper-based packaging.

Use this instead:

  • Hard plastic totes with tight-fitting lids

  • Vacuum-sealed bags for clothing or bedding

  • Labeled containers that stack neatly and reduce hiding spots

This simple switch makes a big difference in your long-term storage success.


2. Avoid Storing Food or Scented Items

Even sealed food or strongly scented candles and lotions can attract bugs and rodents from outside the unit. 

What to skip:

  • Pet food or bird seed

  • Holiday candy or snacks

  • Scented soaps, lotions, or candles

When in doubt, store these items at home instead.


3. Elevate Your Items Off the Floor

Concrete can sweat during summer’s high humidity, creating moisture buildup that attracts insects and even mold.

How to fix it:

  • Use wooden pallets or shelving units

  • Place bins on raised platforms or bricks

  • Never store furniture, boxes, or fabrics directly on the floor

This also helps with air circulation and makes cleaning easier.


4. Wrap & Protect Furniture

Upholstered items are especially vulnerable to pests and moisture. To keep them safe:

  • Use breathable furniture covers—not plastic tarps, which can trap moisture

  • Wrap legs in plastic wrap to deter ants and spiders

  • Consider adding pest-repelling sachets like cedar chips or lavender bags inside drawers

These steps don’t just preserve your furniture, they also make moving day easier.


5. Visit Your Unit Occasionally

Even in summer heat, a quick stop by your unit every few weeks can give you peace of mind.

What to look for:

  • New spider webs or bug droppings

  • Unusual smells or signs of moisture

  • Shifting bins or signs something has been tampered with

Catching issues early is the best way to protect your belongings long term.


Why Our Facility Makes It Easier

At our storage facility, we prioritize cleanliness and security but your preparation goes a long way, too. With 24/7 access, you can visit during cooler hours of the day and check on your items anytime.

Protect your belongings, beat the bugs, and enjoy a worry-free summer.