Getting a self-storage unit to keep your stuff is a pocket-friendly and convenient way to create extra space in your home or business. However, even the cleanest units can attract roaches.
These nocturnal pests move in dark and quiet places like storage units.
In addition, roaches are good at hiding and can multiply quickly. Therefore, they can quickly get into stored items to hide and damage stuff.
The worst part is that roaches in a storage unit can sometimes become immune to specific pesticides making them even harder to eliminate.
However, if you notice signs of a roach infestation, it doesn’t mean you should stop using your storage unit. Various pest control methods can help you to get rid of them and prevent damage to your belongings.
Read on to learn more about why roaches enter storage facilities, the damage they can cause, and how to get rid of them.
Why Do Roaches Like Storage Units?
Usually, storage units are quiet and dark, and roaches are nocturnal, so they tend to be attracted to such conditions.
Regardless of how clean your storage unit is, roaches will still find their way into it. This is because they are constantly seeking food, shelter, and water, as roaches can’t live long without food and other resources.
So, when you store your things in these units, roaches might get in looking for food. Even the tiniest of food particles on your furniture, clothes, or other belongings can have them running to your unit.
How Cockroaches Get Into Storage Units
There are many ways roaches can have access to your storage unit. For example, they can enter the unit through cracks in the foundation, walls, or the space between the door and the floor.
In addition, roaches love infesting cardboard. Therefore, they could have already been in the cardboard box you brought to the storage unit.
On the other hand, there is a greater chance of roaches getting into your unit if many people are entering it. These pesky insects can cling to people, so by the time they are done with whatever brought them to the unit, the roaches will have dropped and will end up staying in your unit.
Also, if the storage unit is near a pile of dirty rubble, there is a greater chance you have a roach problem.
How Roaches Survive in Storage Units
Storage units are usually dark and quiet, offering the best living conditions for roaches.
In addition, heated storage units or storage units during warmer months will offer ideal living conditions for cockroaches. Once there, they will look for cracks in walls or floors and live there.
How Long Can Roaches Survive in Storage Units?
Generally, the actual duration roaches can live and survive in a storage unit will depend on various factors—for example, the temperature levels and accessibility of water and food.
Remember that roaches cannot withstand temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius or 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, when the temperatures are conducive and food and water are abundant, roaches can live in your unit forever.
What Roaches Eat in Storage Units
Roaches are not picky eaters, and they will eat anything from roach carcasses to feces.
Once they enter your storage unit, they will start looking for food residues and crumbs in your stored items. Then, they will go for non-edible items like papers, book bindings, cardboard boxes, photos, and adhesive from envelopes.
Read More: The Cockroach Diet
How to Protect Your Stored Items From Roaches
Roaches can enter the storage unit even if it is clean.
But before moving your belongings to the unit, ensure they are safe. This is important because roaches eat clothes when they are starving.
Therefore, protect your clothes by storing them in vacuum-sealed plastic bags.
Keep in mind that roaches love eating cardboard. So don’t use them to store items. Instead, use metal or plastic containers to keep cockroaches from your stuff.
How to Prevent Roaches From Entering Your Unit
While storage units are susceptible to roaches, there are ways to prevent and control it. Consider the following preventative measures before your unit gets infested.
- Carry out regular inspections of the whole unit to check for any signs of infestation. Look for roach droppings, foul odors, property damage, smear marks, shed skin, and roach eggs.
- Avoid cardboard boxes for storing items.
- Make sure that the storage facility has a proper waste management system.
- Organize your unit and make sure no clutter can attract roaches.
- Peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and cypress oil are natural roach repellents. Essential oils like peppermint can be used to make your own roach repellent spray. You can also use roach baits and pesticides along cracks and walls or anywhere roaches can use to access your storage unit.
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches From a Storage Unit
Now that you know how to prevent an infestation, you need to know how to get rid of roaches to protect your health and belongings. The way you get rid of roaches in a storage unit will depend on the size of the infestation.
You can use natural, chemical-free solutions you have at home if there are a few roaches. For instance, you can mix potent essential oils and make a bug spray to deter or kill the roaches.
You must take immediate action when you notice roach activity in your storage unit. Purchase cockroach-killing baits if you want a longer-term solution. You can also use boric acid to kill roaches and other pests.
If the infestation is serious and isn’t responding to commercial pest repellents, you should hire pest control services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Roaches Common in Storage Units?
Yes, roaches are common in storage units. Roaches are nocturnal insects and are attracted to a storage unit’s dark and quiet environment. Besides, they get in storage units seeking food, water, and shelter.
Can Roaches Survive in a Storage Unit for a Year?
Yes, roaches can live in a storage unit for a year or even more if warm temperatures and food and water are abundant.
How Do I Keep Bugs Out of My Storage Unit?
You can keep bugs out of your storage unit by using natural bug repellents, storing items properly, and ensuring that the storage unit is always clean.
