Now that the leaves are falling and Halloween is approaching, winter weather is just around the corner. With these drastic – and often changing – temperature drops, you can be sure that everyone is seeking warmer spaces, including pests like rodents, spiders, and other invasive visitors.
At Towne Storage, we take cleanliness and pest control seriously. Every day our on-site managers and maintenance crews work to keep things nice and tidy. We employ a pest control company for frequent visits to check for signs of unwanted pests. We also do not permit the storage of food items, which attracts rodents looking for winter food.
Outside of the measures Towne Storage takes, you may wonder how else you can protect your belongings during the colder months. Here are some tips that will help you get your unit ready.
What’s that Smell?
Rodents have up to 1,000 brain receptors for smell alone. To put this in perspective, humans only have about 400.* Candles, lotions, perfumes, and even scented markers can be attractive incentives for a rodent to pursue after, so it’s best to remove any such tempting items from your unit.
Perish the Thought
Food and beverages should never be left in a storage unit, no matter how well-sealed they are. Believe it or not, rodents can chew through all sorts of items, including metal. So even though your food storage may be airtight, it’s no match for a rat’s tiny teeth.
Cover Your Bases
Furniture covers do more than keep dust off your items. They also protect from moisture and dirt. Whether you store for one month or over a year, covers are a great way to ensure that your furniture stays dry and clean.
It’s also advisable to invest in insurance coverage. Insurance may not replace the item, but it can provide compensation in the unforeseeable event that damage does occur. Towne Storage has partnered with an insurance provider at a low monthly cost, or you can purchase insurance independently.
The Eye of the Unit Holder
Towne Storage does not provide keys to employees for access to customer units. While this is a standard security measure, it also prevents us from seeing signs of spiders and other pests behind closed doors. Should you ever see signs like webs, it’s best to notify the on-site manager immediately.
From Ceiling to Sealing
Whether you have an indoor or outdoor storage space, it’s a good idea to check your unit thoroughly before and during the rental period. Your unit door should always have a flush connection with a rubber seal to the floor. The ceiling areas should be free from webs.
Getting your unit ready for winter may take a little work, but it is well worth the effort!
*Live Science, https://www.livescience.com/59070-human-sense-of-smell-sensitive-as-dogs.html