Pests can be a common occurrence at self-storage units for a variety of reasons. Permitted items for storage present a challenge to the owner/operator to keep pests away simply because tenants do not have to disclose their stored items in detail. Self-storage properties can also be nestled in next to other businesses like grocery stores and fast food chains making them a prime target for rodents, ants, cockroaches, and other pests.
You can help your tenants and maintain your property by putting some practices into place that will make your property less attractive to uninvited guests.
- Regularly inspect property perimeter and unoccupied units. Property inspection is necessary for a variety of reasons. It helps you to know what’s going on with your investment. Walk the perimeter on a regular basis to assess any issues with rodents, trash, debris, or even security breaches. Your inspection should also include unoccupied units where rodents may find a place to hide if they’re left unchecked.
- Regular maintenance and cleaning of the property is essential. Proper cleaning of unoccupied units is necessary even if it seems tedious. Once a tenant vacates, it’s important to send in a cleaning service or do it yourself to vacuum, mop (if applicable), and remove any stains or spills. Leaving a clean storage unit in between tenants cuts down on the opportunity for rodents to enter and make a new home. Once the cleaning is complete, apply proper rodent and pest control to the unit while it is vacant.
- Inspect any exterior plumbing, piping, or other exposed openings in a unit. Your property inspection should include all the exterior of the buildings including the roof to see any exposed points of access. Rodents are excellent at chewing through things and creating their own entry point. Take note of any holes in need of patching or any other repairs to make.
- Seal off exterior entry points. If any holes are noted, purchase some expanding foam sealant to safely close them. This one is a good option to try: Loctite Tite Foam
- Remove trash often. Removing trash and debris from the property often is necessary to keep pests and rodents away. Even piles of leaves can provide a sneaky spot for rodents to hide. Make it your goal to have the cleanest property in town by keeping trash, leaves, and other debris off your property and in the trash.
- Do not allow perishable food storage in your units, and specify what dry goods are permitted for storage. Individual states may have specific rules about what is permitted in storage. If your state doesn’t specify, you can certainly make your own rules on your business property. Perishable food in whatever condition will attract all kinds of unwanted guests. Be sure to include specifics on your lease agreement about what types of non-perishable food items are permitted. Also, make it clear that storage for food should be up high and dry and in very thick and secure containers. Rodents love to chew through plastic.
- Regular pest control is a must. Make use of bait boxes in addition to regular pest control. Traps and sticky pads may be an option if you do encounter a problem and have to mitigate it, but you also don’t want to have dead rats lying around even for short periods of time because of the odor. Handling pest control yourself is possible or call an expert to take this task off your plate. It’s well worth your money to let a local, small business expert assist you with a task you don’t want to handle.
Pests and rodents are part of life. These tips applied regularly will help you keep your property rodent-free.
Weaver Realty is the Argus Self-Storage Network Affiliate for the states of Florida (excluding the panhandle) and Georgia. We partner with investors to grow their businesses, and we would love to work with you. Call us today at 904-733-0039.
