Few things ruin your day like opening a storage unit and discovering a bug problem — or worse, a full-blown infestation. Whether you’re storing seasonal items, furniture, or sentimental keepsakes, a pest problem can quickly cause damage and stress.
The good news? It’s more common, and more manageable, than you might think. Here’s what to know if you’ve found (or want to avoid) bugs in your storage unit.
Why Storage Units Attract Pests
Storage units offer the three things most pests are looking for: shelter, darkness, and access to food or nesting materials. Even though most facilities are designed to be secure and dry, that doesn’t mean they’re pest-proof.
Some of the most common culprits include:
- Cockroaches: Attracted to cardboard and crumbs left behind in stored kitchen items.
- Silverfish: These pests love books, paper, and fabric — making them a real problem in units full of stored linens, books, or paperwork.
- Spiders: Rarely the primary problem, but they often follow the bugs that are.
- Bed bugs: If used furniture or mattresses are stored, bed bugs can easily hitch a ride and settle in.
- Rodents: Not a bug, but worth mentioning, as they’re a major issue in storage units due to their messy and destructive nature.
In Northern Arizona, temperature extremes can work in your favor — freezing winters or scorching summers in outdoor units may kill off some pests naturally. (If you’ve ever opened a shipping container that’s been baking in the sun, you know it’s not somewhere anyone — not even a cockroach — wants to spend an Arizona summer.) But don’t rely on that alone, especially if the pests are free to travel in and out of the storage unit as they please.
Can Pests Get Into Storage Units?
Even well-maintained storage units can have vulnerabilities. Common access points include:
- Small cracks or gaps around doors and foundations
- Shared walls or ventilation systems between units
- Items already infested before being placed in storage
Pests don’t need much space — cockroaches and spiders can slip through gaps as small as a dime.
What To Do If You’ve Found Pests in Your Storage Unit
Finding bugs doesn’t necessarily mean you have to toss everything out. Here’s what we recommend:
- Don’t Panic, But Don’t Delay: The sooner you act, the better. Most infestations are treatable, especially when caught early.
- Contact a Professional: A pest control company can help assess the situation and recommend a safe, effective solution. At AZEX, we offer heat treatments, chemical-free options, and targeted plans depending on what pests you’re dealing with.
- Avoid Moving Bugs into Your Home: Be extra cautious when transporting items. Inspect everything before bringing it inside — and when in doubt, ask your pest control provider what should be cleaned, treated, or discarded.
It’s also worth speaking to your storage unit provider. They should take some responsibility for preventing pest issues — and if they don’t, it might be time to look for a better-managed facility.
Preventing Future Infestations
If you’re still using your storage unit, take a few simple steps to keep pests out moving forward:
- Avoid cardboard boxes. Use sealed plastic bins instead.
- Wrap upholstered items in plastic or protective covers.
- Don’t store food or scented items (even candles or potpourri can attract pests).
- Ask your storage provider how they manage pest control and whether regular treatments are in place.
AZEX Can Help
If you’ve discovered bugs in your storage unit, we’re here to help. Whether you need a one-time treatment, heat remediation for bed bugs, or a plan to protect stored items in the future, AZEX Pest Solutions offers expert support across Northern Arizona.
Give us a call, and we’ll help you take control.