Perhaps you’ve heard the old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This bit of wisdom holds true in virtually every area of life and is especially accurate in the world of pest control. A few simple steps will often keep infestations from starting. Even if pests manage to gain a foothold, dealing with them will be easier than if no preventative measures had been taken.
Sealing gaps around doors and windows, removing plant debris from around your property, and stacking firewood away from buildings are well-known ways to discourage pests from taking over your home or business. Making it hard for critters to come indoors is an important prelude to preventing an indoor winter infestation.
But there are more proactive steps you can take that will further erode most pests’ ability to turn your home into their home. Decluttering is a big one.
Where to Begin…
Pesky creatures of all types thrive in messy areas. As far as they’re concerned, the more nooks and crannies in which they can hide, the better. One of the best things you can do to keep them from setting up shop in your garage, attic, home, etc. is to store items in neatly organized containers.
At first glance cardboard boxes would seem to be ideal containers for the job, and they do offer a few advantages. After all, cardboard containers are plentiful, free or low-cost, and may be double walled for added strength. An added bonus is you may already have a stash you’ve saved from home deliveries.
But cardboard has some serious drawbacks, especially for long-term storage…
– Cardboard absorbs humidity. Being made of paper, cardboard boxes are susceptible to humidity and dry rot. Over time they will likely develop a musty odor, a smell that will eventually be absorbed by the contents. The same is true for dampness. The wet sensation you feel on the outside will eventually make its way inside. Of course, exposure to water will cause boxes to fall apart faster, degrading or completely ruining almost everything.
– Bugs and rodents love cardboard boxes. Pests can chew or claw through the walls, nest inside them, and even snack on the glue that holds them together. Once inside they’ll gladly continue their destructive ways by gnawing on the contents or emptying their bowels and bladders on your prized possessions.
– Cardboard boxes can collapse and crush the contents. It’s not uncommon for the tops and walls of stacked cardboard boxes to give way. This may not be a problem for fabrics or clothes, but more stress can damage photos, books, ceramics, and electronics.
Plastic Containers…Storage Heroes!
When it comes to keeping contents safe from the environment and free from pests, plastic containers are a great choice. While no storage solution is perfect, these sturdy bins provide a high level of protection at a reasonable price. They come in many sizes and colors that are suitable for a wide variety of uses.
Cost is their biggest drawback, but the peace of mind in knowing your things are protected from water and pests make them worth the expense. Consider these advantages…
– Waterproof: Plastic keeps moisture out, discouraging mold or mildew from growing on your belongings. This is critical in garages and attics where temperatures and humidity can vary widely.
– Pest Proof: Mice have a hard time chewing or clawing through plastic containers, and bugs have a hard time breaking through their seals.
– Easy to arrange: Since high quality plastic storage containers are strong and won’t easily collapse, you can safely stack them to save space. Translucent bins let you see what’s inside without opening every box.
– Ideal for valuables: Use plastic bins for long-term storage of important papers and documents, photos and books, clothing and fabric, electronics, craft supplies, and bulk items.
It’s important to note that cardboard boxes may still have a place in your storage plan. They are useful for short moves and temporary storage in dry, climate-controlled rooms. Just don’t count on using them for an extended period of time…especially during winter when pests actively look indoors for places to live.
Extra Decluttering Tips…
– Sort through items you’re not keeping and donate, recycle, or discard those for which you no longer have a use.
– Install shelves (or increase the number of shelves you currently have) to keep containers and large items off the floor.
– Mount hooks or wall hangers to keep items like brooms and yard tools off the floor.
– Inspect your storage areas for leaks or gaps and fix any trouble you find. Pay particular attention to corners and walls hidden behind boxes or shelves.
It’s Your Turn..
Winter is when pests look for a warm place to settle in. Some even begin their reproductive cycle this time of year. Taking the time to declutter and properly store items allows you to take inventory of what you have, decide what you want to keep, and see if any unwanted creatures have made their way into your place.
As always, KC Pest Control is available to partner with you to develop and implement proactive plans that will keep infestations from occurring throughout the year. Feel free to contact us at (405)-679-8729 to discuss your pest control needs.
