Choose the Right Storage Containers to Prevent Pests

Pests are one of the forces you’ll want to protect against during storage, whether you store your belongings in an attic or in a professional storage facility. Rodent, bird, or insect pests can do a lot of damage to unprotected items.

The choice of containers you use in a storage situation can make a big difference. Here are some common types of storage containers and how they compare for pest prevention.

Plastic Bins

A plastic bin is typically stiff and solid, making it water-resistant and chew-resistant. Some plastic storage boxes even have a seal around the edge that make them watertight and airtight. This feature doesn’t only protect your items from flooding or leaks, but it can also keep pests from invading.

Another upside of plastic is that an airtight plastic container allows you to use mothballs. That’s because mothballs should only be used in an enclosed, airtight space. If the fumes are too diluted, they don’t affect moths, and if they can escape, they can harm people and pets.

If you have items that you’d like to protect from moths, or even items that have suffered from moth damage already, the potential for mothball use can make plastic containers even more ideal.

Plastic Bags

Plastic bags come in all sizes and shapes. For instance, heavy-duty trash bags are a quick way to temporarily pack clothes. These bags do have the benefit that they can fit oddly shaped items easily and can seal out water and dampness, which could otherwise attract pests such as cockroaches, silverfish, or centipedes.

However, trash bags may also rip easily, allowing insect pests to enter. Some pests may be able to chew through plastic bags, depending on the bags’ strength and thickness. You can obtain more heavy-duty plastic bags such as those used for under-bed storage, but they’ll still be more vulnerable to pest damage than a solid plastic box.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are commonly considered to have environmental benefits when compared to plastic boxes. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best choice for long-term storage or for protecting your items from pests.

Cockroaches love cardboard boxes for a number of reasons. They can use the boxes as a home and also a source of food. So even if you’re careful not to store anything that attracts pests, the container itself could do so. This is one reason why cardboard boxes are more appropriate for short-term uses such as moving or shipping rather than storage.

Canvas and Fabric Bags

Canvas and other types of fabric can be susceptible to rodents. But fabric storage bags can still be useful for specific situations. For instance, if you’re just looking to protect something from moths and you have other protections against rodents (such as traps), hanging those garments in a storage bag made of fabric can be the best choice to allow air circulation.

Air circulation can be crucial for some specialty garments, antique clothing, and similar extra valuable items. Check over your cloth garment bags to ensure they zip tightly and don’t have any holes that could admit moths.

These common types of storage containers all have pros and cons when it comes to protecting your items from damage. As you can see, plastic bags and canvas garment bags have their uses in specific situations. But in most other situations and for most types of materials, a simple sturdy plastic tote is likely to serve you well in your quest to store belongings safely.

Call Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc., today for more information about protecting your belongings from pests or to discuss exterminating pests from your home.