How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in a Storage Unit

If you need to store your things temporarily or long term, storage units can help. Though the right unit can keep your items safe from the weather, you may still have one problem on your hands. Cockroaches are notorious for finding a way into areas they aren’t welcome including storage units. Check out how to keep your items safe from cockroaches.

Why Do Cockroaches Like Storage Units?

Cockroaches are always on the lookout for food, water, and shelter. Storage units can provide cockroaches with these necessities. If sticky residues or crumbs are left behind on items or in the unit, cockroaches can find them. Leaks in a unit can also attract these pests. Though cardboard boxes can store your items, they can also attract creepy crawlies. Cockroaches hide in boxes and eat the cardboard. Storage units are also dark, secluded, and sometimes climate controlled, which means cockroaches don’t have to worry about becoming too hot or too cold.

What Do Cockroaches Eat?

Cockroaches aren’t picky eaters. They love to snack on crumbs and food residue. They also eat paper products including cardboard boxes, book bindings, and photographs. Cockroaches will eat plant matter, trash, and insects too.

How to Prevent Cockroaches in Your Storage Unit

Good cockroach control starts with keeping things clean and dry. Here are some tips to help you keep your storage areas free of roaches.

• Inspect the Unit: Before moving any items into the storage unit, inspect it for cockroaches and their eggs. Be on lookout for signs of an infestation.
• Clean Your Items: When packing up your items, make sure everything is clean. Thoroughly wipe down plastic storage containers. Wash clothes before storing them. Steam clean your furniture and cover it in plastic. If storing appliances, be sure to remove all food residue.
• Don’t Use Cardboard Boxes: Cockroaches love cardboard boxes. It’s best to use tightly sealed plastic containers, especially when storing paper products and fabric items. Keep your belongings stored off the floor, when possible, by using pallets or cinder blocks
• Repair Cracks & Holes: Examine the storage unit for cracks, holes, and other potential entry points. Sealing these will help to keep cockroaches from sneaking inside the unit. If a storage unit has a lot of cracks or openings around the perimeter, it may be best to store your things elsewhere.
• Remove Trash: Unfortunately, storage units don’t always come clean. Sometimes previous occupants leave behind trash. You’ll want to ensure all trash has been removed before moving anything into the space.
• Inspect the Water Management: Inadequate water management could lead to flooding and leaks that can attract cockroaches. Check your storage area for areas where water might come in and how the facility manages it. See if rain gutters are installed and if they keep water flowing away form the structure. Be cautious when moving items into a unit with previous water damage.

Can I Bomb My Storage Unit?

Bug bombs are generally more effective against different insects, but they have been deemed generally ineffective against cockroaches. If you do decide to bug bomb your storage unit, make sure it's allowed in your rental contract.  

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Storage Unit

If cockroaches have invaded your storage unit, there are a few ways to take care of the problem. Check out how to keep your space free of these pests.

• Use a Plant-Based Insecticide Spray: Our plant-based Ant & Roach Killer and our Home Bug Spray kill cockroaches on contact and provide residual repellency. If you’re dealing with one or two cockroaches, a spray is an effective solution. The repellent properties will help to deter pests from returning to the unit.
• Use a Dust: For longer-lasting results, you can use a dust. Our Spider & Insect Dust or our Bed Bug Killer can help keep cockroaches away. Dusts can be applied into cracks and crevices where cockroaches like to hide. When undisturbed, dusts can remain effective for several years.
• Use a Bait: If you’re dealing with a cockroach infestation, baits can help. Our Roach Killer Gel Bait is designed to attract and kill cockroaches. These pests eat the bait and return to the nest where other cockroaches are exposed to the bait. This helps to attack the problem at the source, which will help to eliminate an infestation.

You want your items kept safe when placed in a storage unit. With a few preventative measures, you can help ensure cockroaches leave your things alone. If cockroaches or other pests are bugging you, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.