All our sites have pest control measures in place and are regularly inspected by professionals, so looking after the building is our job. Mice can gnaw plastic, so no box is completely chew-proof, but a clean, lidded plastic tub with nothing tempting inside is a very good barrier, and a better one than cardboard.
What we do
Pest control is in place at every site, with regular professional inspections. If you ever spot droppings, gnaw marks or a musky smell, tell us straight away so we can deal with it across the building.
If you take our contents protection, it lists damage from moths, insects or vermin originating externally among the risks it covers.
Giving pests no reason to visit
Mice and insects come looking for two things: food, and soft material to nest in or feed on. Take those away and there’s nothing to draw them in.
- Keep food out. Food in one unit can draw mice into a building full of other people’s belongings, so we ask everyone to store food-free. Check drawers, bags and toy boxes for forgotten biscuits and sweet wrappers.
- Clean before you pack. Vacuum sofas down the sides and under the cushions, because crumbs are food, and wash or clean clothes, bedding and rugs.
- Use lidded plastic tubs for fabric, books and papers. Paper and card are nesting material for mice, so a cardboard box of linen is the weakest choice. A tight lid keeps insects out too.
- Make sure everything is bone dry before it goes into a closed tub, so it can’t turn musty.
- Keep things off the floor on a pallet or a layer of sturdy boxes.
Moths and carpet beetles
Clothes moths and carpet beetles feed on wool, silk, fur and feathers. The easiest place to stop them is at home: check wool, cashmere and rugs for holes or larvae, clean or brush them, and pack them once they’re completely dry. If something already has moths, treat it at home before it comes in.
Please leave mothballs, poison and other chemical treatments at home too. Chemicals and anything that gives off a smell can’t be stored in units, for everyone’s safety, and if you’re worried about pests, telling us is the quickest fix.
Look in now and then
On a long stay, it’s worth checking your unit from time to time. Access is normally 6am to 10pm, seven days a week, and you can share access through smart entry with someone who can look in for you.
Packing up a home? Our shop has boxes and packing materials. Get a price online, or call us on 0800 2545585.
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