One of the most common questions we get at Storage Locker is, can storage units get bed bugs?

The short answer? Yes, storage units can get bed bugs – even if there is no bed in the locker at all!

A bed bug infestation can occur almost anywhere. That’s because bed bugs are known for hitching a ride on things like backpacks, clothing, luggage, purses, and other items made from fabric. You can unknowingly pick up bed bugs almost anywhere and bring them home (or to your storage unit) with you.

If you have had an experience with bed bugs, you know how challenging it is to get rid of an infestation. But fortunately, there are easy ways you can avoid a bed bug infestation in your storage unit. 

Read on to learn more about bed bugs and how to safeguard your storage unit against them. 

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, flat, brown insects with ovular-shaped bodies that live on animal or human blood. While adult bed bugs are roughly the size of an apple seed, their bodies will swell and turn reddish in hue after feeding. 

Although bed bugs cannot fly, they move fast, making it challenging to get rid of them. What’s worse, female bed bugs lay hundreds of eggs throughout their lifetime and can produce several generations in one year. With each egg as small as a speck of dust, catching an infestation early isn’t easy. 

How Bed Bugs Can Enter Storage Units

Like we mentioned, bed bugs are known for hitching a ride. Bed bugs can easily crawl or hop from one item to another and be transported to another location, including storage units.

While bed bugs can spread several ways, here are some of the most common:

• Hotels and Lodging: According to the Centers for Disease Control, “anyone who travels frequently and shares living and sleeping quarters where other people have previously slept has a higher risk of being bitten and or spreading a bed bug infestation.” Beg bugs can hide in mattresses or a luggage strap and find their way into your personal belongings. If your belongings end up in your storage unit, you can quickly have a bed bug infestation on your hands.
• Furniture: Bed bugs are attracted to the fabric as it is an ample carrier for insects. Their attraction makes used furniture like couches and upholstered chairs a common way people can bring bed bugs into their home or storage units. 
• Clothing: Used clothing from a consignment or secondhand shop may not be adequately washed before they end up in the store, meaning bed bugs can be transported from their previous location. 

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation In Your Storage Unit

One of the major signs you have a bed bug infestation is itchy bites, likely on your ankles and feet. But recognizing a bed bug infestation in your storage unit can be harder. 

Look out for these common signs:

• Dark, rusty spots of bed bug excrement on fabrics (bedding, clothing, mattresses, etc.) and walls
• Eggshells, fecal spots, shedding
• A musty odor from the scent glands of the bed bugs

How Do I Keep Beg Bugs Out of My Storage Unit?

Can storage units get bed bugs? Yes, but don’t worry.

One of the main reasons to use a storage unit is to keep your belongings safe, so it’s only natural that you want to safeguard against bed bugs. Fortunately, keeping bed bugs out of your storage unit is easy. Here’s how:

1. Find a Professional Storage Facility

The best thing you can do to keep bed bugs out of your storage unit is first to find a professional storage facility. Choosing a storage facility that is not only clean but performs regular pest control visits will help ensure that your storage unit is free of bed bugs and that your belongings are safe. 

2. Inspect the Storage Unit Before Moving Your Belongings In

Before you move your belongings into your storage unit, we recommend inspecting the storage unit beforehand. While it’s important to know how to clean a storage unit, a reputable storage facility will provide an ideal locker when you arrive with your belongings. If they don’t, find another!

3. Inspect Your Belongings Before Moving Them Into the Storage Unit

Similarly, it’s important to inspect your belongings before moving them into your storage unit. No matter how clean you think your belongings are, it’s always possible that bed bugs have found their way into your belongings.

4. Choose What You Store Your Belongings In Wisely

You have lots of options when it comes to the types of containers you store your belongings in. Some people choose cardboard boxes, for example, while others may use plastic containers. While cardboard boxes can be an easy solution, plastic containers with airtight lids can be even safer when it comes to keeping your belongings protected from bed bugs.

5. Don’t Store Food In Your Storage Unit

Always avoid storing food in your storage unit. Storing food violates the terms of many storage unit facilities, and it’s also an open invitation for bed bugs and other pests. This includes things like birdseed and pet food as well.

6. Check-In on Your Storage Unit From Time to Time

If possible, it’s always a good idea to check in on your storage unit from time to time or have a trusted companion check your storage unit for you. Visits allow you to check for signs of bed bugs or other pests and the overall state of your belongings.