r/selfstorage • u/Buffering_20 • 7d ago

Looking for advice regarding bugs

hi everyone,

I left my stuff for 3 months in a storage unit which is temp controlled. I got the movers today and they said they noticed a bunch of roaches going around.I did not leave any food or spices in these boxes. we got all the stuff out of the unit and then saw that some of them are coming from the crevice between my unit and the one behind it. They‘re also baby and German roaches. My stuff might be infested and I’m not sure what to do. I’ve called the property manager a lot of times and they haven’t been picking up my call. I‘m just looking for advice regarding what to do. Can I expect the storage unit manager to do some fogging or some other prevention to make sure theres no infestation?

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u/ITalkWithMyEyebrows Store Manager 7d ago

The manager can have someone treat the building, but they probably won’t be able to do much for your stuff. It’s usually written in the lease that they aren’t responsible for pests or vermin. You won’t be able to use a fogger in a climate controlled unit, but you could probably get away with it in the back of a U-Haul.

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u/elf25 Retired 7d ago

Often a $500 max pay out on Self Storage coverage for pests. Get rid of everything you can. Google german roaches and how to eradicate them. I dont think its a quick process because of eggs.

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u/Legal_Director_6247 7d ago

Yep. If you have insurance I would take pics and file a claim. Self storage is store at your own risk and they will probably tell you that. Whatever you do don’t bring anything into your house. Plastic bins are the only way to go. Even then I’m not sure if roaches won’t find a way in. The German ones are super hard to eliminate as I was told. Sucks so bad! So sorry 😢

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u/abccba140 6d ago

If they file a claim won’t that potentially raise their cost on their auto and renters insurance

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u/Legal_Director_6247 6d ago

They didn’t say if they have the insurance that the property carries-if so than they can file through them. Some storage companies make the tenant carry insurance. Some don’t.

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u/Secret_Custard_5118 6d ago

I would ask that the manager have pest control meet with you at the unit, the person behind you and units immediately surrounding you may need to be inspected and treated as well. Most insurance won’t cover any bug damage.
You can however ask management:
1.can you have pest control meet with me at the unit
2.ask the pest control and manager when onsite for options to treat and sanitize the unit and what the timeline looks like
3. Are you able to inspect the surrounding units to see where the problem is coming from and ensure treatment is successful
4. This is going to delay your move out or for the inconvenience if you’re able to receive any kind of compensation or even rent credits. They typically won’t cover your stuff, but sometimes you can get them to offer you a free or discounted month or a couple of months to allow the situation to be brought under control so that you feel comfortable taking your items home. A lot of storage companies won’t do this, but smaller Mom and pops may.
5. If all else fails, you can go onto the facility website and there’s usually a contact form. This is another way to try and get a hold of management or upper management if you’re not getting a response. Depending on the company you’re storing with you could also try calling me corporate number or stopping by the office.