Oh Sugar! The Sweet Side of Storage; Why Cleanliness Counts


a word from Melanie
September 2nd, 2026


It’s a cool autumn day. You grab a soda and head to your storage unit with Sparky at your side. While you search for your favorite fall wreath, Sparky enjoys some kibble you’ve spilled for him in the rocks.

Your sister texts, asking for Mom’s Thanksgiving silverware. It’s her only day off, so she’s on her way to pick it up. As you chat, she flicks a couple of spent cigarette butts and a wad of gum to the ground, popping in a fresh stick after her old one loses its flavor.

Once she leaves, it’s back to business, but your soda has gone warm. You pour it out on the ground and sip ice water from your thermal cup.

The sun has made its way over the building now. It’s becoming a warm autumnal day. Sparky has returned from his roam and has found a place to park it in the shade. Aha! There’s that wreath. You scoop it up, along with a couple other pieces of decor you’ve selected from the tubs. Now you can head out to finish your morning errands!
…And we can restart ours.

We regularly audit our facility for hygiene—picking up cigarette butts, gum, kibble, even leftover food. But discarded items, especially sugary ones, attract pests. Kibble and crusts? Rodents love that.

I often field questions about mitigating hazards. Our prevention plan starts with discouraging perishables—not just in your unit, but around it too (including pet waste).

Pet waste is an enticing prospect for pests, providing food, moisture, and breeding grounds. Let an apple decompose, and you’ve got a fly nursery. While it’s great to bring Sparky along, use a dog dish for his dining and a bag for his waste.

And when nature calls you, avoid exposing yourself on camera and swing up to the nearby gas station for a fresh drink and a restroom break. We want your visits to be pleasant, offering access to clean, pest-free storage. So, repurpose some plastic and pack out your trash to keep the sugar ants at bay!

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