Securing your underground Bunker from unwanted nighttime visitors and pests is a step many preppers overlook. Unwelcome strangers and people attempting to steal supplies may not be a large concern depending on how far off the grid you've placed your bunker. However, there is nowhere that a determined pest seeking food and shelter won't go, and unfortunately no single way to deter them. The key is to identify weak points and take proper precautions to ward off pests from the get-go.

Identify, Prevent, Deter

There are a few types of wildlife pests that can be a serious issue for owners of underground bunkers. Every bunker needs proper ventilation and generally, houses significant amounts of food storage and water. Sure, your bunker ventilation can be concealed from passerby, but camouflage isn't going to fool those pests with twitchy noses and empty stomachs. Spring is prime seasons for squirrels, raccoons, mice, skunks and bugs.

To Prevent any unwanted pests around your bunker, keep all garbage and organic debris separate from the location. Once living in your bunker, burying your garbage isn't going to cut it. You can bury it but do so far away from where you're located.

The location of your bunker will play a role in the types of pests you may encounter. If the ground cover around your bunker is ideal for grubs or beetle larvae, then treat the area to prevent pests (like skunks and raccoons) that feed on these insects.

If you are near any type of farming or harvested crops, you might have mice. With this year's high yield of crops there is likely to be an increase in mouse numbers which means all bunkers near areas of harvest should be wary of mice infestation on their food and grain storage.

The best way to deal with these pests is to proactively prepare your home and yard in advance of the spring. Consider installing tamper-resistant covers on your ventilation openings and look into an air-filtration system to safeguard you against unwanted pests entering through your ventilation. As a bonus, it will also work against environmental toxins that may become a threat. An NBA filter is a great addition for any bunker.

Maintenance is Key

Once you've identified the types of pests you're up against, you can defend your weak points and make a plan to maintain these changes so pests never become an issue. Critters of all shapes and sizes can cause issues for bunker owners.

Don't allow any of these animals a point of access into your bunker if you want to prevent contaminating your food and water supplies. If infestation gets to a point where you can't fend off the intrusion, make the call to hire a trusted pest control service to eliminate the problem now and prevent it from becoming an issue again in the future.

With surveillance, proper storage of food and supplies, along with adequate tamper-resistant covers and shields for the various entrances to your bunker, you can prevent any pests from giving you a yearly headache or suffer the loss of any vital supplies. Plan, prepare and maintain, that's the only way to keep those little buggers out.