Bugs in Storage: Keep Your Furniture Safe from Mice, Mold and Other Pests
If you’ve ever opened a box and found a nasty surprise, you know how annoying bugs in storage can be. Whether it’s a fuzzy mouse, hidden mold or a sneaky beetle, these guests can ruin the look and life of your furniture. The good news? You don’t need a PhD in pest control to stop them. Below are easy, no‑fuss steps that work for any UK home.
Spot the Signs Before It’s Too Late
The first step is learning what to look for. Small droppings, a faint musty smell, or yellowish spots on wood usually mean mold is setting in. Tiny gnaw marks on legs or chewed fabric point to mice. If you notice a sudden warping of a table or chair, the wood has probably soaked up moisture – a perfect breeding ground for both mold and insects.
When you’re packing, open each piece and give it a quick sniff. A fresh, clean scent means the item is ready for storage. Anything that smells damp or stale should be aired out before you close the box.
Control Moisture – The Biggest Bug Magnet
Moisture is the number one cause of mold and wood warping. Keep the storage area dry by using a dehumidifier or placing silica gel packets in each box. If you’re using a garage, try to keep the temperature steady – extreme cold or heat speeds up moisture movement.
For wood furniture, wrap each piece in breathable cotton sheets instead of plastic. Plastic traps humidity, while cotton lets it escape. Add a thin layer of furniture wax to wood surfaces; it creates a barrier that repels water and makes it harder for bugs to latch on.
When you store fabric sofas or cushions, store them in airtight containers with a small amount of baking soda. The soda absorbs excess moisture and cuts down on the musty smell that attracts mold spores.
Make Your Space Mouse‑Proof
Mice love tiny cracks and gaps. Walk around the storage area and seal any holes you find with steel wool and caulk – mice can’t chew through steel. Place a few peppermint oil cotton balls on shelves; the scent is a natural mouse repellent that works without chemicals.
If you have large items on the floor, lift them on pallets. A gap under the furniture makes it harder for a mouse to crawl underneath and set up a nest.
Quick Checklist Before You Close the Door
- Inspect each item for droppings, mold spots, or chew marks.
- Dry wood surfaces with a cloth, then apply a thin wax coating.
- Wrap wood in cotton, not plastic; use breathable bags for fabrics.
- Put silica gel or baking soda packets in every box.
- Seal cracks, add steel‑wool patches, and use peppermint oil for mice.
Follow these steps, and you’ll keep your furniture looking great, even after months in storage. The next time you pull a piece out, you’ll be surprised how fresh it still feels – no bugs, no mold, just the quality you expect from Crafted Furniture Solutions.
