The Best Way to Store Outdoor Furniture to Prevent Pest Problems

 

If you want to reduce the risk of attracting pests like rodents, insects, or spiders to your outdoor furniture, always store your furniture in a clean, dry, and sealed area. The ideal location is a garage, shed, or storage unit that is regularly cleaned and has limited openings where pests can enter. Before storing, thoroughly clean the furniture, remove any cushions, and ensure everything is dry. Cover your furniture with well-fitting, breathable covers and keep everything elevated off the ground when possible. Avoid storing cushions directly on the floor or in cardboard boxes, which can attract or provide shelter to pests.

 

Why Pests Are Attracted to Outdoor Furniture

 

Outdoor furniture can be very inviting to bugs and rodents because it often has hidden spots for nesting, leftover crumbs or food, or moisture. Fabric cushions, wicker, or wood surfaces can harbor insects like ants, spiders, and beetles. Rodents may chew cushions for nesting material. Even small cracks or crevices give pests a place to hide or build nests.

 

Essential Steps to Prepare Furniture for Storage

 

• Thoroughly clean all surfaces: Use a brush and mild soap to scrub away any dirt, debris, bird droppings, or food crumbs. Pay attention to crevices, under cushions, and joints where insects might hide or lay eggs. Let furniture dry completely before moving it to storage. Moisture attracts pests and can also lead to mold or mildew.


• Remove and separately store cushions and fabric items: Take off all cushions, pillows, and fabric covers. Wash and dry them fully. If storing for a long period, use sealed plastic bins with tight lids or vacuum-sealed bags so pests can't reach the fabric. Avoid plastic garbage bags or cardboard boxes, as these can tear or attract rodents.


• Inspect for and repair any damage: Fix loose joints, holes, or tears in cushions, and seal cracks in wooden or plastic furniture. Fill holes with wood filler or caulk and sand smooth. Patch fabric or cover with a patch kit. Small gaps and tears are places where earwigs, spiders, or mice can get inside.


• Apply a protective spray if needed: For wooden furniture, consider applying a pest-repelling wood sealant or natural oil like teak oil to help deter insects. For metal, make sure there is no rust, as it can retain moisture and attract pests.

 

Choosing the Right Storage Location

 

• Dry, sealed location: Use a garage, basement, or outdoor shed that shuts tightly. Make sure screens and weather stripping on doors and windows are in good condition. Avoid unfinished basements with dirt floors, which invite insects and rodents.


• Elevate furniture: Place items on pallets, shelving, or bricks so nothing touches the ground. This discourages pests like mice or ground beetles from nesting underneath. Airflow beneath also helps keep things dry.


• Leave space between pieces: Don’t stack furniture too close together. Good spacing makes it harder for pests to nest in hidden spots and lets you spot problems early.


• Avoid storing near food or pet supplies: Keep furniture well away from trash bins, pet food, or bird seed, which can attract bugs and mice.

 

Covering and Protecting Your Furniture

 

• Use breathable covers: Choose fabric furniture covers designed for storage, not plastic tarps. Breathable covers prevent trapped moisture, which can attract mold and certain insects.


• Secure covers tightly: Make sure covers fit snugly over each item and are secured at the bottom so pests can’t squeeze inside. Many covers have drawstrings or Velcro for a better seal.


• Don’t wrap with plastic wrap or garbage bags: These trap moisture and can tear, making ideal hiding spots for pests.

 

Extra Prevention Tips

 

• Lay down pest repellent: Sprinkle natural repellents like cedar chips or use pest deterrent sachets (such as lavender or mothballs) near stored furniture, but not directly on the surface.


• Regularly inspect storage: Every few weeks, check the storage area for signs of pests (droppings, webs, chewed material) and address any problems quickly.


• Keep area clean and uncluttered: Avoid stacking boxes or unused items around furniture, as clutter provides hiding spaces for pests.

 

Summary

 

To store outdoor furniture with the least risk of pest problems, always clean and dry everything, use pest-proof storage containers for fabrics, repair any damage, and store everything in a dry, sealed area off the ground. Use snug, breathable covers and keep storage areas clean, uncluttered, and free from food sources. Regular inspections and simple pest deterrents add an extra layer of protection. Following these steps will ensure your outdoor furniture stays pest-free and ready for use next season.