Few people enjoy the company of bugs, especially when they are invading their homes. If you are one of those people, you may wonder how to protect your furniture from these unwelcome guests. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent bugs like termites and actions to take when you see them. Ways to keep bugs from damaging your furniture range from strategies to keep them out of your house in the first place to caring for the furniture itself.
Protect Furniture from Moisture
Bugs like termites enjoy humidity and can quickly cause extensive damage to wood furniture, so remember to keep an eye on the ventilation systems in your home. When it comes to the furniture itself, it is essential to make sure that the furniture does not get wet. If it does, dry it off as quickly as possible. When cleaning wood furniture, use a dry rag instead of a damp one. This will help to prevent any moisture from getting trapped in the wood.
One of the best ways to protect furniture from moisture is to use a cover. This can help to prevent stains, but it can also keep the furniture from getting water damage or bugs on the cushions. Furniture covers are available in various materials, so it is key to choose one that is durable and will not easily tear. Make sure that they fit well so that they do not slip off. In addition, it is important to check the covers periodically to ensure they are not leaking or allowing moisture to seep through.
Keep Your Home Clean
It almost goes without saying, but keeping an indoor or outdoor space clean is one way to keep bugs away. If you want to keep your home free of bugs, it is important to vacuum regularly and keep surfaces clean. Vacuuming furniture will remove any bugs that may be present, and keeping floors and other surfaces clean will reduce the number of crumbs that might attract bugs.
Another essential part of keeping an area clean is not letting items pile up, such as newspapers or boxes. Bugs are attracted to clutter because it provides them with a safe place to hide. It’s also important to regularly empty trash cans and always cover them. Bugs are also interested in food waste, so keeping your garbage can clean is a part of keeping bugs at bay.
Avoid Things that Attract Bugs
One way to protect your furniture is to avoid bugs coming near it in the first place. For example, your outdoor lighting may attract flying bugs, attracting others who want to make a meal out of them. Some lights, such as yellow lights, are less likely to attract bugs than others.
Other things that may be attracting bugs include:
- Moisture
- Trash
- Food/food crumbs
- Open doors/cracks
Don’t give bugs any reason to stop by your house. As mentioned above, keeping your home clean is one way to reduce a bug’s interest. Ensuring you act fast on any issues with your house’s structure (foundation, attic, etc.) is another key to keeping it pest-free.
Take Care of Wood Furniture
Wood furniture in particular can be vulnerable to damage from bugs like termites and ants. To keep your wood furniture looking its best and safer from pests, polish it regularly with standard wood polish, or even olive oil or aloe vera. These natural products will help to protect the wood from scratches and other signs of wear along with deterring bugs. There are also some polishes specifically marketed to be termite-resistant.
Additionally, some woods are more resistant to bugs than others. Cedar and redwood are two types of bug-resistant wood, making them ideal choices for furniture. Another option is sealing the wood to create a barrier against water, which could attract termites. This may be especially key if the furniture is kept outdoors when it rains.
What About Outdoor Furniture?
Outdoor furniture is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while still being comfortable. However, furniture left outside is also vulnerable to damage from bugs. There are a few simple steps that can be taken to help keep outdoor furniture safe from bugs, and it’s not that different from indoor furniture. If possible, place tables and chairs away from areas where bugs are likely to congregate, such as flowerbeds or garbage cans.
Regardless of where the outdoor furniture is, make sure to keep it clean. Regularly sweeping and wiping down the surface of the furniture will remove any food or moisture that bugs are attracted to. Another tip is to use furniture covers when the furniture is not in use. Covers will protect the furniture from both bad weather and hungry insects.
How Can I Tell if My Furniture Has Bugs?
If you think your furniture might be infested with bugs, there are a few signs of pests you can look for. One sign of an infestation is spiderwebs or wood shavings near the piece of furniture. Another way to tell if your furniture has bugs is to tap on the wood. If it sounds hollow, that could be a sign that insects have eaten away at the inside of the wood.
There are some simple solutions you can try to get rid of the bugs, as listed above, with actions like vacuuming. You can also try using a spray, heat, or cold to kill the bugs. If these methods don’t work, you may need to call a professional exterminator. Once you’ve removed the bugs from your furniture, it’s a good idea to start carrying out bug prevention strategies to stop from having to go through the process all over again.
Keep Your Furniture Bug-Free
Bugs can be a major nuisance, invading your furniture and making it their new home. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also cause damage to your belongings. In this post, we’ve outlined several ways that you can protect your furniture from bugs and keep them from showing up to begin with. If you follow these simple tips, you can rest assured that you’re doing your part to keep your furniture safe from pesky critters.