Storing Wooden Furniture Safely: Garages, Storerooms and Warehouses

Spare furniture, old sofas and seasonal items often end up in garages and storerooms. Those places are often damp, dark and rarely checked, which suits borers and other pests.

The short answer

Store wooden furniture in a dry, ventilated place off the floor and away from damp walls, after checking it for borers and cleaning it. Use breathable covers instead of plastic sheets that trap moisture, leave space for airflow, avoid stacking items tightly and inspect periodically. Seal exposed wood and treat infested pieces before storing. Check for termites and rodents too.

Before storing

1. Inspect for holes, powder and soft wood.
2. Treat or isolate any infested items.
3. Clean and dry the furniture.
4. Seal exposed wood with polish or sealant.

Storage conditions

• Choose a dry, ventilated space.
• Raise furniture off the floor on pallets or blocks.
• Leave a gap from walls and between items.
• Use breathable cloth covers, not airtight plastic.
• Avoid contact with soil, damp concrete and leaks.

While in storage

• Inspect every few months.
• Look for powder, holes, mould and mud tubes.
• Check for rodent and cockroach activity.
• Use moisture absorbers where suitable.

When taking items out

• Inspect before moving them back into living areas.
• Air and clean first.
• Keep suspect items apart until checked.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

Is plastic cover bad?

It can trap moisture. Use breathable covers.

Can I store furniture outside?

Not recommended, due to rain and pests.

Do warehouses use treatment?

Ask the warehouse about pest control.

How often should I check?

Every few months.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on wood borer control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full wood borer treatment guide for Bangalore.