• Search interest around pest infestations peaks during the summer months, with Google Trends showing searches for moth infestations peaking in May—just as a heatwave hits.
• According to pest expert Niall Gallagher at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), these pests feast on wool, silk, fur, and feathers, making your home’s soft furnishings a target.
• Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product at Barker & Stonehouse, warns homeowners to ventilate rooms and keep moisture down ahead of the heatwave.
• She also advises checking furniture for cracks, applying oil or wax to protect wood, and inspecting undersides and joints for early signs of damage.

As we head into summer, the warmer conditions are perfect for pests to thrive, according to pest experts. Sophie Torogood, Technical Training Manager at Pelsis, explains, “The warmer conditions will encourage the insects to feed and move more. However, damage will occur all year round, though, as our warm homes support the populations to survive and thrive.”

So, whilst pest inspection should be an evergreen task, ahead of the heatwave, it’s important to be extra cautious with checks and treatment on your dining furniture, sofas, and bedroom furniture, according to advice from Magdalena Gierasinska, Head Of Product at Barker and Stonehouse.

Niall Gallagher, Technical and Compliance Manager at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), says those who have luxury furniture should take extra care.

“Pests feed on natural fibres and materials containing keratin, such as wool, silk, fur, feathers. That means higher-end furniture can sometimes carry a higher risk, simply because it’s more likely to include natural materials. Wool upholstery, silk, horsehair stuffing, feather-filled cushions, animal hides, rugs and natural fibre carpets can all provide a food source”, he shares.

To help keep your furniture in good condition and pest-free all year round, Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, shares how to inspect and treat your luxury indoor furniture, from dining chairs, to sofas.

She also speaks to various pest control experts to reveal what types of pests to look out for and how you can spot an infestation.

Which materials do pests damage?

Indoor furniture is more susceptible to pest infestations, say experts, and the type of pest depends on each material and item of furniture.

Sophie shares that textile pests, such as clothes moths and carpet beetles are commonly found in furniture such as sofas, armchairs, but also soft furnishings like carpets, rugs and curtains.

Daniel Steward, Managing Director at Shield Pest Control, adds that bed bugs can also be found not only within bedding, but also sofas and upholstered chairs due to the combination of fabric materials and frequent human contact.

“Dust mites can also thrive in these environments for the same reasons as in bedding, which includes access to skin flakes and moisture retention within soft furnishings,” he shares.

Niall also shares that wooden furniture such as tables, wardrobes and cabinets can also be vulnerable to wood-damaging insects, including woodworm and termites.

However, Daniel explains that solid wood is more susceptible to infestations as it’s naturally porous and adds that “engineered wood products like MDF or plywood are often less appealing to pests because of their compressed composition and the presence of synthetic adhesives.”

Signs of a pest infestation.

Experts say that signs can be subtle at first, but the primary sign is bad odour, according to Daniel. He says, “unusual odour changes, particularly associated with pests such as bed bugs and cockroaches, where a faint musty or slightly sweet, unpleasant smell may develop in affected areas.”

On wooden furniture, he says pay attention to small exit holes. “Typically, around 1 to 2mm, which may suggest wood-boring insect activity. In some cases, the structure may also begin to feel unusually light, hollow or produce more creaking sounds than normal.”

Other signs include the droppings of the insects, according to Sophie. “These are white and will be found on the floor underneath the furniture or around the entry holes,”, she explains.

The insects will also leave behind webbing, she says. “This silk may contain fragments of textile, insect droppings and larvae.”

How to clean and protect furniture against pests.

Magdalena at Barker and Stonehouse shares that different materials require different approaches, and adopting a consistent maintenance routine is key to keeping pieces looking their best.

However, as a rule of thumb, she shares, “Preventing pests on indoor furniture is mainly about removing the things pests want – dust, moisture, food residue, darkness, and undisturbed nesting areas.”

Wooden furniture.

For wooden dining chairs, sideboards and table legs, a gentle but consistent approach works best, she says. “Dusting with a soft, lint-free cloth will prevent surface scratches, while avoiding extreme fluctuations in humidity helps to reduce the risk of warping or cracking, where pests can burrow and hide.”

Simple positioning can prevent pests, too, as she adds, “Leaving small gaps behind furniture encourages airflow and prevents moisture build-up, particularly against external walls.”

“Wooden surfaces should be protected from spills and excess moisture, and periodically reapply oil or wax to help nourish the wood and maintain its finish. It’s also wise to inspect undersides and joints for signs of damage, such as bore holes.”

Fabric, leather and upholstered furniture.

When it comes to fabric or leather sofas and upholstered dining chairs, regular upkeep is essential to prevent the build-up of dust, allergens and everyday grime.

Magdalena advises, “I recommend vacuuming or gently brushing upholstery at least once a week to remove skin flakes, crumbs, and dust. Ensure you target seams and hidden patches too, as this is where pests are most likely to hide.”

To keep moisture at bay, Magdalena adds that encouraging ventilation and airflow is important. “Investing in a dehumidifier can be a good option, ventilating rooms daily, and ensure sofas and other fabric furniture sits away from walls.”

As with fabric, cushions should be rotated and plumped to maintain their structure, she says. “I also advise checking beneath seat cushions and around frame corners for hidden debris, and cleaning up food particles promptly to avoid attracting pests.”

She concludes, “For those introducing second-hand furniture into the home, always quarantine and inspect items thoroughly before bringing them indoors to minimise the risk of pests.” For further advice on how to care for furniture, visit Barker and Stonehouse’s furniture care guides.