How can I keep bugs out of suitcases stored in the garage?

Theresa
by Theresa

I’ve asked for help before & folks have fantastic in their responses. So here I go again. I’m thinking of putting my empty suitcases (lack of closet space) in the garage for I’m still unpacking from my recent move to Michigan. What can I put inside of them to keep spiders/other bugs out of them without a horrible odor til I need them again? Thanking you in advance.

  8 answers
  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Sep 25, 2019

    Theresa....I would put them in a large thick garbage bag if I had to keep them in the garage.

  • Hi Theresa,

    I was actually going to say the same thing. Put the luggage in a trash bag. This was also recommended to prevent getting bed bugs when traveling. Take your suitcase and put it in a trash bag as bed bugs can live up to 100 days after your vacation (I know you didn't ask for tips on bed bugs so free advice

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 25, 2019

    Put some diatomaceous earth in and around. Then you can empty & wipe out when you are ready to use.

    • See 1 previous
    • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 26, 2019

      I have seen it at Lowe's and Tractor Supply. It's all natural and is very effective for pest control, especially spiders and others with an exoskeleton. It has no smell at all and is in a dust form.

  • Lucky Home Today Lucky Home Today on Sep 25, 2019

    Moth balls - stinky but they work.

  • Theresa Theresa on Sep 25, 2019

    Thank you ALL for the advice. I did think about the trash bags/moth balls. The trash bags are cumbersome (because I have several) & it’s a pain to go through them all. The moth balls will be smelly, of course no one wants that in the bags & get on the clothes. But I figured someone else would open my brain up some more. So I guess that I am on the right track. I must admit I didn’t think about bed bugs. They were all great. Again, thank you.

  • Use cotton balls with a mint essential oil and place in suitcases. Some people use dryer sheets on the inside of suitcases. Mine are stored in the garage too. I place them in lawn and leaf bags to keep them clean. My garage gets very very dusty!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 10, 2023

    Shrink wrap them?

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Dec 10, 2023

    Say no to the moth balls, they contain chemicals that are carcinogenic, plus they stink. Children may interpret them as candy as well.

    Dryer sheets are a a great idea, as well as essential oils.

    As for the bed bugs when traveling, keep your luggage in the bathroom, away from carpeted areas, that should be adequate. The other year we traveled to the Atlantic Ocean, a resort area and I got bed bugs, they were in the mattress and the couch. The resort moved us out of the unit, took all our clothes and laundered them, treated our unit along with the ones on each side, as well as the units above and below us. Plus comped us a week. Still they are a miserable biting bug, the itching never seemed to stop.