Can I prevent bed bugs when purchasing used furniture?

The top three things you can do to keep the risk of bed bugs away when buying used furniture is to:

1. Try to avoid buying upholstered used furniture.
2. Inspect anything and everything before buying.
3. Consider getting items treated before bringing them indoors.
4. Never bring in free furniture from the curb!

How to check furniture for bed bugs

Before pulling the trigger on a used furniture set, there are a few ways to inspect the pieces for pest activity:

1. Inspect for small black spots or even blood dots. This is a top indicator of bed bug activity, whether they’re active or not.
2. Always check the undersides and cracks of tables, shelves, bed frames, and other furnishings.
3. Look in furniture joints, seams, creases, crevices, cracks, voids, and more. They’ve even been known to hide in screw holes and more.
4. If you think you notice any signs of bed bugs, don’t take the risk and avoid bringing the furniture into your home!

Why does used furniture have bed bugs?

The good news is that it’s not the norm for used furniture to have bed bugs. People all around the country buy second hand furniture that is completely safe and bed bug-free. However, many people will donate furniture after dealing with an infestation. For this reason, it’s better to be safe than sorry by thoroughly inspecting all used items before bringing them inside your property.

How to get rid of bed bugs in used furniture

If you notice a bed bug problem on a piece of furniture in a store or once you bring it home, it’s important to let the seller or store owner know. While some may offer refunds, it’s up to the seller. If you’re wishing to salvage the piece of furniture even with bed bugs, it’s best to consult a professional on the best way to get rid of the bugs. Always leave the infested furniture outside and avoid bringing it indoors until it has been treated.