Why Inspecting Used Furniture Is Essential
Buying used furniture can be tempting and cost-effective—but it’s crucial to inspect items thoroughly before bringing them home. You never know what pests could be hiding inside, especially bed bugs. Taking the right precautions helps you enjoy affordable furniture without the risk of an infestation or the cost of hiring an exterminator.
Choose Used Furniture Wisely
Whenever possible, avoid upholstered furniture. It’s much harder to detect bed bugs in fabric, especially if the item has been steam cleaned by the seller. Bed bugs are resilient and excellent at hiding, often surviving many control attempts. Infestations might not appear until weeks or even months after bringing infested furniture home.
Opt for solid material furniture that’s easy to inspect and clean. Bed bugs can hide in pleats, seams, and even small screw holes.
How to Inspect Used Furniture Before Buying
- Bring white latex gloves, a flashlight, a magnifying glass, and a white sheet for the inspection.
- Place the furniture on the white sheet—this will help you spot any pests or debris that falls during the inspection.
- Run a credit card or gloved finger over creases, seams, and cracks. Look for signs of pests, including live insects, fecal stains (dark red), or molted skins.
- Use a flashlight to inspect dark, hidden areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
- If you find any pests, collect them in a sealed container for identification.
Where Bed Bugs Can Hide
Remember, bed bugs can hide in the most unsuspected places, including:
- Screw holes on the back of framed pictures
- Small cracks and crevices (as thin as 0.5 mm)
- Musical instruments
- Toys and stuffed animals
- Bags, shoes, and luggage
- Speakers and electronics
What to Do If You Discover Bed Bugs
If you discover bed bugs in furniture you’ve already brought into your home, contact a certified pest control professional immediately to assess the situation and provide treatment options.