Can Second-Hand Furniture Bring Bed Bugs In With It?

There are dozens of ways to bring bed bugs in. For example, the main way is by going on holiday, and staying in an infested room. You can also get these bugs from using public transport or visiting public buildings. (This includes places like cinemas, libraries, and so on).

Along with that, it’s possible to get bed bugs from visiting friends and family who are infested. It’s also possible for children to pick them up from friends, schools and sleepovers. Finally, another little-known way to bring bed bugs in, is through second-hand furniture.

Why second-hand furniture can bring bed bugs in

What you must understand is that most people ignore bed bugs when they first appear and don’t quarantine the home. After a while, this is no longer possible. They then clean and scrub every inch of their room. When this doesn’t work, they panic and throw out their furniture. What’s funny is that this is one of the worst things you could ever do. Throwing out furniture does not guarantee that you’ll get rid of these bugs.

But this is also why you should never pickup furniture found on the side of the road. This is especially true if it’s a mattress. If you see furniture lying outside, there’s a good chance that it was dumped because of hidden bed bugs. This is also why it’s a bad idea to sit on furniture found outside. Doing this is a great way to bring bed bugs in. They crawl into your clothing and then you take them home.

Which furniture is most likely to have hidden bed bugs in?

Some unscrupulous people may also sell bed bug infested furniture and don’t safely dispose of it. This is why you must be doubly careful when buying anything second-hand. To start with, avoid buying mattresses and sofas. These simply aren’t worth the risk. Bed bugs can crawl deep into the soft parts of mattresses and sofas. They then hide there undetected until you buy the furniture. Five minutes later you’re dealing with an infestation.

Other furniture, such as drawers, hard chairs and cupboards are a little safer. Despite this, it’s important that you thoroughly inspect all furniture before purchase. Search every nook and cranny for bugs. Get a plastic card and slide it into and along cracks. This is a great way to find bugs that are hiding there. As a general rule, check any spaces where bed bugs could hide.

Ultimately, second-hand furniture carries the risk that you’ll bring bed bugs in. You must be aware of this danger and take steps to avoid this. That means avoiding dumped furniture and checking anything you’re buying for bugs.