How to Inspect Second-Hand Furniture for Bed Bugs?

For the savvy shopper, second-hand furniture offers a treasure trove of possibilities. From one-of-a-kind vintage pieces to gently used modern finds, it’s a chance to furnish your home with character and save а significant amount of money. But let’s be honest, there’s also a hidden danger lurking in those plush cushions and dusty armchairs: bed bugs.

As seasoned bed bug extermination specialists, we’ve seen it all. People bring home a seemingly harmless couch, only to find their entire home infested with these blood-sucking pests.

Read also: Can bed bugs spread diseases?

The good news is that with some know-how, you can avoid bringing bed bugs home when buying used furniture.

Think spotting bed bugs is like finding a needle in a haystack? Not exactly, but it does require a watchful eye and a keen understanding of their telltale signs. Here’s what to look for:

• Live bed bugs: Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown, about the size of an apple seed, and often hide in dark crevices.
• Bed bug droppings: Look for small, dark red or rusty spots, especially around seams and tufts. These are bed bug faeces. When moistened, they may smudge slightly.
• Bed bug eggs: These are tiny, white, and usually laid in clusters in hidden areas like mattress seams, furniture frames, and behind baseboards.
• Shed skins: As bed bugs grow, they shed their outer shell. Look for these translucent yellowish skins in potential hiding spots.

Check also: What do bed bugs look like?

Before bringing any used furniture piece to your home, check it closely for any signs of bed bug infestation. Here’s how to do it:

1. Arm yourself with the right tools. Grab a torch, a magnifying glass, a ruler or credit card, a white sheet, and a pair of latex gloves for protection to give yourself the best chance of spotting bed bugs.
2. Gently shake the furniture over a white sheet. If any bed bugs are present, they might fall off, making them easier to spot.
3. Run a credit card (or any similar flat, stiff object) along the seams. Slide it in the edges and tufts of the furniture, paying close attention to all hidden areas. This test can dislodge bed bugs and reveal any hiding spots.
4. Shine your torch into dark crevices. Inspect the frame, legs, seams, folds, and underneath the cushions. Bed bugs love to hide in these shadowy corners.
5. Get the magnifying glass and look for suspicious spots. Tiny, dark red stains on the fabric could be bed bug droppings. The magnifying glass will also help you see eggs and shed skins.

Read also: Should you throw out a bed bug-infested mattress?

Prevention is always better than cure. Even with a careful inspection, you might miss the signs of pest infestation. Here are some tips to minimise the risk of bringing bed bugs home with your new (old) furniture:

• Ask questions: Don’t be shy! Ask the seller about the furniture’s history. Where did it come from? Has it been treated for pests? What types of materials is it made from?
• Think twice when buying used furniture: While a vintage armchair might seem charming, upholstered furniture is a prime hiding spot for bed bugs. Opt for hard surfaces like tables and chairs whenever possible.
• Leave it outside: If space allows, isolate the furniture outdoors for a few days before bringing it inside. This will enable potential hitchhikers to abandon the ship.
• Clean and steam: Wipe down hard surfaces with a disinfectant solution. Consider steam cleaning fabric items, but be aware that this may not be effective for killing bed bug eggs.

Remember: When in doubt, throw it out! Better safe than sorry!

Check also: How to prevent bringing bed bugs home from your travels?

If you discover a bed bug infestation after bringing home your second-hand furniture, don’t panic! Here’s what to do:

• Contain the area: Seal the room where the infested furniture is placed. This measure prevents the bed bugs from spreading to other parts of your home.
• Wrap the furniture in plastic: Isolate the infested piece and bag it tightly to prevent the bed bugs from spreading.
• Stay away from bed bug bombs: This method often helps spread the infestation all over your home and doesn’t do anything to kill the pests.
• Contact a professional: Don’t attempt DIY bed bug extermination. These pests are notoriously resilient and require professional treatment. At Bed Bug Specialist London, we have the experience, skills, and tools necessary to eliminate bed bugs quickly and effectively at a competitive price.

Read also: Why DIY bed bug removal doesn’t work and what to do instead

While these tips can help you identify and avoid bed bugs in used furniture, there’s no substitute for the expertise of a professional exterminator. If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home, don’t hesitate to contact Bed Bug Specialist London. Our experienced professionals will be happy to answer your questions, provide a thorough inspection, and develop a bed bug treatment plan to eliminate the pests and restore your comfort.