Thrifting and buying secondhand furniture are great ways to save money and reduce waste. However, bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, and they frequently hide in fabric materials to make their way from the thrift store into your home. In fact, secondhand items are one of the most common ways they make their way into new homes.
Fortunately, with a few bed bug control tips, you can continue thrifting with greater peace of mind. Here’s what our team at The Dead Pest Society recommends:
- Inspect items thoroughly before bringing them inside. Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects, but their presence is often easier to spot through evidence like tiny dark spots, shed skins, or eggs tucked into seams, folds, and crevices. Upholstered furniture deserves especially close attention, as these pieces can offer prime hiding spots.
- Wash and dry items on high heat. For soft items like clothing or linens, high heat is one of the most effective bed bug control tools available. Washing and drying items on the highest heat setting can kill bed bugs and their eggs at every life stage.
- Invest in a protective encasement for larger furniture pieces. If you’ve purchased a sofa, armchair, or some other large upholstered item, consider using a protective plastic cover so that you can monitor for any potential bed bug activity. Bed bug control is far easier to manage in the early stages, before an infestation has a chance to spread throughout your home.
If you suspect that you’ve brought bed bugs home despite your best efforts, don’t wait. Contact our team for prompt bed bug control solutions today.