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Can I Prevent Bed Bugs When Purchasing Used Furniture?

One of the main reasons for a bed bug infestation is taking in infested furniture. This happens much more often than one would like to think. Thankfully, you can prevent a bed bug infestation by inspecting your furniture before taking it home.

Here’s how to prevent bed bug infestations stemming from infested furniture:

  1. Avoid used furniture that is upholstered.
  2. Inspect your items every time you buy.
  3. Never bring in free furniture off the street.
How to prevent bed bugs when buying used furntiture | New Berlin WI | Batzner Pest Control

How to Check Secondhand Furniture for Bed Bugs

If you decide that you want to buy used furniture, there are several ways to check that it’s not teeming with bed bugs:

  1. Look for small black, brown, or dark red spots. These could be bed bug feces or blood.
  2. Always look underneath tables and in the cracks of shelves, bed frames, and other furnishings.
  3. Look in the joints, creases, cracks, and seams of furniture. They can hide in the tiniest places—even screw holes!
  4. Don’t purchase the items if there are any suspicious findings. 

How Often Are Bed Bugs in Used Furniture?

Not all used furniture is infested with bed bugs. It is quite common to buy secondhand furniture without any worries or problems. However, some people will donate their used furniture after a bed bug infestation. If you decide to go with used furniture, it is always a safe idea to make sure that is doesn’t come with any bed bugs.

Can You Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Secondhand Furnishings?

If you find an infested piece of secondhand furniture, make sure to tell the seller or store owner right away. While some stores will offer a refund, it is the seller’s decision. If you want to salvage the furniture despite the bed bugs inside, you can always contact a professional bed bug exterminator. Make sure to leave the piece of infested furniture outside so the bed bugs don’t spread to the inside of your home.

Can I Prevent Bed Bugs When Purchasing Used Furniture? in Wisconsin

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