Buying used furniture can be a great way to save money, find unique pieces, or furnish a space sustainably. But whether you’re furnishing a home in Toledo or updating an office in Elyria, there’s one important risk to consider: bed bugs. Many people believe these pests only infest beds and couches, but the truth is, bed bugs can hide in almost any type of furniture. Knowing how to inspect secondhand furniture for bed bugs is essential before bringing anything into your space.
How Bed Bugs Spread
Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They spread by clinging to clothing, luggage, and, yes, furniture. If an infested item is donated, sold, or moved, bed bugs can quickly transfer to a new location. Once inside your home or business, they reproduce quickly, hide in cracks and crevices, and are notoriously difficult to eliminate without professional help. That’s why learning how to inspect secondhand furniture for bed bugs is your first line of defense.
Furniture at Higher Risk
While beds and upholstered sofas are obvious hiding spots, they aren’t the only risk. Bed bugs can also be found in:
- Nightstands and dressers (especially around drawer joints)
- Office chairs and reception furniture
- Wooden furniture with seams, cracks, or screw holes
- Bookshelves, headboards, and bed frames
Any item with small gaps or fabric seams can potentially house these pests, especially if it came from a high turnover environment like a hotel, dormitory, or office building.
How to Inspect Secondhand Furniture for Bed Bugs
Before you buy or bring in any used furniture, take these steps to protect your space:
- Use a flashlight: Bed bugs are tiny (about the size of an apple seed) and often hide in dark places. Use a flashlight to inspect seams, crevices, and under cushions.
- Look for signs: You might not see actual bugs, but look for:
- Small black spots (fecal stains)
- Tiny white eggs or eggshells
- Rust-colored stains from crushed bugs
- Shed skins (from bed bugs molting)
- Pay attention to joints and seams: Wooden items often have gaps where bed bugs can hide. Remove drawers, inspect underneath, and examine screw holes or nails.
- Use a magnifying glass if needed: Eggs and nymphs can be extremely small. A magnifying glass can help you thoroughly inspect secondhand furniture for bed bugs.
- Check in daylight: Good lighting is essential for spotting bed bugs and their signs. If possible, inspect furniture outdoors before bringing it inside.
Prevention Tips
- Quarantine new items: Keep secondhand items in a garage or enclosed space for a few days before moving them into your home or business.
- Vacuum and clean: Vacuum thoroughly, including inside drawers and under cushions. Use a steam cleaner if available.
- Avoid curbside finds: Furniture left on the curb is high-risk. If it’s free, there’s usually a reason.
- Encase and isolate: If bringing in a bed frame or couch, consider encasing mattresses or using bed bug interceptors until you’re sure there’s no activity.
Trust the Experts for Peace of Mind
If you’ve already brought home secondhand furniture and are worried about an infestation, don’t panic. Delving Pest Control offers discreet bed bug control and elimination services throughout Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Our experienced team can help you identify and eliminate bed bugs before they spread further. Whether you’re protecting your home or business, contact Delving Pest Control for all your discreet pest and rodent control needs.
