How to avoid bedbugs when buying used furniture

*Finds a lovely armchair on the street*
“OMG!!! IT’S PERFECT! I have to take it home!”
*Brings the armchair home along with some unexpected tiny guests*
“Oh noooooo…”

Remember these tips before buying used furniture!

🔎 Inspect the furniture thoroughly and be aware of the risks

Bedbugs and other pests can spread through used furniture, especially beds and sofas. Trust your senses; don’t just check for aesthetic flaws. Look for movement, larvae, eggs, small black droppings, and blood stains. Also, check underneath the sofa or bed.

🧐 Find out the furniture’s history

Ask the seller where the furniture has been kept and how long they’ve owned it. Be cautious if the seller seems secretive or tries to rush the sale. At thrift stores, ask how they handle pest prevention.

🚫 Don’t take furniture from dumpsters

Furniture left in dumpsters is a big risk. It might come from a home with bedbugs. Even with careful inspection, bedbug eggs and larvae can be hard to spot.

🔥🧊 Treat the furniture and clothes

Treat small used furniture and clothes with heat or cold. Wash used clothes at least at 60 degrees Celsius. Freeze heat-sensitive items in a sealed bag for about a week. Leaving them on the balcony won’t work since it doesn’t get cold enough to kill bedbugs. The temperature in a sauna isn’t even enough either.

❗ Act immediately if you notice a problem

If you find bedbugs in your home, contact our property manager right away. Dealing with bedbugs always requires a professional. If the infestation is traced back to a used item you bought, you will be responsible for the extermination costs.