Thrift stores are a great place to find affordable clothing, furniture, books, and household treasures. But some unwanted pests can hitchhike home with your bargain.
The biggest concern is bed bugs, which can hide in second-hand clothing, furniture, luggage, books, boxes, and other belongings.
Bed Bugs: The Biggest Concern
Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on blood. They can hide extremely well, and an item doesn’t have to look dirty or infested for bed bugs or their eggs to be present.
Common hiding places include:
- Couches and upholstered chairs
- Clothing, coats, and handbags
- Mattresses and bed frames
- Books and boxes
- Furniture cracks and joints
- Curtains and other fabrics
Bringing home even a few bed bugs can lead to an infestation. They can hide in tiny cracks and eventually spread to mattresses, couches, furniture, baseboards, and other areas of your home.
Other Pests to Watch For
Cockroaches can also hide inside boxes, furniture, appliances, cracks, and other sheltered areas. Used items that have been stored for long periods deserve extra attention.
Clothes moths and other fabric pests may be found in second-hand clothing, blankets, rugs, wool, and other textiles. Cleaning and properly laundering used clothing can help reduce the risk.
Be Careful With Used Furniture
Used furniture has plenty of hiding places for pests. Before bringing it inside, inspect:
- Seams and piping
- Under cushions
- Cracks and joints
- Screw holes
- Drawers and undersides
- Stapled fabric
Never assume that clean-looking or expensive used furniture is pest-free.
How to Protect Your Home
Before bringing thrift-store purchases home:
- Inspect carefully. Use a flashlight and check cracks, seams, folds, and undersides. If you see insects, eggs, shed skins, or suspicious spotting, leave the item behind.
- Wash and dry clothing. Clean second-hand clothing before putting it in your closet.
- Keep new items away from beds and couches. Don’t immediately place thrifted items on upholstered furniture.
- When in doubt, keep it out. A bargain isn’t worth the cost and stress of a pest infestation.
Already Found Bed Bugs?
If you discover bed bugs, avoid moving infested furniture around your home and don’t randomly spray pesticides. Improper treatment can make the problem more difficult to control.
Professional pest control can identify the infestation and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Go Green Pest Control
Thrift-store shopping doesn’t have to mean bringing pests home. A careful inspection and proper cleaning can greatly reduce your risk.
If you suspect bed bugs, cockroaches, or other pests, contact Go Green Pest Control for professional help.
Go Green Pest Control
Call: 778-886-4111
Inspect it. Clean it. And when in doubt, keep it out.
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