Upcycled furniture can be an expensive purchase. Let's talk about infesting bugs that sometimes hitch a ride on resale items.

Everyone likes a deal, right? There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying used furniture. It is usually a fraction of the cost of new furniture and is sometimes in like-new condition. However, the worst of infesting pests sometimes find a way into your home on the best deals! You can sometimes prevent this by taking a few extra steps before you make that purchase.

• Look over the items carefully for any staining or dirt-like appearance in the cracks and crevices of the furniture. Could be cockroach poop or as much as I hate to say it... bed bugs.
• Do not be afraid to gently tap around the cracks and crevices to see if anything suspect falls out. 
• If you are still worried about the item, place it out in the hot sun for a few days during the summer months. The heat will make the pests uncomfortable and easier to identify when inspecting. Reinspect before taking into your home.
• Clean the item really well -especially in the cracks and crevices. The cleaning product may make the pests move around enough for you to identify that you have a problem prior to moving the item inside your home.
• Please be especially wary of buying used mattresses, boxsprings, headboards, night stands and used sofas and chairs. These items can be a haven for bed bugs and very difficult to visibly identify, even for professionals. You may not identify bed bugs until they take a nibble of you.
  

Regardless of where you purchase used furniture. It is always smart to inspect, clean and then inspect again before taking into your home. You don't want to find yourself with an infestation!