If you are reading this blog, chances are that you’ve struck a great bargain at a second-hand furniture store. Perhaps you’ve got yourself a decent sofa for the living room. But have you had the chance to check it for bed bugs?
Bed bugs are a nuisance to eliminate, and DIY methods rarely work. That’s why you need to check the second-hand furniture for bed bugs before you lay your hands on it. Otherwise, you will need to hire professionals for pest control in Lewes.
Signs of bed bugs in used wooden furniture
Buying second-hand furniture is surely a great way of saving money, but it also poses a hidden risk at times. The fact that bed bugs can somehow hide in the tiniest of crevices makes old wooden furniture a potential hotspot.
Here are a few signs to watch for.
Live bed bugs
Spotting the bed bugs live is obviously the first sign of an infestation. These tiny insects are about the size of an apple seed. If you see them crawling on the surface of the furniture during the daytime, it is a sign of severe or active infestation, one that needs professional pest control in Lewes.
Bed bug eggs
Bed bug eggs are rather small, almost around 1mm in size. They have a translucent, pearly-white kind of appearance and are usually found in clusters. They cling to furniture surfaces and have a sticky residue.
Shed skins or exoskeletons
As bed bugs start growing, they shed their outer skin. These look like tiny brownish flakes and are usually found in the corners and crevices of the furniture.
Musty odour
A long-term bed bug infestation leaves behind a musty smell. This unpleasant smell is produced by the bed bugs’ scent glands and feels quite pungent in confined spaces.
Cracks, holes, or raised bumps
As mentioned earlier, bed bugs prefer hiding in cracks, tiny crevices, and screw holes. Sometimes, you’d notice raised bumps or blisters on the surface of the furniture. This may be due to eggs or bugs concealed beneath the surface.
How do bed bugs infest wooden furniture?
Bed bugs infest wooden furniture by crawling onto it from other infested furniture or objects. If the bugs have enough time and food, they populate in places where they find darkness and protection. Bed bugs usually prefer old wooden furniture because they get plenty of dark hiding spots. That’s why you need to inspect second-hand furniture in advance before buying it. Otherwise, you will need to hire professional pest control services.
Key takeaway
In short, you should always inspect second-hand upholstered furniture before you bring it home. Check the wood joints, seams, and zippers for the above-mentioned signs. That said, if you are already struggling to fight the menace at home, feel free to connect with our experts at Betapest. We have been in business for over thirty years and have received numerous glowing reviews that highlight our exceptional service. Connect with us for quality pest control in Lewes and beyond.