Buying used items is a great way to save money, and be more mindful of waste. We love companies such as: Craigslist, Facebook, Salvation Army, and Goodwill, who have made it easier to recycle used items and reduce waste. That being said, have you ever wondered whether or not an item is safe to bring into your home? Does that beautiful couch have a cockroach infestation? It is a very easy way to introduce pests to your home. Rest assured, we want you to be able to buy that beautiful couch with confidence that your home is safe. If you are big on buying used items, here’s a guide on how to buy used items safely without bringing unwanted pests into your home.
Bugs, & What They Are Attracted To
Cockroaches
Nobody likes cockroaches. If you want to prevent cockroaches from getting into your home, thoroughly inspect these commonly invaded household items: refrigerators, stoves, televisions and microwaves. Cockroaches are attracted to the heat produced by these items and will often hide inside these items in large numbers. When looking to purchase any of these items open every compartment, look for live or dead cockroaches. Small roaches produce feces that look like coffee grounds or black pepper, this is another sign of infestation. Lastly check all darker areas as well as any smaller crevices. Cockroaches have been known to hide in even the bristles of a toothbrush! So, really make sure you check even the smallest of crevices. One of the best preventative measures you can take is to know the items history. You could ask: “How many people have owned this item?” or “Have you had issues with cockroaches within your home?” If anything even looks remotely like there could be an infestation you are better off not buying the item. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are frustrating because not only are they invasive, but they also leave itchy bites on your skin when you have an infestation. They are tricky though because they can be hard to spot with the naked eye. Adult bed bugs are about 3/16” (so basically teeny tiny) long and reddish-brown, with oval-shaped, flattened bodies. They are sometimes mistaken for ticks, cockroaches, carpet beetles or other small household insects. Items that commonly contain bed bugs when buying used are: Mattresses, couches, recliner chairs, clothes, and even curtains. Like stated previously, always take the time to inspect a used item before purchasing it. When inspecting upholstered furniture make sure you lift up every cushion and look closely within any seams, as well as small crevices, grooves, or cracks on the item. If you are looking at a couch, don’t forget to lift it up to inspect underneath. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase an extra precaution you can take is to mix lavender oil in with water and spray it all over the item. It will smell good, and is known to help kill bed bugs. One last effort you can make to ensure these guys don’t invade your home is to leave any items in the garage for a couple of days if it’s summer. The heat will kill any bugs that might be hanging out on your beloved recycled item. For more info on how to avoid Bed bugs visit this link.
Termites
This one may be shocking to you, but you can even get a termite infestation from buying used furniture. Termites are social insects. They are best described as "little white things" or "little white ants." Termites cause $5 billion in damages within homes in the U.S. every year. Even though they are small they must be taken seriously, in order to protect your homes’ structural integrity. Termites are attracted to any wooden items. Carefully inspect, and ask about the items’ history when buying any used wooden items. The most obvious signs of termites in furniture is wood that is chipping away, cracked, or has distorted paint. Another less obvious way to look for termites is to look for any unexplained sawdust or fecal matter. If you notice any of these signs you will want to reconsider purchasing the item. Termites are sneaky and destructive. You don’t want to take the risk.
The best thing you can do is know how to protect yourself from these invasive creatures. If you have bought any used items recently, and are questioning whether or not you brought pests into your home you can contact us for a free inspection by clicking this link.
Or you can call us at: (818)-898-4898