Beware of bed bugs when thrift shopping

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Savvy consumers know there are plenty of fun finds in thrift stores. While on the hunt for the unique, collectible or even everyday necessities, shoppers also should be on the lookout for bed bugs.

Excellent hitchhikers, bed bugs can enter a thrift store or vintage shop on clothing, furniture or other used items before being introduced into a home after an infested item is purchased.

“Bed bugs can build up large numbers before a homeowner realizes it. Once established, effectively treating the infestation can be difficult, expensive and will likely require a pest management professional,” said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist. “That’s why prevention is so important.”

Thrift and vintage shoppers can protect themselves by examining both items and the store for evidence of bed bugs.

Adult bed bugs are red to dark brown in color, oval, and a little smaller in size than an apple seed. Younger bed bugs are tan.

“Common hiding places for bed bugs include mattresses, box springs and headboards,” Peek said. “The presence of any bug, alive or dead, indicates a problem.”

Because these pests defecate often as they process a blood meal, shoppers should look for black stains that could appear in the seams of fabric, as well as on top of the mattress, sheets and other furniture coverings. The dark spots also may appear on wood.

Any dirty spot on a piece of furniture should be closely examined because bed bugs like to hide together, which can produce a dirty looking area containing cast skins, eggs and fecal material.

“Ask an associate or manager at the thrift store about the precautions they’ve taken to ensure items are free of bed bugs,” Peek said. “Inspection and heat treatment are best.”

Mostly active at night, bed bugs can disrupt sleep by crawling on and biting a person.

For more information on bed bugs and about how to reduce the risk of exposure to the pests while thrift and vintage store shopping, contact the nearest county Extension office and download free OSU Fact Sheets on the topic, including T-4421, “Bed Bugs – Reduce Risk While Thrift Shopping,” at facts.okstate.edu.

Story by Leilana McKindra