What should you do if you bought furniture with bedbugs? - briefly
«Immediately notify the seller or manufacturer to request a refund, replacement, or assistance with removal, and arrange professional pest control to treat the item.» «Isolate the furniture in a sealed bag, avoid introducing it to other areas, and follow exterminator instructions for cleaning or safe disposal.»
What should you do if you bought furniture with bedbugs? - in detail
If purchased furniture is found to contain bedbugs, immediate action is required to prevent infestation spread.
First, isolate the item. Place it in a sealed plastic bag or cover it with a heavy‑duty tarp, ensuring no insects can escape.
Second, contact the retailer. Request a full refund or replacement, citing the presence of pests as a breach of warranty. Keep all receipts and document the discovery with photographs.
Third, notify the landlord or property manager if the furniture is in a rental unit. Provide written notice of the problem and request remediation according to the lease agreement.
Fourth, arrange professional pest control. Choose a licensed exterminator experienced with bedbug treatment. Follow their instructions for preparation, which may include:
- Removing all linens and clothing from the vicinity and laundering at ≥ 60 °C.
- Vacuuming the surrounding area, then disposing of the vacuum bag in a sealed container.
- Applying heat treatment or approved insecticides to the furniture, as directed.
Fifth, after treatment, inspect the item thoroughly before re‑introducing it into living spaces. Use a flashlight to examine seams, joints, and hidden cavities.
Finally, adopt preventive measures for future purchases:
- Inspect second‑hand furniture in a well‑lit area before transport.
- Use a portable heater or freezer to treat items that cannot be examined on site.
- Maintain regular monitoring with bedbug detection kits.
Prompt execution of these steps limits infestation risk and protects the surrounding environment.