What should you do if you brought home a sofa infested with bedbugs? - briefly
Isolate the sofa in a sealed room or garage and immediately call a licensed pest‑control service for professional treatment or safe disposal. Do not move the item through living spaces and launder all nearby fabrics on the hottest setting.
What should you do if you brought home a sofa infested with bedbugs? - in detail
If a sofa you have just placed in your home is found to contain bedbugs, immediate containment is essential. Move the piece away from walls, floors, and other furniture. Place it on a sturdy platform covered with a disposable sheet or plastic to prevent insects from crawling onto surrounding surfaces.
- Isolation – Keep the sofa in a separate room that can be closed off. Seal the doorway with a towel or draft stopper to limit insect movement.
- Inspection – Examine seams, cushions, and underside for live bugs, eggs, and shed skins. Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass. Record findings with photos for potential warranty claims.
- Professional treatment – Contact a licensed pest‑control operator. Request heat‑treatment or a certified pesticide application specifically approved for furniture. Do not attempt DIY sprays unless the product is labeled for bedbugs and safe for upholstery.
- Cleaning – While waiting for treatment, vacuum the entire piece, focusing on crevices. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors. If the sofa’s cover is removable, launder it at the highest temperature the fabric tolerates (≥ 120 °F/49 °C). Dry‑cleaning is an alternative for non‑washable fabrics.
- Post‑treatment monitoring – After the exterminator finishes, place sticky traps around the sofa for two weeks. Re‑inspect weekly for any new activity.
- Documentation and warranty – Notify the retailer or manufacturer promptly. Provide inspection photos and treatment receipts. Request a replacement, refund, or professional cleaning coverage according to the purchase agreement.
- Preventive measures – Keep the surrounding area uncluttered. Store any bedding, clothing, or items that may have contacted the sofa in sealed plastic bags for at least 30 days. Consider using mattress encasements or furniture covers treated with insect‑repellent fabric.
Following these steps limits the spread of the infestation, protects other household items, and facilitates a resolution with the seller or pest‑control service.